Planning RV Routes & Avoiding Low Clearances in Oregon

Traveling through Oregon in an RV is an adventure filled with dramatic coastlines, dense forests, volcanic peaks, and remote high-desert beauty. But it’s also a state with historic bridges, mountain passes, tight coastal towns, and rural backroads, which means careful route planning is essential—especially when it comes to low clearances.

Below is a practical, RV-friendly guide to help you plan safe and enjoyable routes through Oregon while avoiding height hazards and other travel constraints.

Why Oregon Requires Extra Route Planning

Oregon’s diverse geography creates unique challenges for RV travelers:

• Many older bridges—especially along the Coast and in rural towns—have lower clearances.
• Forest roads in the Cascades and Blue Mountains often have overhanging branches or narrow tunnels.
• Historic tunnels (like those near Hood River) may have tight height limits.
• Urban areas such as Portland contain low railroad overpasses and narrow neighborhood streets not suitable for large rigs.
• Seasonal weather can reduce visibility of signs, and GPS alone may route RVs onto unsafe paths.

Knowing your RV’s true height (including A/C units, antennas, and solar) is step one.

Tools for Safe RV Route Planning in Oregon

Use a combination of RV-specific apps and state-supported tools to avoid costly surprises:

1. Oregon TripCheck (ODOT)

• Shows live road cameras, construction, closures, chain requirements, and restrictions.
• Alerts you to height restrictions due to incidents or construction.

2. RV-Specific Navigation Apps

• RV Life / RV Trip Wizard
• CoPilot RV
• Garmin RV GPS units

These allow you to input RV height, weight, and length so the system avoids hazards automatically.

3. Low-Clearance Databases

• AllStays (lists bridges, tunnels, propane restrictions, and steep grades)
• Overheight.io (crowdsourced clearance warnings)

4. Oregon DOT Route Restrictions PDF

ODOT publishes a “Motor Carrier Transportation Map” that includes overpass heights—useful even for non-commercial RVers.

Common Oregon Routes With Potential Clearance Issues

Below are some Oregon corridors where RVers should stay alert:

1. Historic Highway 30 (Columbia River Gorge)

• Contains narrow tunnels and low rock overhangs.
• Parts of the old highway are not suitable for large RVs.

2. Oregon Coast Highway 101

• Generally RV friendly, but:
  • Some older coastal bridges (e.g., in Astoria, Newport, Coos Bay) have varying widths and windy exposure.
  • Town centers along 101 may have narrow turns.

3. Willamette Valley Backroads

• Numerous railroad overpasses under 12 feet.
• Older rural roads that GPS might mistakenly route you through.

4. Cascades Mountain Routes (U.S. 26, OR 22, OR 58)

• No major clearance issues, but:
  • Expect tight forested shoulders where tree limbs hang low.
  • Seasonal snow can reduce visibility of signage.

5. Eastern Oregon Small Towns

• Towns like La Grande, Baker City, and Pendleton are RV friendly,
  but older industrial districts may have low rail bridges.

Tips for Avoiding Low Clearances in Oregon

• Measure your RV height yourself—don’t trust the manual.
• Add 6 inches of “safety padding.”
• Review route restrictions before you depart, not during travel.
• Don’t rely on Apple/Google Maps for RV routing.
• Look for “No Trucks” and “Height Restriction Ahead” signs early.
• When in doubt, stop and scout on foot or with a toad.

Final Thoughts

Oregon is one of the most rewarding states for RV road trips, offering everything from crashing Pacific waves to volcanic deserts. With the right planning tools—and by understanding where low clearances and older highways exist—you can explore confidently while keeping your RV safe.

Stay at the Hu-Na-Ha RV Park

The Hu-Na-Ha RV Park is conveniently located at the gateway to the Blue Mountains and Wallowa Mountains. Nestled on the Grande Ronde River, this quiet little RV Park is perfect for your visit to northeast Oregon. Hu-Na-Ha has 15 tent sites, 25 pull through sites, and 19 back in sites. We offer full hook ups, 30/50 amps, unlimited WiFi, and full amenities!