Best way to Leavenworth? (Seattle, Bothell: safer, tree, maps)

[VeronikaW]

Google maps is telling us to take 90 to 970 to 97 to 2, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to take 5 North to the 2 and go across. It looks like 97 is a winding mountain road, but I don't know.

Any suggestions??

V. =)

[scirocco22]

Years ago, I used to make the trip every December for the tree lighting ceremony. We'd usually take Hwy-2 going and Hwy-97/I-90 coming back.

97 isn't as winding as you might suspect. It carries a lot of traffic over Bewett Pass and there is substantial truck traffic too. I would even suspect that it's faster going this way because once on I-90, you can make pretty good time.

Hwy 2 can become quite treacherous at times in the winter especially. A lot of it used to be only 2 lanes. I know they've made improvements but still isn't as streamlined as I-90.

[pw72]

Yes, a lot depends on the weather. If there is a lot snow in the forecast, I-90 over to 97, then to 2 is the best bet. The 97 (Blewett section) is somewhat treacherous in bad weather, but that stretch isn't very long. In good weather, I-5 to 522 (Bothell to Monroe Hwy) then to 2 in Monroe is the better and quicker bet, especially if you are in the northend of Seattle.

[VeronikaW]

Thanks everyone, we took the I-90 to 97 on the way there, and the 2 to the 5 on the way back. The 2 was very scenic, but the 97 seems like it might be safer.

V. =)