Wapato Point

pranas · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 05:41 PM

We be going there in late July and I am wondering about the drive from Seattle to Mason. I don't do well driving along cliffs and gorges. Will this be a problem along this route?

aliikai2 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 05:59 PM

From Seattle are you going out I-90? Over the North Cascades Hiway, Highway 2? The short answer is all these passes are freeways, so no real cliffs or gorges like Highway 1 along the California coast.
The road conditions are good, the weather has finally turned to spring, so you shouldn't encounter any snow( like last week

)
I would go over 10 if I were coming out of Seattle, the most direct route.

jmho,

Greg

Quote:

Originally Posted by pranas

We be going there in late July and I am wondering about the drive from Seattle to Mason. I don't do well driving along cliffs and gorges. Will this be a problem along this route?

pranas · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 11:52 AM

Thanks Gregg.

Bill4728 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 01:49 PM

North Cascades Highway and Stevens pass (Hwy 2) are both options for getting to Chelan, BUT IMHO the best route is I-90.

Go I-405 (in greater Seattle) to I- 90.
Then I-90 (~80 miles) to Cle Elum.
Take the last Cle Elum exit which says Wenatchee then follow Hwy 970 (becomes Hwy 97) to Wenatchee (~70 miles).
Just before Wenatchee, exit freeway, go 1 mile and follow signs to Chelan ( Don't cross the bridge!)
Take "alt 97" to Chelan (only one short cliff) (~35 miles)
Once in Chelan it a short drive along the lake to Wapato (Mason isn't a town but a wide spot in the road)

There is no better time to be at Chelan than the middle of the summer. Hot days, cool nights & no humdity.

pranas · #5 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 10:27 PM

Thanks for the information Bill. I am looking foward to the trip but am having some serious concerns about having to drive over the passes along the edge of a mountain. Gregg indicated that this would not be a problem which I was very glad to hear.

Bill4728 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008, 05:49 PM

My DW is also very afraid of driving next to a cliff. So I know how you feel. The only place on the whole trip which is slightly scary is about 10 miles outside of Chelan. And the hill is very short ( less than a 1/2 mile) Then you go thru a tunnel and you're in a open valley.

One suggestion, I wouldn't drive along the south shore of the lake from Chelan to the main state park (across the lake from Wapato). There is a 2-3 mile strech of road there were there is no shoulder and a huge cliff with falling rocks next to you. You'll be able to see it from wapato. My DW hates it when we have to drive that strech of road.

pranas · #7 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 06:42 PM

Bill, I just got back from my trip. Took I90 and when I got to that uncomfortable stretch, I kept telling myself it was only 1/2 mile long and got past it with out any problem. Other that that the drive was quite pleasant and scenic. Our stay at Wapato Point was quite enjoyable.

Thanks Bill and Gregg for your help.

lawren2 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pranas

Bill, I just got back from my trip. Took I90 and when I got to that uncomfortable stretch, I kept telling myself it was only 1/2 mile long and got past it with out any problem. Other that that the drive was quite pleasant and scenic. Our stay at Wapato Point was quite enjoyable.

Thanks Bill and Gregg for your help.

Do we have a new review in our future here?

That does not sound like a drive I could manage. I pulled over on the PCH and made DH drive...

pranas · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 04:10 PM

Yes, I will.

aliikai2 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 04:17 PM

Glad you had a great trip.

Greg

Quote:

Originally Posted by pranas

Bill, I just got back from my trip. Took I90 and when I got to that uncomfortable stretch, I kept telling myself it was only 1/2 mile long and got past it with out any problem. Other that that the drive was quite pleasant and scenic. Our stay at Wapato Point was quite enjoyable.

Thanks Bill and Gregg for your help.