Take it from a local when I'm driving or towing east over I-90/Snoqualmie Pass and I want to be rid of the I-5/405 "Monster": coming from Bellingham take US2 east at Everett to Monroe and then take WA203 south from Monroe and pick up eastbound I-90 at either Preston or at North Bend. This is a beautiful drive through the Snoqualmie River Valley and It by passes the freeway from lynnwood thru Issaquah. WA203 is a good, 2 lane 50-55 mph highway through small towns. You may or may not save time, but your nerves will thank you. Been taking that route for years as did my dad before me.