A Driver's Date Night

THE DRIVER'S DATE NIGHT

Departure Time

• Weekends: 5:00 PM

• Weekdays: 7:00 PM

This route is all about timing. Leave too early and you'll spend your evening staring at brake lights instead of enjoying the drive.

Car Checklist

Before you head out:

• Full tank of fuel

• A warm jacket if you want to walk down to Snoqualmie Falls after dark

Dan's Notes

If you're doing this drive, send a message to the Salish Lodge valet team on Instagram ahead of time and let them know you're coming. Bring a $20 bill for the valet. Trust me on this one. Tell them Dan's Drives sent you.

Now let's talk about something most people forget:

This isn't just a drive. It's date night.

Don't be lazy.

Wash the car. Get flowers. Bring cash for the valet. Put on something nicer than the shirt you've been wearing all weekend. Iron the thing if necessary. If you're ordering champagne, order it ahead of time. Put in a little effort for once.

The entire point is making the night feel special.

That said, don't make Salish Lodge your regular Friday-night dinner spot. There's something to be said for keeping special places special. If you decide to make reservations, let them know you’re with Avants and let them know it’s a special night. The service here is second to none and they always treat you right.

Looking for something a little more casual? Head over to the bar instead. No reservation required.

The Drive

This isn't one of those drives where you spend six hours in the car and call it romance.

I've got separate routes for that.

This one is designed to be a fun evening drive that adds a little excitement before dinner.

Most people leave Redmond and take Highway 202 straight to Snoqualmie. That's also what everyone else does. It's full of traffic lights, commuters, and every inconvenience a fun drive doesn't need.

Instead, head east on Novelty Hill Road toward Snoqualmie Valley Road. Turn right onto Ames Lake Road and that's where the fun begins.

The road immediately starts throwing elevation changes, tight corners, and enough rhythm to remind you why you bought a fun car in the first place.

After a short stretch on 202, make the sharp left onto Tolt Hill Road.

Pay attention here.

Tolt Hill has a little bit of the same personality as High Bridge Road. It rewards smooth driving and punishes overconfidence. Stay alert and don't drive beyond what you can see.

Follow Tolt Hill east until it reconnects with Highway 203. From there, head north and eventually merge back onto 202, where the road begins to flow along the river with a series of enjoyable sweepers that carry you all the way into Snoqualmie.

Salish Lodge will be on your right.

Hand the valet your keys, enjoy the evening, and try not to let your date notice how sweaty your palms got during the drive.

Why This Route Works

There are faster roads.

There are more technical roads.

There are certainly longer roads.

But few drives around the Eastside combine good scenery, fun corners, and a genuinely memorable destination as well as this one. It's just enough driving to build anticipation without becoming the entire event.

And if everything goes according to plan, your date will remember the night.

You'll remember the road.

Route Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZAL19jeexsRdzb6RA

Meandering Up Middle Fork

Meandering Up Middle Fork

DEPARTURE TIME: 

Sunrise or as early as possible to avoid traffic, but watch for animals and be patient.

CAR CHECKLIST:

A full tank of fuel before you depart

Optional: Washington Parks Discover Pass or $10 cash 

DAN'S NOTES:

Not every great drive needs to be a test of bravery—or common sense. In fact, some of the best roads are the ones you'll enjoy no matter how fast you're driving.

Middle Fork Road is exactly that kind of drive.

Think of it as a miniature Yosemite experience tucked away in the Cascades. It's no secret among hikers, campers, and cyclists, but surprisingly, plenty of driving enthusiasts have never explored it. That's a shame, because it's one of the best group drives in Western Washington—as long as your group isn't full of people who think crossing the centerline is an acceptable driving technique.

This road is heavily used by hikers, cyclists (who are absolutely not moving over for you), campers, and just about every form of Pacific Northwest wildlife imaginable. Elk, deer, bear, and countless smaller critters all call this area home. It's not the place to go hunting apex speeds.

So why drive it?

The scenery.

Middle Fork is all about photography stops, picnic spots, mountain views, and enjoying the journey. On a sunny day, it's hard to beat as a destination for a large group drive. If you're on a motorcycle, even better—you can enjoy more of the road while still respecting everyone else using it.

Start With Coffee

I highly recommend starting the day at Huxdotter Coffee.

Not only is the coffee excellent, but they serve what might genuinely be the best donuts in the Pacific Northwest. They source them from North Bend Bakery, so if Huxdotter happens to be sold out, head a few blocks over and grab them directly. Trust me on this one.

Especially the chocolate bars.

Road Conditions & Warnings

A few words of caution before you head out.

There are currently two washout sections along the route. They're short, but the potholes are serious enough to damage wheels, tires, or any low-hanging carbon fiber. They can be navigated without issue if you slow down and pay attention.

You'll also encounter two large drainage dips along the road. Low cars should approach these at an angle. A few stock 911s have completed the route without any problems, but they took their time and picked their lines carefully.

If you're worried about clearance, you can comfortably turn around before reaching these sections and still enjoy most of what makes this drive special. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

Garfield Ledges

The turnaround point for this route is near the trailhead for Garfield Ledges.

I do not recommend driving across the bridge beyond the parking area. The road on the far side is filled with large potholes that are difficult to avoid, even in vehicles with decent ground clearance.

Instead, park before the bridge and walk across.

The reward is a relatively short hike with fantastic views from Garfield Ledges. Bring a Discover Pass, and if the weather has been typical Pacific Northwest weather, bring a bag for your muddy shoes afterward.

It's also a fantastic trail run during the drier months of the year.

Post-Drive Food Stop

After the drive, head over to the very car-friendly Mt. Si Pub for lunch.

The restaurant is owned by racer David Wheaton, and it's become a favorite stop for enthusiasts finishing a morning drive through the area.

Grab a bite, relax, and if you stop in, tell them Dan's Drives sent you.

Route Map:

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