Travel Nurse’s Cross-Country Winter Drive Sparks Concern Over Dangerous Route from Washington to Midwest
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON — As winter weather begins to grip the Pacific Northwest, a travel nurse’s plea for road advice has gone viral — highlighting how dangerous cross-country travel can become once snow and ice hit the mountain passes.
The nurse, who recently completed a contract assignment in Washington, shared her travel dilemma online: she must drive back to Michigan in mid-November, but her default route — Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass — has her nervous after reading warnings about its treacherous winter conditions.
Concerns About I-90 and Mountain Weather
According to her post, the route suggested by GPS takes her through Snoqualmie Pass, one of the most heavily traveled mountain passes in the Cascade Range. While scenic, it is notorious for sudden blizzards, black ice, and avalanche risks during early winter.
“The route defaults to take me on I-90 thru Snoqualmie Pass, and I’m reading how sketchy it can be during the winter, even November,” she wrote.
She explained that while she’s familiar with blizzard conditions in the Midwest, mountain driving is an entirely different challenge.
“I’m no stranger to snowstorms, but I am not a winter mountain driver — this is new territory for me,” she said, adding that she’ll be making the trip in a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek equipped for all-weather conditions.
Considering a Southern Route
Several readers advised the nurse to consider a southern route, even if it adds hours to the journey. She suggested taking I-5 south to I-84, then connecting with I-80 through Wyoming and Nebraska, a path that may avoid some of the worst high-elevation hazards.
“Would it be any smarter to take a little longer and go south?” she asked. “Does this route avoid more mountainous areas?”
Experts agree that I-84 and I-80 can offer a safer alternative, particularly in early winter, though travelers should still prepare for severe weather between Boise, Salt Lake City, and Cheyenne, where storms and high winds are common.
Winter Driving Precautions Recommended
Transportation officials recommend checking Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and National Weather Service updates before setting out. Snoqualmie Pass, located at an elevation of about 3,000 feet, often requires chains or traction tires during snow events.
The WSDOT Road Camera Network also provides real-time updates on closures, snowfall rates, and tire restrictions.
For long-distance winter travel, AAA and NHTSA urge motorists to carry:
- A fully stocked emergency kit (blankets, flashlight, food, water, flares)
- Tire chains or snow-rated tires
- Portable phone charger and backup battery
- Extra windshield fluid and warm clothing
A Reminder for All Cross-Country Travelers
Her post has since drawn hundreds of comments from drivers who’ve faced similar challenges making cross-country trips between the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest in winter. Many stressed that even experienced drivers can underestimate how quickly conditions can turn dangerous in mountainous regions.
“Better to take longer and stay safe than risk icy mountain roads,” one commenter wrote.
As the nurse prepares for her mid-November return, her story serves as a timely reminder for anyone planning long winter road trips: caution and preparation can mean the difference between adventure and danger.
For more Midwest travel updates and winter safety news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.