Mt. Vernon to Snoqualmie Pass

[homefor2]

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.

[Elk4me]

jamesu wrote:

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.

#2 above is my preferred route every time. Much more leisurely after you get through Monroe and head south on SR203. At Fall City head to Preston and catch I90. You can also take I5 to Everett and take US2 to Monroe. I avoid I405 whenever I can.

[travisc]

Check the WSDOT.wa.gov pass report before you go. This week traffic would be lighter due to vacations

[paulj]

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.

[homefor2]

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

[Roy_Lynne]

Im hearing bad weather is coming in, I'd leave NOW

[jamesu]

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.

[jamesu]

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.

[paulj]

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).

[enblethen]

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

[corvettekent]

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

[ScottG]

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!