Just wondering if there is any reason I should not go Hwy. 9 once I get to Mt. Vernon heading for Snoqualmie pass instead of I-5. The time difference does not matter to me, it's just that I hate I-5 and want to get off there asap. The alternative is turn off I-5 around Everett. I know, I know, Snoqualmie can be a problem but I'm watching the weather reports and I have 4x4 and good winter tires. Not towing a big RV just a small flat deck with Side x Side.

As long as you dont mind the somewhat slower pace and a few stops along the way, there's no reason not to take Hwy 9. During the summer we often take it going north because the traffic is better than I5.Have a great trip!

Hwy9 north of Arlington has a lot of curves but it is a nice scenic drive.

Come down I-5 to the Arlington exit, go east to pick up WA-9, then south to WA 522, West to I-405 south to I-90.Have you thought of crossing Cascades on US-2? Decent two lane road. Lots to see along Tumwater Canyon and Leavenworth. You can hit US 2 east of Everett on WA-9

They just replaced the Pilchuck River bridge on WA9, eliminating one narrow curve.South of Arlington 9 is getting busy, especially in the Lake Stevens area. Also once it climbs the hill south of Snohomish, though they have put a lot of work into streamlining flow (as far as 522). WSDOT has a number of webcams on 9.I don't see the point to jog back to 405 in Woodenville. 5 and 405 north of there isn't any worse than 405 to the south.To stay out in the country, I'd go east to 203 (Duval). You could even pick that up in Monroe (or with backroads via Granite Falls).

I'm local. Been doing that route forever.Heading south on I-5 from B.C., exit 208 east to Arlington. South on WA-9. Two choices: (1) Stay on South 9 to WA-522 to south I-5 to I-90 east at Factoria, which is south of Bellevue, and head east over Snoqualmies Pass. Depending upon time of day the route from 522 to 90 can be horrendous.OR (2) Stay on WA-9 and take east US-2 just south of Frontier Village/Lake Stevens. At Monroe take south WA-203 through the beautiful, rural Snoqualmies Valley. Pick up I-90 east either at Fall City or at the Snoqualmies Parkway or at North Bend. This is the way we go when we figure I-405 is going to be slammed from 522 to 90. It is a good 2 lane and easy on the eye and the nerves.Not sure what new bridge Paulj is referring to on WA-9 over the Pilchuck River, unless it is the new bridge that was built over Pilchuck Creek about 4-5 miles north of Arlington. WA-9 does not cross the Pilchuck River. The new bridge described is not on either of the routes I am recommending.

Mt. Vernon to Snoqualmie Pass | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
Dec 27, 2016
As long as you dont mind the somewhat slower pace and a few stops along the way, there's no reason not to take Hwy 9. During the summer we often take it going north because the traffic is better than I5.
Have a great trip!
corvettekent
Explorer
Dec 27, 2016
Hwy9 north of Arlington has a lot of curves but it is a nice scenic drive.
enblethen
Nomad
Dec 27, 2016
Come down I-5 to the Arlington exit, go east to pick up WA-9, then south to WA 522, West to I-405 south to I-90.
Have you thought of crossing Cascades on US-2? Decent two lane road. Lots to see along Tumwater Canyon and Leavenworth. You can hit US 2 east of Everett on WA-9
paulj
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2016
They just replaced the Pilchuck River bridge on WA9, eliminating one narrow curve.

South of Arlington 9 is getting busy, especially in the Lake Stevens area. Also once it climbs the hill south of Snohomish, though they have put a lot of work into streamlining flow (as far as 522). WSDOT has a number of webcams on 9.

I don't see the point to jog back to 405 in Woodenville. 5 and 405 north of there isn't any worse than 405 to the south.

To stay out in the country, I'd go east to 203 (Duval). You could even pick that up in Monroe (or with backroads via Granite Falls).
jamesu
Explorer
Dec 27, 2016
I'm local. Been doing that route forever.

Heading south on I-5 from B.C., exit 208 east to Arlington. South on WA-9.

Two choices: (1) Stay on South 9 to WA-522 to south I-5 to I-90 east at Factoria, which is south of Bellevue, and head east over Snoqualmies Pass. Depending upon time of day the route from 522 to 90 can be horrendous.

OR

(2) Stay on WA-9 and take east US-2 just south of Frontier Village/Lake Stevens. At Monroe take south WA-203 through the beautiful, rural Snoqualmies Valley. Pick up I-90 east either at Fall City or at the Snoqualmies Parkway or at North Bend. This is the way we go when we figure I-405 is going to be slammed from 522 to 90. It is a good 2 lane and easy on the eye and the nerves.

Not sure what new bridge Paulj is referring to on WA-9 over the Pilchuck River, unless it is the new bridge that was built over Pilchuck Creek about 4-5 miles north of Arlington. WA-9 does not cross the Pilchuck River. The new bridge described is not on either of the routes I am recommending.
jamesu
Explorer
Dec 27, 2016
jamesu wrote:
I'm local. Been doing that route forever.

Heading south on I-5 from B.C., exit 208 east to Arlington. South on WA-9.

Two choices: (1) Stay on South 9 to WA-522 to south I-5 to I-90 east at Factoria, which is south of Bellevue, and head east over Snoqualmies Pass. Depending upon time of day the route from 522 to 90 can be horrendous.

(Drive "south I-405 to I-90 east at Factoria..." Sorry about that.)

OR

(2) Stay on WA-9 and take east US-2 just south of Frontier Village/Lake Stevens. At Monroe take south WA-203 through the beautiful, rural Snoqualmies Valley. Pick up I-90 east either at Fall City or at the Snoqualmies Parkway or at North Bend. This is the way we go when we figure I-405 is going to be slammed from 522 to 90. It is a good 2 lane and easy on the eye and the nerves.

Not sure what new bridge Paulj is referring to on WA-9 over the Pilchuck River, unless it is the new bridge that was built over Pilchuck Creek about 4-5 miles north of Arlington. WA-9 does not cross the Pilchuck River. The new bridge described is not on either of the routes I am recommending.
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Dec 27, 2016
Im hearing bad weather is coming in, I'd leave NOW
homefor2
Explorer
Dec 27, 2016
Thanks for the helpful suggestions. I knew I could count on RV.net for some good advice. Hope everyone has a happy new year down in the sunshine
paulj
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2016
It may be the creek rather than the river. I just remember it from the WSDOT photo album

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72157626504713838

Yes it is north of Arlington. The OP talked of starting on 9 in Mt Vernon.

South of Arlington 9 is relatively straight and often 4 lane. But north it is 2 lane with some curves and narrow spots. This new bridge (2014) removes one of those. The old was a 1 lane yield to on coming traffic bridge.
travisc
Explorer
Dec 28, 2016
Check the WSDOT.wa.gov pass report before you go. This week traffic would be lighter due to vacations

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