Community Forums

MrsChilerick · 08-01-2018, 10:42 AM

We are currently in Blanchard ID, with plans to leave tomorrow for Anacortes. The weather report indicates strong gusty winds along our original route taking the 90 through Ellenburg. We are considering the 2 where the wind won’t be as bad, but have never taken it. There are two warnings in the mountain guide for steep grades in excess of 6 miles each. Our other option is to wait and leave Saturday.

Does anyone have experience on this road?

TonyMac · 08-01-2018, 10:52 AM

I've done 20 in a 40' dp with toad and it was beautiful. Be ready to stop at Diablo lake overview. Breathtaking. 90 is so blah.....ho hum.....here comes more....

saddlesore · 08-01-2018, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsChilerick

We are currently in Blanchard ID, with plans to leave tomorrow for Anacortes. The weather report indicates strong gusty winds along our original route taking the 90 through Ellenburg. We are considering the 2 where the wind won’t be as bad, but have never taken it. There are two warnings in the mountain guide for steep grades in excess of 6 miles each. Our other option is to wait and leave Saturday.

Does anyone have experience on this road?

HWY 2 is a good road,wide 2 lane,
That said, I suggest that you head south/east back to US 95 to I-90 then west thru Spokane, and catch US-2 on the west side of Spokane... avoiding having to deal with downtown city congestion of Spokane. (and the height restricted RR underpass)
From there I would take a little detour on sr-174 and tour the Grand Coulee Dam, then stay on sr-174 to Chief Joseph Dam and join US-97 and return to US-2 just west of Wenatchee.
Yes, you will be going over Stevens Pass but it isn't all that bad and just go slow and enjoy.
btw..stop in Cashmere and take the tour of the "Applet & Cottlet" confectioner bakery...
Another side benifit with running US-2 is that you join I-5 north of the Tacoma/Seattle/Everett metroplex and all it's massive traffic.
Happy Trails !!

F4Gary · 08-01-2018, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsChilerick

We are currently in Blanchard ID, with plans to leave tomorrow for Anacortes. The weather report indicates strong gusty winds along our original route taking the 90 through Ellenburg. We are considering the 2 where the wind won’t be as bad, but have never taken it. There are two warnings in the mountain guide for steep grades in excess of 6 miles each. Our other option is to wait and leave Saturday.

Does anyone have experience on this road?

I always get a kick out of how you southern Californians say highway numbers. Totally unique to the rest of the country.

MrsChilerick · 08-01-2018, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4Gary

I always get a kick out of how you southern Californians say highway numbers. Totally unique to the rest of the country.

It’s part of our charm

MrsChilerick · 08-01-2018, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saddlesore

HWY 2 is a good road,wide 2 lane,
That said, I suggest that you head south/east back to US 95 to I-90 then west thru Spokane, and catch US-2 on the west side of Spokane... avoiding having to deal with downtown city congestion of Spokane. (and the height restricted RR underpass)
From there I would take a little detour on sr-174 and tour the Grand Coulee Dam, then stay on sr-174 to Chief Joseph Dam and join US-97 and return to US-2 just west of Wenatchee.
Yes, you will be going over Stevens Pass but it isn't all that bad and just go slow and enjoy.
btw..stop in Cashmere and take the tour of the "Applet & Cottlet" confectioner bakery...
Another side benifit with running US-2 is that you join I-5 north of the Tacoma/Seattle/Everett metroplex and all it's massive traffic.
Happy Trails !!

Thanks for all of the great info. We have a short gasser, so the pass is a little concerning, but not as much as the wind on the 90 route over the next two days. Where is the low RR crossing underpass? I don’t see it listed anywhere.

saddlesore · 08-01-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsChilerick;

Thanks for all of the great info. We have a short gasser, so the pass is a little concerning, but not as much as the wind on the 90 route over the next two days. Where is the low RR crossing underpass? I don’t see it listed anywhere.

The RR underpass is on US-395/US-2, 3/4 mile north of the interstate 90 junction. .You can look it up on Google Earth street view

WA Larry · 08-01-2018, 01:19 PM

Hwy 20 is the most scenic through the mountains, if you have the time. 2 is next, and I-90 is still pretty good. You'll be fine whichever way you go, but if taking either of the southern routes, try to be north of Everett before 3p to avoid the traffic. Have a great trip!

coupevilleDF · 08-01-2018, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saddlesore

The RR underpass is on US-395/US-2, 3/4 mile north of the interstate 90 junction. .You can look it up on Google Earth street view

We have done US2 through Spokane several times with a class A. We were at about 12+ and had no problem. When you transition from I-5 eastbound to US2, the freeway underpass is only 13-3, but you won't encounter that westbound.

You come into Washington on US 2 at Newport. That is also the eastern terminus for SR20 that was suggested. SR20 goes directly into Anacortes.

We prefer either of those routes over I-90 unless we are in a hurry.

rgvtexan · 08-01-2018, 05:32 PM

About 20 miles west of the 2/I90 junction is Reardan, WA. It is an enforced 30 MPH. then 13 miles to Davenport another 30 MPH. All of the towns in Lincoln Co. are watched, We need the money!

FYI no stoplights in the County, a flasher in Davenport.

Drive Safe and have a GREAT Trip.

bucks2 · 08-01-2018, 07:23 PM

Remember to keep the radio on and check for road closures due to fire. I90 has been closed to all traffic at least twice in the last week for forest fires alongside the road.

We keep popsicles and ice cream treats in the freezer for the flag persons. Cold water or pop would also be appreciated. I know it slows down the line sometimes to toss them out but the workers smiles are worth twice the scowls of the folks behind you.

rgvtexan · 08-02-2018, 01:01 PM

A link for a stop on Hwy 2

Deception Falls Off Stevens Pass, Highway 2 In Washington

MrsChilerick · 08-02-2018, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgvtexan

About 20 miles west of the 2/I90 junction is Reardan, WA. It is an enforced 30 MPH. then 13 miles to Davenport another 30 MPH. All of the towns in Lincoln Co. are watched, We need the money!

FYI no stoplights in the County, a flasher in Davenport.

Drive Safe and have a GREAT Trip.

Thanks for the warning. We waved at the nice officer with his radar gun as we passed him doing 28!

MrsChilerick · 08-02-2018, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucks2

Remember to keep the radio on and check for road closures due to fire. I90 has been closed to all traffic at least twice in the last week for forest fires alongside the road.

We keep popsicles and ice cream treats in the freezer for the flag persons. Cold water or pop would also be appreciated. I know it slows down the line sometimes to toss them out but the workers smiles are worth twice the scowls of the folks behind you.

Great idea, I am going to steal it!