Drive from Seattle to Lake Chelan
 

Was wondering what the drive from Seattle to Lake Chelan is like if we are arriving in Seattle in the evening.

It is a scenic drive whether you go on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, 97 over Blewett Pass, and up 97Alt to Chelan or on Highway 2 over Stevens Pass and then 97Alt.

Both routes are about 180 miles and both take about 3 hours 20 minutes behind the wheel.

The second route goes through Leavenworth--a "Bavarian" theme town.

This is a drive I prefer to take in the day time rather than in the evening.

HTTY

If you're talking about doing this drive at night, I would definitely take the I-90 route.

Are you arriving SeaTac in the evening, and planning to drive all the way to Chelan immediately upon arrival? If yes to those, then definitely the I-90 route east.

I agree that if your only option is to drive directly from the airport to Chelan, you should take the I-90 route.

However, 97 over Blewett Pass is a busy winding highway, it is two-lanes most of the way, and it is often frequented by aggressive drivers who have been driving the route for many years.

Also, the drive up 97Alt has spectacular views of the Columbia River which you will not see if you are driving at night, and that would be unfortunate.

HTTY

Actually, our flight arrives in Seattle around 1pm, heading for a week at Chelan. We were contemplating staying the 1st night in Seattle and taking the ferry to Victoria for the day before heading to Chelan. Ferry only goes one way once a day in Nov., so that would have us leaving Victoria at 5pm to head back to Seattle and on to Chelan late at night.
We are coming from Florida having never been to Washington, so we were trying to fit in too much, probably. Looks like we will have to give up going to Victoria. :(
But I did want to know if there were other routes to Chelan from Seattle. Can you tell me how long it takes for these routes? Is the Bavarian town worth it? Or would we get more out of the 97Alt with the views?
How about what to expect with the roads in early November?

I wouldn't go out of my way to see Leavenworth; however, if you take beautiful Route 2 over Stevens pass you will have to go through it to get to Chelan.

You will drive up Alt97 whether you take Highway 2 or I-90.

The drive takes about 3 1/2 hours whether you take Highway 2 or I-90.

I can't predict the weather conditions during your visit, but, when you get here, you can check road conditions by calling 511.

November is our wettest month and it is often very stormy. The clipper ride to and from Victoria may not be much fun.

Yes I wouldn't try to fit in Victoria for the trip you describe. Especially because of the weather that's likely in November. I think it would be a lot of extra hassle for not all that much reward imo.

If you don't want to drive immediately to Chelan, how about staying in Seattle that first night? You could get a nice downtown hotel, have dinner somewhere good, look around a bit, then start your drive mid-day the next day?

The Stevens Pass (Hwy 2) highway is a more scenic option than I-90 (which, like most interstates, travels the path of least resistance and thus does not go through a very pretty part of the Cascades). But, there is also more of a chance you'll run into snow if you take Hwy 2. We are slated for a very cold and wet winter this year, and depending on when in November you'll be here, it could be ski season. So, check the forecast and highway conditions before deciding.

I like Suze's suggestion of staying in Seattle the first night. November is a good month to do indoor city things. I think you can easily spare the time from the Chelan portion of your trip.

Either route is not desirable to drive in the evening in late fall, especially if you are not used to driving in wet, possibly snowy weather in mountains. Definitely do it during the daytime. I personally like Leavenworth as a stop for lunch or coffee, but the other route is a little easier to drive.