The North Sound Island Adventure
Not all of my drives are intended to keep your adrenaline pumping. While I do start this drive by taking Pioneer Highway to La Conner, this drive is filled with several stops and exploring Whidbey Island as well as a ferry ride to end the drive.
THE NORTH SOUND ISLAND ADVENTURE - HIGHWAY 20 WEST TO WHIDBEY ISLAND
Departure Time: 08:00
Car Checklist: A full tank of fuel to avoid filling up on Whidbey Island.
Dan's Notes:
Not all of my drives are intended to keep your adrenaline pumping. While I do start this drive by taking Pioneer Highway to La Conner, this drive is filled with several stops and exploring Whidbey Island as well as a ferry ride to end the drive. This will be a great drive for photographers, those of you with you kids, or a date day. This drive can be a little tough for groups as it's difficult to find parking on Deception Pass Bridge and in the town of Coupeville, but we've done it with a smaller group and had a great time.
The Drive:
As usual, starting early will make this drive so much better. You can easily make this trip on a single tank of gas, so it's best to fill up before you leave. Once on the drive, you can get a big breakfast at your first stop in La Conner at the Calico Cupboard. You should probably just forget your diet if you do though; this is old school, heavy cooking at it's best. You can walk the river boardwalk here and explore, but I recommend getting a move on as the best is yet to come.
You'll head out of town going south and over the bridge into the Swinomish Reservation. The bridge is the perfect spot for a photo if there's no traffic, so try and time it so no one is behind you.
Next you'll arrive at Deception Pass. There are 3 parking areas, but they fill up fast so grab the first spot you see, no matter where it is. If you're not afraid of heights you have some gorgeous views of the ocean here. Take your time and explore. I've seen baby seals and pods of whales here pretty often!
From there follow Highway 20 until you can take a left onto Madrona Way. This is a fun little highway detour that has some nice views and some fun turns. You'll end up right in Coupeville where you can visit Toby's Tavern(which actually has good food if you're ready for lunch, but is 21+) and you can walk around and explore the Wharf. It's a fun little town with good shops and the Ice Cream at Kapaws is delicious.
When you're all full there you can head to Fort Casey via the road to Ebey's Landing for a short, but better drive. Note that a Discovery Pass works here or there's a single day pay station in the main lot. I grew up camping and playing with friends here and it's a cool spot to explore for a few hours as well as picnic. Make sure to walk or drive to the Lighthouse and soak in some history too. During normal hours you can take the tiny stairs to the top and get a birdseye view of the sound from there.
After you're finished you'll hop on the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry and I highly recommending ending your day at the Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse just off the ferry. Good food and good beer and yes, your kids can get in here!
The North End Tour
This comfortable day drive will take you over to the quiet town of La Conner, up the famous Chuckanut Drive into Fairhaven, around Lake Whatcom, down the twisty fun of Highway 9, and out the back roads of Arlington, Granite Falls, and Snohomish.
FULL ROUTE MAP: Full Route
THE NORTH END TOUR - Section 1
THE NORTH END TOUR - Section 2
Departure Time: 08:00
Car Checklist:
A full tank of fuel and that’s about all!
Dan’s Notes:
I've divided the maps of this drive into two sections so I highly recommend you stop and take a look at the map ahead of time so the roads are somewhat familiar. This comfortable day drive will take you over to the quiet town of La Conner, up the famous Chuckanut Drive into Fairhaven, around Lake Whatcom, down the twisty fun of Highway 9, and out the back roads of Arlington, Granite Falls, and Snohomish. Though not the quickest drive due to traffic at first, you’ll have a great time exploring as you drive and I’ve planned a few great stops to keep things tasty and interesting. And don't worry, the roads get really interesting (and twisty) in section 2!
The Drive:
Redmond to Silvana via Pioneer Highway (Begin Section 1)
This is one of my favorite drives and has been since I was a teenager skipping school. You’ll start by taking an easy drive up north via I-5 to exit 208, the Arlington/Silvana exit. Head west toward Silvana and you’ll find yourself twisting through farm country on the old Pioneer Highway. The smells can be a bit much, but the road is in good condition and makes for a good warm up run.
Silvana to La Conner
From there you’ll go through Stanwood and into Skagit county across the Tulip Fields in La Conner. You’ll have plenty of food options to choose from, including some on the water. This is a great place to walk around and enjoy all the little shops the town has to offer.
La Conner to Bayview State Park
Next stop is a little park most people forget about it called Bayview State Park - the entrance is on the RIGHT side of the road and then drops under the road to get to the park. It’s pay to park if you want to picnic, so keep that in mind. Also watch our for speed bumps! This is not a low car friendly park but my Corvette had no trouble at stock height.
Bayview to Fairhaven
Next you’ll head up Chuckanut! Yes it’s a silly name, yes it’s fun. However… it’s crowded. I’ve never been up Chuckanut without getting stuck behind some idiot doing 10 under and blocking traffic. Still, you’ll be happy to see beautiful views and lots of places to pull off and see the ocean. I’ve seen whales several times from the overlook spots, so take your time! You’ll end your drive in downtown Fairhaven, where I recommend Rocket Donuts and Acme Ice Cream!
Fairhaven to Woods Coffee in Boulevard Park
It’s just a quick little drive across town to Boulevard park where you’ll get some good coffee and find a HUGE pier to walk out and explore. Chrysalis Inn and Spa is great for a romantic stay or dinner if you’re so inclined.
Boulevard Park to Lake Whatcom/Wickersham (Begin Section 2)
Take it easy on this little section until you get past Geneva or you might find yourself with a big ticket! Still, the road from Sudden Valley to Wickersham is a short little riot of a drive, and then you’ll find yourself on Highway 9 south.
Wickersham to Trails End
Stay on 9 South and you’ll be enjoying the fun that is driving around Big Lake and the tight corners of 9. This road can get a little busy on the weekend, but you should easily find some space to have some “spirited” moments. Enjoy a great dinner at the end of the day at Trails End Taphouse in Snohomish!
Section 1:
Section 2:
Full Route: