We have made this trip 21 times in two different cruising boats without the benefit of Windy, Tow Boat Lanes data,
AIS or electronic
charts. With these conveniences you have much better data on when and where to navigate.
Radar is very helpful at night. Pick an easy
weather window with moderate seas. Keep a close watch for
fishing boats and other vessels at night. High slack
water is preferred for crossing the
Columbia bar. And, as others have warned keep a
weather eye out for crab pots and debris. The 30 fathom line is has been a safe
offshore distance for us. Now after 20 years we again
head north with all the modern conveniences, but nothing is better than an a alert watch. Safe travels.
Bob and Jan McCarthy, S/V Shamrock, Nonsuch 33, Portland