This fall we are headed to Bellingham, WA from Iowa by way of Custer State Park. Our plan is I-90 most of the way but are considering US 2 from Spokane to Everette WA. Anyone been on this route. Looks like there is one pass but doesn't sound too bad. We did Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado this spring and it went very well.
CurveCarver said
10:30 PM Jun 6, 2012
I did Rte 2 from Spokane to the coast in 2010 after visiting a brother in MT.
This is a wonderful trip, I will highly recommend it. Much more interesting than U.S. 90. Not a lot of facilities along the way, but there are plenty of small towns to pass through and fuel up or buy supplies. Not sure what you all are driving, but be self contained and enjoy your time. Some of the fuel stops are a bit lengthy so plan accordingly. Going through the mountains is outstanding and there are plenty of boondocking camp spots along the way.
If you really want to get away from it all and time isn't a big factor, you could also consider the Northern Rte 20. Another outstanding adventure. When I traversed this highway, again in 2010, there were times that I was the only one on the road. Some of the elevations are pretty high so bring some warm clothes for night time. Here again many truely spectacular vistas and off the road places to camp, but only small towns to fuel up. Best of luck however you choose to go. Keep it safe.
bjoyce said
12:19 AM Jun 7, 2012
We have taken US-2 many times between Everett and Leavenworth and sometimes a bit further east to Wenatchee. Leavenworth is set up like a Bavarian town and lots of fun. In Cashmere is Liberty Orchards, makers of Aplets and Cotlets, with tours and a very nice soft cider mill, http://www.gourmetcider.com/ . US-2 can be a bit narrow in spots but it is scenic and around the pass the road is wide.
I can also recommend route 20 through North Cascades National Park.
NWescapee said
04:45 PM Jun 7, 2012
Both US 2 and Hwy 20 are great routes, both are much more scenic than I-90. Hwy 20 will take a bit longer, slower travel but driving through North Cascades National Park is great, Winthrop is a fun to town to stop and explore on that route.
If you take US 2 from Spokane, I agree with Bill's recommendation to stop in Leavenworth. If you have time, Chelan would be a great side trip to stop and visit both the town, lake and local wineries. From US 2 up to Chelan, if you need a place to camp, I strongly recommend staying at one of the state or Public Utility District (PUD) parks outside of town along the Columbia river. The Lake Chelan state park is always crowded and sites are too close together. We stayed at Daroga State Park last year on that route and it was great - warning it's first come/first served park. We arrived on a Monday in August and had no trouble finding a spot but they fill up quickly on the weekends beginning on Thursday night. BeeBee Bridge (park of the Chelan PUD) would be another great option.
This fall we are headed to Bellingham, WA from Iowa by way of Custer State Park. Our plan is I-90 most of the way but are considering US 2 from Spokane to Everette WA. Anyone been on this route. Looks like there is one pass but doesn't sound too bad. We did Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado this spring and it went very well.
I did Rte 2 from Spokane to the coast in 2010 after visiting a brother in MT.
This is a wonderful trip, I will highly recommend it. Much more interesting than U.S. 90. Not a lot of facilities along the way, but there are plenty of small towns to pass through and fuel up or buy supplies. Not sure what you all are driving, but be self contained and enjoy your time. Some of the fuel stops are a bit lengthy so plan accordingly. Going through the mountains is outstanding and there are plenty of boondocking camp spots along the way.
If you really want to get away from it all and time isn't a big factor, you could also consider the Northern Rte 20. Another outstanding adventure. When I traversed this highway, again in 2010, there were times that I was the only one on the road. Some of the elevations are pretty high so bring some warm clothes for night time. Here again many truely spectacular vistas and off the road places to camp, but only small towns to fuel up. Best of luck however you choose to go. Keep it safe.
We have taken US-2 many times between Everett and Leavenworth and sometimes a bit further east to Wenatchee. Leavenworth is set up like a Bavarian town and lots of fun. In Cashmere is Liberty Orchards, makers of Aplets and Cotlets, with tours and a very nice soft cider mill, http://www.gourmetcider.com/ . US-2 can be a bit narrow in spots but it is scenic and around the pass the road is wide.
I can also recommend route 20 through North Cascades National Park.
If you take US 2 from Spokane, I agree with Bill's recommendation to stop in Leavenworth. If you have time, Chelan would be a great side trip to stop and visit both the town, lake and local wineries. From US 2 up to Chelan, if you need a place to camp, I strongly recommend staying at one of the state or Public Utility District (PUD) parks outside of town along the Columbia river. The Lake Chelan state park is always crowded and sites are too close together. We stayed at Daroga State Park last year on that route and it was great - warning it's first come/first served park. We arrived on a Monday in August and had no trouble finding a spot but they fill up quickly on the weekends beginning on Thursday night. BeeBee Bridge (park of the Chelan PUD) would be another great option.