I'd probably take 139 from Redding, California to Riley, Oregon.

I would then turn east on US 20, which will take you through to 84 and then
US 20 from Mountain Home to Arco.

Its quite a bit more direct than going north on 97, which is a nice way to
get to eastern Washington from coastal California.

I've been across US 20 from Bend to Idaho Falls and it was perfect Vanagon
road except for the part where you have to be on I-84 with the 85 mph
traffic.  But they're used to Westies over there and know you're going to be
slow!

Should be a great trip!

Jake

On 3/17/07, Paul Guzyk <paullist@guzyk.com> wrote:
>
> >Any advice on the route from Redding to Arco would be appreciated, with
> >emphasis on well traveled roads that will not require running a new
> engine
> >at high speeds.
>
> I suggest highway 97, origin is at Weed, not far from Redding.  Turn
> towards Idaho once up in WA state.
>
> Highway 97 is a nice alternative to I-5 on the west coast in OR/WA
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_97
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com