WA - Spokane to Everett US2 or I90?

Recent round trip on I90 included an additional 2 hours of stop and go each way, Eastbound early Friday afternoon and return Sunday in the peak of madhouse.

Are there large churches on this stretch of US-2 that cause the backup?

NO, just a lot of people praying Hwy 2 doesn't get any more lights.

Just take it easy on the down-grade heading west from Waterville down to Orondo. Nice state park to spend the night on the Columbia near Orondo as you head towards East Wenatchee. Another good stop is the Mile 51 Cafe as you're heading west near the turnoff to Lake Wenatchee, 50's style diner with excellent hamburgers, milkshakes, and old fashioned jukebox.

GordonThree wrote:

jamesu wrote:

Do not attempt US-2 over the Cascades on a Sunday afternoon. This two lane highway can be a parking lot all the way from Gold Bar to Monroe at that time. Any other time it's okay.

Uh oh ... as it turns out, it is a Sunday that I'm coming into Everett on. The route planner estimates I'll be in that area around 3 pm.

Are there large churches on this stretch of US-2 that cause the backup? (I have seen this in "The South")

Nope, not churches. People coming back from their weekends.

US-2 backs up do to weekenders from Seattle/Everett area returning home from week end my side of the Cascades. You said 3 pm, what does that mean/ If it means you are arriving in Everett then you should be OK.
You need to be through Monroe by 2-3 ppm on Sundays especially following holiday week ends.
I-90 is not that much better on long weekends.
I would use US-2 and start a little earlier to avoid the rush.

jamesu wrote:

Do not attempt US-2 over the Cascades on a Sunday afternoon. This two lane highway can be a parking lot all the way from Gold Bar to Monroe at that time. Any other time it's okay.

Uh oh ... as it turns out, it is a Sunday that I'm coming into Everett on. The route planner estimates I'll be in that area around 3 pm.

Are there large churches on this stretch of US-2 that cause the backup? (I have seen this in "The South")

There are several recent blurbs concerning US-2/I-90/WA-20 for cross-state travel.

That said here is advice from a born and raised Everett boy: take US-2 all the way from Spokane to Everett. You will pass through good and great scenery and small town America. You'll be glad you did.

I-90 is just another freeway connecting two large cities with alot of flat stuff in between until you hit the Cascades. You then still need to wend your way through metro traffic all the way from Issaquah to Everett. If you come through at the "wrong" time of day it's a memory you won't forget.

Do not attempt US-2 over the Cascades on a Sunday afternoon. This two lane highway can be a parking lot all the way from Gold Bar to Monroe at that time. Any other time it's okay.

Another 'thumbs up' for US 2.

I've driven all the east-west routes through the Washington Cascades many times, and I can tell you that U.S. 2 is an easy drive no matter what you're driving. If I were headed to Everett from Spokane, that's the route I'd take- you hit the I-5 corridor almost at Everett itself and avoid ALL Seattle congestion.

The one stretch of road I'd warn you about is a monster grade coming down off the Waterville Plateau to the Columbia River. It's long, steep, and ends at a stop sign that seems to come out of nowhere!

Per current conditions on I-90:

The ongoing construction on I-90 near the summit is resulting in long backups/delays in both directions, and which (if either) way is running clear is unpredictable at best. There are times that both directions are closed for blasting...those occur mainly at night.

Dunno if I live under a lucky star or what, though: I used 90 both ways on an Eastern Washington trip recently, and was lucky enough that both coming and going, my side of the freeway was moving fine- but the OTHER side was all backed up! :@

I grew up in Everett and I am fairly familiar with both roads. I-90 is a better road for time, but then you will have to fight your way up I-5 to Everett. Highway 2 is a good road and you only have to deal with the congestion between Everett and Marysville.

If you do decide to take I-90, use the 405 Bypass rather than take your rig through downtown Seattle.

Have a great trip!