**With no chains and no snow-driving experience, I would avoid either route if snow or ice is forecast on the passes.** Leaving at 5 p.m. in February puts the mountain crossing after dark. My recommendation is to travel in daylight, carry suitable traction equipment, and use an experienced winter driver if conditions are wintry.

If both routes are clear and forecasts are settled, **I would lean toward I‑5 → OR‑22 → US‑20 from Tanasbourne**, subject to departure-time traffic. That is a practical preference; neither route has a dependable winter safety advantage.

| Consideration | US‑26 → US‑97 | I‑5 → OR‑22 → US‑20 |
|---|---|---|
| Snow and ice | Crosses the Mount Hood area; snow and ice can affect the mountain section and onward roads. | Crosses Santiam Pass; taking I‑5 first still leaves a substantial mountain crossing. |
| Road quality | Paved main highways, with curves, grades and sections with opposing traffic. | Interstate initially, followed by mountain highways with curves, grades and sections with opposing traffic. |
| Friday traffic | Crossing Portland at rush hour can add delays. | Depending on the approach, you can avoid central Portland, but connecting roads and I‑5 can also be congested. |
| Route choice | Prefer it when its reports and forecast are clearly better. | My default when conditions are comparable and clear. |

Santiam Pass is about **4,817 feet**, while US‑26’s Blue Box Pass is about **4,024 feet**. Both are high enough for winter conditions; elevation alone cannot tell you which will be safer that evening. [National Weather Service elevations](https://www.weather.gov/pqr/elevations)

**A Chevrolet Cruze can make this trip in suitable conditions. A 4×4 is not required.** Its suitability depends on tire condition, traction equipment and the road surface. Four-wheel drive helps with getting moving, but icy roads still make stopping and steering difficult. [ODOT ice guidance](https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Pages/Winter-Be-Ready-Ice.aspx)

Your plan to carry no chains needs reconsidering:

- Oregon’s posted restrictions can require you to carry or use chains or qualifying traction tires.
- Qualifying non-studded traction tires have the **three-peak mountain/snowflake symbol**; an ordinary “M+S” marking alone does not meet that definition.
- Severe restrictions can require chains even with traction tires. The usual AWD/4WD exemption also requires carrying chains. [ODOT chain rules](https://www.oregon.gov/odot/mct/pages/chains-and-traction-tires.aspx)

Check your Cruze’s manual for compatible chains or traction devices, and practise fitting them before departure. [ODOT chain guidance](https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-chains.aspx)

Before committing, check **[TripCheck](https://www.tripcheck.com/)** for cameras, surface reports, closures and restrictions around Government Camp/Blue Box Pass and Santiam Pass, alongside the weather forecast. Check the return journey too—and, if you are skiing at Mount Bachelor, the road from Bend to the mountain.

The eight-minute difference in your Google estimates should carry little weight here. Allow substantial extra time for congestion, reduced speeds and possible chaining. You have not specified the year, so I cannot assess conditions for that particular February 13; the safest route decision needs reports close to departure.