With no snow-driving experience and no chains, I would change the plan before choosing a route. Both cross the Cascades, and neither is reliably snow-free in February. Leaving at 5 p.m. means driving the mountain section after dark.

You haven’t given the year, so I can’t assess conditions for that February 13. The choice will depend on the weather and road reports.

| Consideration | US 26 → US 97 | I-5 → OR 22 → US 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Winter conditions | Mountain driving around Government Camp, then potentially icy roads through central Oregon | Mountain driving over Santiam Pass, then potentially icy roads toward Sisters and Bend |
| Roads | Paved main highways with curves, grades and long stretches of undivided road | Interstate at first, then winding, mostly two-lane mountain highways |
| Friday traffic | Crossing the Portland area adds a risk of congestion | Approaching I-5 from the west can avoid central Portland, though you’ll still encounter commuter traffic |
| Safety | Depends on conditions that day | Depends on conditions that day; going south still takes you over a potentially snowy pass |

Santiam Pass is about 4,817 feet high, so route #2 isn’t a low-elevation alternative. [ODOT’s route description](https://tripcheck.com/Pages/Scenic-Byways-McKenzie-Pass-Santiam-Pass).

If both routes have similarly clear roads and favorable forecasts, I’d lean toward #2 from Tanasbourne because it avoids central Portland. Santiam isn’t inherently safer in winter. If conditions there are worse than on US 26, take that into account when choosing, or postpone. The eight-minute difference on Google Maps is too small to outweigh traffic, snow, time spent fitting chains or closures.

A Chevrolet Cruze can be suitable for the trip; you don’t automatically need a 4×4. Suitability depends on the tires, clearance, road conditions and driver. Four good winter tires and appropriate traction equipment matter much more than simply renting an SUV. AWD/4WD helps with acceleration but doesn’t improve braking on ice. [AAA’s winter-driving guidance](https://info.oregon.aaa.com/the-three-ps-of-winter-driving/).

You’ll need to address the lack of chains before leaving:

- Oregon’s posted restrictions determine when you must carry or use chains or traction tires. Ordinary all-season tires don’t automatically qualify as traction tires; look for the mountain/snowflake marking.
- A light passenger car can ordinarily use qualifying traction tires instead of chains, though severe conditions can require chains on all vehicles.
- The AWD/4WD exemption has conditions too, including carrying chains. [Oregon’s chain rules](https://www.oregon.gov/odot/mct/pages/chains-and-traction-tires.aspx).

I’d travel in daylight, carry compatible chains or approved traction devices, and practise fitting them beforehand. Check the Cruze’s owner’s manual for clearance restrictions. If you can’t equip the car, or snow or ice is forecast across the passes, travel with an experienced, properly equipped driver or postpone.

Before leaving, check [TripCheck](https://www.tripcheck.com/) for cameras, pavement conditions, restrictions and closures along both complete routes. Check the pass forecast for the time you expect to cross, and repeat those checks for the return journey. If you’re skiing at Mt. Bachelor, assess the road from Bend to the resort separately. ODOT advises waiting when conditions are questionable. [ODOT winter guidance](https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Pages/Winter-Be-Ready-Snow.aspx).