jamesu wrote:
Pangaea Ron wrote:
It's a beautiful and well maintained highway, and you will have no issues.
WA DOT
Having grown up in Everett, the western terminus of US-2, I disagree strongly with it being a "well maintained highway". Except for travel through the towns along the way west of the Cascades, the 60 mph speed limit is the norm. Long portions west of the mountains are bumpy, narrow, and poorly maintained. The speed limit should be no more than 50 to 55 mph the entire distance, and yet it remains 60. I have driven and towed this route countless times and when towing I feel pressured to keep my speed up around 60 when traffic is heavy, when in fact 50 to 55 is the safe speed. There have been countless deaths on US-2 from Stevens Pass summit to Everett and there is a reason: a speed limit that is not safe for the condition and poor maintenance of this highway.
By contrast, drive US-12 over White Pass south of Mt. Rainier. The speed limit is 55 for a well maintained, wide-shouldered highway. Based upon that, US-2 over Stevens Pass should be no more than 50 mph.
I admit that SR-2 can be challenging mountain driving, but have you driven the other options over the Cascades recently, it is probably the best considering the distance and difficulty for the OP's route. The expansion joint mis-alignments are terrible on I-90 and truly shake my MH to it's core, which I avoid at any cost. SR-20 is smoother, but probably more challenging for less experienced drivers and loads. I tend to take it more often due to my home base.
I feel very comfortable driving on SR-2 with it current speed limits and maintenance. I have driven it extensively since the mid '60s. It is mountain driving that requires your attention, but is not beyond the capabilities of most drivers.
