WA travel

[opus]

Anyone ever been across RTE 20 say from Idaho way to the west over to Rockport area?  I need to get to Darrington, WA, coming through Sandpoint, ID and not sure which way to go in a bus.  I'd sure hate to go Seattle way and up.

Anybody been??

[Iceni John]

Not in a bus or car, but some years ago I rode my bicycle from Sandpoint ID to Anacortes WA when I was riding across the USA.   It's hilly!   There seemed to be more climbing and descending on WA 20 than when I was in the Rockies  -  the WA passes aren't that high, but there's 4,000 feet or more of steady grades on each climb, then down to the next river valley and repeat.   Your bus's cooling system should be in top condition, and Jakes would be really nice.   It's a stunningly beautiful way to get across WA, but you can't be in a hurry if taking this route.   The cherries at Omak are the best I've ever tasted.

Watch out for the squirrels at Rainy Pass  -  one of those buggers came into my tent there and bit me on my thumb.   The next day I was seriously sick with fever, shakes and shits, and I had to descend (sometimes touching 50 MPH!) to Diablo and Newhalem feeling like death warmed over.   Ah, the impetuousness of youth!

John

[opus]

I setup for mountain travel.  I dont have time to dilly dally so I am probably going to have to suck it up and take 90 all the way.  GAH......

[RJ]

An alternative might be I-90 to George, WA, then pick up US-2W, which would by-pass Seattle, bringing you in at Everett.  It's nine miles shorter than I-90, but takes 30 minutes longer.

WA-20W is the shortest, mileage-wise, but the longest driving time.

Your choice!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[opus]

....cant get there from here.

[Zeroclearance]

This is my neck of the woods...  I was in Arlington..  My recommendation:

Take 90 to Fall City exit to get on hwy 203 North>> take it to Monroe..  Get on Hwy 2 west to Hwy 9 North and take 9 all the way to Darington..   

20 is needing work from the winter closure.   Hwy 2 over Stevens is packed Fri thru Sunday morning.     90 is quicker!

You can also take 90 to 405 North, then get on I-5 North in Lynnwood, take I-5 Past Everett, and Arlington...   

If you get stuck on 405 and I-5 later than 3:00PM, you will be sitting..  My first recommendation might be the best route.

[opus]

Great, that looks much better to me, thank you.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

I lived in Fall City for 11 years, grew up in Duvall, also lived in Carnation for a few years. Spent about 40 years in the valley.....