Driving Route 9 in Washington to BC, Canada
We will be staying in Bothell, WA from mid May to midJune. We would like to take route 9 north to Canada and enter at Sumas. Has anybody driven this route recently? We are pulling a 34 ft 5er. Thank you.
Forum Discussion
- I5 north and take the Sumas exit is the fastesy and easiest route.
- Route 9 is interesting, but there are many stop and go situations along the way, especially until you get North of Arlington. Do it, but not for speed.
- I should say we are in no rush - would rather take a slower route that is more direct to Kelowna, BC than fight traffic.
- I've ridden 9 extensively. It's a great drive - better on a motorcycle. The only thing that would really concern me is the hairpin just north of 534 by Lake McMurray. It's kinda tight and on a grade so be careful there.
https://www.google.com/maps/search/maps/@48.3193868,-122.2368618,766m/data=!3m1!1e3 Winnebago Bob wrote:
I've ridden 9 extensively. It's a great drive - better on a motorcycle. The only thing that would really concern me is the hairpin just north of 534 by Lake McMurray. It's kinda tight and on a grade so be careful there.
https://www.google.com/maps/search/maps/@48.3193868,-122.2368618,766m/data=!3m1!1e3
Thank you! Appreciate the view!!- As far north as Arlington it's an increasingly busy suburban highway, with a lot of road work, widening and lights to improve flow. North of there they replaced an old one lane bridge a few years ago. Traffic may be slow around Sedro-wooly (sp). And around the time of the Canadian Olympics they streamlined the north end, especially the connection to Bellingham.
- It is a nice drive, certainly more interesting than I-5 but as said take your time.
- 9 has a lot more traffic than it use to. If I'm driving my classic Corvette I'll take 9 but if I'm pulling my 5th wheel I would take I 5.
- As an alternative, take I-5 past Burlington (Exit 230). The next exit will give you Camping World, then the Exit after is Cook Road. Take that east into Sedro Wooley and grab 9 North. From Camping World to Highway 9 is 7 easy miles.
Best of both worlds.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Camping+World+of+Burlington+-+Parts+and+Accessories,+1240+Old+Hwy+99+North+Rd+a,+Burlington,+WA+98233/48.5112181,-122.2256746/@48.4989827,-122.3020911,7584m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x54856db7be10efcb:0x87cf2139aa4ef12d!2m2!1d-122.334079!2d48.485521!1m0!3e0
I do agree with the folks that say 9 isn't what it used to be, but that's mainly 9 South. Past a certain point 9 South is a joy to drive but it really depends on the day and time and when you pick it up.
9 North isn't bad at all - they split in Sedro Wooley. - SR-9 is a straight 2 lane highway from Woodinville on the south to Arlington on the north. Take this route during non-rush hours and you'll be fine. This area is being taken over by development from all the population along I-5 which is 2-4 miles to the west.
SR-9 north of Arlington all the way to Sumas on the border is a beautiful, windy road through the foothills and farm country. A great, scenic, non-hurried drive.
