Washington Hwy 12 vs 90

[Jaimn]

I'm starting my journey from near Longbeach, Wa and headed to Missoula, MT. I'm trying to decide on which route to take - Hwy 12 to Yakima and up 82, or I90 via I-5 then Auburn to 90. Class C 32'. Just came from 12 (in a pickup) and the roads are open but does time prefer a better route? I will be leaving in the late afternoon and figure to get to Yakima or Ellensburg before dark and find an open parking lot or rest stop.
Thanks a bunch!

[SeabeckS]

Map quest shows 4:31 to Yakima via 12, 4:22 to Ellensburg via 5, 18 and 90.

But with a departure time in the afternoon, traffic thru Oly, Tacoma, and Auburn could be challenging. Especially the mess around JBLM these days.

I'd probably do the 12 route, more scenic, a lot less traffic. But then, I hate traffic in urban Puget Sound region...

And Yakima to I-90 at Ellensburg adds about another 30 minutes or so.

Have a great safe trip...

[rgvtexan]

I90 is shorter and faster. US12 is a more scenic drive. The late afternoon could find a lot of traffic on I5 and 509, 18. Fire in Ellensburg area.

[griztim76]

You will love Hwy 12..once east of Walla Walla life changes. Scenery abounds, river ways become your guide, scenic wilderness areas on both sides and the Missoula destination will be memorable end to your trip. I take it often...
Tim Brunkow
2003 Monaco Executive 40 PBT
2006 Rubicon Toad

[Jeff and Cheryl]

If you hit I-5 before 6:00 figure slow going if north bound. After six, traffic should be OK, unless there has been a wreck, in that case, slow is the word. Hwy 12 will not offer traffic problems. Also, would suggest Yakima as an overnight rather than E-berg as there are few overnight options in E-berg.

[1ciderdog]

Here is an older irv2 thread about HWY 12. Some like it and some don't. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f70/highw...on-116195.html
I ran an internet search on Hwy 12, WA and found several bit of nformation. Me, I'd take hwy 12, just my opinion.