[lacorota]

I'm planning a day ride --perhaps -- to Astoria next month. I haven't ridden much beyond St. Helens along hwy. 30; I've never driven that stretch either. It has a generous shoulder to St. Helens, and appearing beyond. I've "heard" the shoulder is good excepting a 4 or 5 mile stretch, and it has a serious climb along the way. So--

Questions:

Is the shoulder adequate the entire distance?
What's the elevation gain for the distance?


I'm hoping it's not intentionally seeded with nails or tacks, such as I frequently find on Larch Mtn. road.

Any info. or suggestions are much appreciated!