Leavonworth, WA 12/12/09

[paulj]

As to route, I'd check WSDOT. They have current pass conditions, and web cams. Stevens Pass is highest and more likely to have fresh or compact snow. Blewett is almost as high, but overall drier. From Issaquah, I think I90 and 97 are more direct. Driving north to US2 could be slow, though they have added more 4 lanes on the leg from Woodinville to Monroe.

 

[Mike_rupp]

Check WSDOT, but unless there is some overwhelming reason to take route 2, I wouldn't. Route 2 is slow going in good conditions, let alone bad. As a general rule, if Snoqualmie Pass and Blewett Pass are bad, Stevens pass will be worse.

I've made the trip in both directions many times and there has never been an instance when the 405 to route 2 way was faster. Usually it is 30 minutes to 60 minutes longer. The drive along route 2 is much more scenic, though, and is worth it occasionally.

 

[bmonday]

Thanks for the input. I didn't realize Blewett was lower than Stevens, and it makes sense that it would be dryer now that I think about it. I'll definitely head that way unless the weather dictates an alternate path.

 

[paulj]

Now if it was summer I'd suggest taking Old Blewett, which is the original paved route. It doesn't go over the same pass.

There's a sno-park at the top of 97.

And coming from the west you want the 970 turn off of I90 near Cle Elem.

Oops, I see from
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/camera.aspx
that Blewett is a smidgen higher. Still, it gets less snow. At the moment (Wed evening) it has no restrictions, while the others require traction tires.

 

[Glides]

Sounds a lot like Helen GA. Helens got that whole theme going except it's probably a bit more commercialized than Leavonworth.

Nice photos.

 

[paulj]

A mining town in BC also took the Bavarian theme route, Kimberley. The theme shopping area is not a big as Leavenworth's. It does though have an adjacent ski resort.