I-90 vs. I-5 for scenic road trip (Seattle, Spokane: live, gardens)

[preston39]

For someone who has never been fortunate enough to visit the PNW, which is the more "scenic" route to take? End destination is near Seattle.

[Chilkoot]

I-90 would be superior scenery wise. Another option would be I-90 and then up through Wenatchee to Highway US-2 through Leavenworth and over Stevens Pass.

[Returning2USA]

Originally Posted by preston39

For someone who has never been fortunate enough to visit the PNW, which is the more "scenic" route to take? End destination is near Seattle.

I-90 b/c I-5 is not very scenic until you get to Northern California, IMO.

Please look at I-20, the Cascade Highway, also.

[Diana Holbrook]

No contest! it would be I 90 if those are your two choices. For other choices it makes a big difference where you’re coming from, and when. None of them are particularly good right now this week.

[preston39]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

No contest! it would be I 90 if those are your two choices. For other choices it makes a big difference where you’re coming from, and when. None of them are particularly good right now this week.

We're starting our trip from Tennessee, but we're trying to work out all the stops. We most likely won't be taking the trip until June or July.

[Diana Holbrook]

Originally Posted by preston39

We're starting our trip from Tennessee, but we're trying to work out all the stops. We most likely won't be taking the trip until June or July.

Good! June is our prettiest month :-)

In that case if you’re coming from the south other good choices might be to come through the Columbia river gorge or to come across Highway 12. But I 90 is a beautiful pass. All will be good choices in June. :-)

[Hemlock140]

Even I5 is actually scenic compared to some roads, like I80 through Nevada, but I90 from Spokane to Seattle is pretty nice all the way. The best part of I5 would be from Roseburg, Oregon to Redding, CA., and much of the rest, especially in California to Sacramento is pretty bland and boring. My suggestion is to take I90 to Ellensburg, then go north on 97 to Leavenworth, then take highway 2 to I5 at Everett and down I5 to Seattle.

[Sockeye66]

Coming from the East I suggest meeting 84 in Utah and go up 82 to I90.

[StealthRabbit]

How long have you got for detours?

Do yourself, communities, and passengers a BIG favor.... Avoid interstates when reasonable.
https://scenicbyways.info/
https://www.scenic.org/visual-pollut...maps-by-state/
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/

There are many sections of interstate that are scenic, such as Glenwood Canyon on i-70 Colorado (Glenwood Springs is a nice overnight location).

Consider some themes for your trip. Botanical Gardens and livestock areas (spring births) are nice during springtime. As are the very long days. I overnight or take breaks at hot springs and waterfalls.

Drive early in morning and in evening just before dusk to see wildlife and avoid traffic, especially in national parks.

[mayfair]

Definitely I-90. I5 is not scenic. Hwy 101 along the coast in Oregon is, then you could pick up I-5 north to Seattle if you're coming from the south.