The Local 2.0
The Highbridge Road
The Local - Highbridge, Ben Howard Road, and Sultan Basin Road
2020 Update - Highbridge road is now under heavy construction. Slow down and expect construction. It’s still a fun road, but it’s not what it used to be.
Departure Time:
The best time to drive these roads is just after sunrise to beat traffic and then stop and have breakfast at the Sultan Bakery. Traffic on these roads is increasing, but not usually too have, still, it might take you a couple of runs to find the road to yourself.
Car Checklist:
Good tires
Brakes in excellent condition including high temp brake fluid - Don't overlook this! I can and have boiled the brakes on many cars and motorcycles on this road.
An action camera would be ideal for this drive.
Dan's Notes:
These are extremely popular sections of road in Snohomish County for enthusiasts of all kinds, so I have some warnings:
You can easily drive these roads quickly, but not crazy, and have a great time. Drive safe and not above your limit. THESE ARE ROADS, NOT RACE TRACKS.
The turns are VERY sharp and the roads have some quick dips that can easily unsettle tight suspension. You should take a few easy runs up and down the roads to get to know them before you make a more spirited attempt.
There are multiple elevation changes through corners on all of these roads. Threshold and trail braking is something you should understand and know how to do if you want to enjoy this road quickly and safely.
Do NOT cross into the oncoming lane. These roads are heavily used by motorcycles and bicycles.
Be mindful of the driveways on these roads. Most are not blind, but don’t be an idiot and go “balls out” and kill someone or yourself.
This is best as a 2-way trip. Start by going down the road to breakfast at Maltby Cafe and end by coming back up and going to Trails End in Snohomish.
The Drive:
Starting in Redmond with a full tank, head out 202 and take a left on Northeast Ames Lake Road. This fun run will take you out to Carnation and past the Carnation farm stand where you can stop for a photo op, but watch out for turkeys (no, really, watch out for the turkeys).
From there, head out to Carnation and then back up and over to the Snoqualmie Valley Road. You can get a good feel for the road by going up it first, which is easier on the brakes, and check for construction, bicycle traffic, and debris on the road. You'll want to slow down to safely drive by Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm. There is often a Sheriff directing traffic here on the weekends in the fall so be sure to slow down for safety and your wallets sake.
From there you can enjoy the blast down Highbridge and try to avoid cooking your brakes. Again, take it easy if you're new to this road and slow down again when you're coming to the corn maze and the underpass, a popular fishing spot for locals.
After finishing the most fun parts of Highbridge you can cool your brakes and take a left onto Crescent Road. Watch for farmer activity but this road is mostly low traffic and has some fun but flat turns. You'll briefly merge onto 203 toward Monroe, but then take your next right onto Ben Howard road. This picturesque road passes by a few farms and follows the river. You'll have a chance to drive this one at a slightly faster pace than High Bridge, but be wary going by the RV Park, which often has foot and bicycle traffic and the occasional cop. Beyond that it's a quick drive into Sultan for a delicious breakfast or coffee at the Sultan Bakery!
Since you’re already in Sultan, you may as well head up the Sultan Basin Road, but don’t go straight there! Take the detour around on Kellogg Lake Road for a much better drive with far less traffic. Still, be careful of bicycle, hiking, and camping activities on the Sultan Basin Road as well as some occasional debris. This is a remote mountain road. You’ll have to turn around at the end where the blacktop ends, but it’s still worth the drive.
Head back the same way to experience High Bridge in a totally different way doing the Hill Climb. You can turn right onto Connelly road and take the back way into Snohomish for more fun, but take it easy here. While it looks tempting, this road has a lot of blind driveways, no real passing zones, and should be done in moderation. Best to take it easy and cool your car off while you drive to Trails End for some lunch.