DRIVER'S GUIDE 
You may think maneuvering the Hood
To Coast & Portland To Coast route is easy, but it's definitely not! Driving the course and alternate routes requires as much preparation and planning as running the race. Here, we've included tips that will help you avoid some of frustration.
Exchange Points
Exchange points are located approximately 4-7 miles apart and marked in orange paint on paved roads and flagging along gravel roads (yes,
this course does have gravel stretches; so bring bandanas or painter's masks). Turns at intersections are marked with white chalk arrows, except in counties forbidding us to do so.
Participants waiting for the next leg must line up single file (after warming up) along the left shoulder of the road behind the exchange point (refer to the diagram in the handbook). Faster team participants are to be towards the front of this "chute." Step out of the chute
into the exchange zone as your team member approaches. Participants finishing must exit the exchange zone thereafter.
All team spectators must wear reflective safety vests from 6pm - 7am.
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Vehicles on the Course
Teams are encouraged to make a sign for each van that reads: "Caution: Runner on Road" and place it in the rear of the vehicle. Each team is limited to two vans/suvs. No vehicles wider than 6'6" or longer than 20', motor homes, buses or limousines are allowed. Each team will be given four small "Team Vehicle" signs (one is colored, the other three are white) at the start check-in. Place one sign in the lower corner of the front driver-side window of each vehicle and one in the rear window (the colored sign goes in the front window of van two). See 'DRIVER'S GUIDE' in the handbook for instructions on use of colored sign.)
Restricted Access|Alternate Van Routes
There will be at least TWO areas on the course that are restricted to one van per team. Due to congestion, these areas can't accommodate excess travel. Only one of your vans will be allowed in these areas (or you will be disqualified). Plan ahead. Here are some tips for being ready.
Areas with Restricted Access/Alternate Van Routes are explained below:
- Between Exchange #18 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens and the intersection of HWY 202 and Old Ranch Road, about seven miles southeast of Mist.
- Between the turnoff at "Youngs River Loop," 4 miles into Leg 33, and HWY 101 in Seaside.
Alternate Van Routes are described in the Handbook Drivers Guide, mailed to team captains in June.
Click for Seaside Parking Map (free shuttle)
Click for Seaside Parking Notes
Cell Phone Service
Nearly all cell phone service will be unavailable from Leg 19 through Leg 31 due to the remote locale. Plan ahead and project the times you expect to see teammates at exchanges.
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