05/22/2026
I’m getting ready for an upcoming camping trip, which means I’m already doing one of my favorite pre-trip rituals: mapping out the fun places to stop along the way.
If your summer plans take you east on Highway 2, this stretch from Everett to Wenatchee is such a good reminder that the drive can be part of the adventure. Yes, US 2 can be slow through Sultan and Gold Bar, and yes, cell service gets spotty as you climb toward Stevens Pass. But between the Skykomish River, Mount Index, roadside bakeries, quirky landmarks, and little mountain-town stops, it’s one of those routes that rewards you for not rushing.
A few stops worth keeping on your radar:
▪️ Sultan Bakery for breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, and a maple bar that’s hard to beat
▪️ Espresso Chalet near Index for Bigfoot kitsch, coffee, and views of Mount Index, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Skykomish Valley
▪️ Iron Goat Trail for a dose of Stevens Pass history and old railway remnants
▪️ Scenic Hot Springs if you plan ahead and book a reservation
▪️ The Alps Candy near Leavenworth for taffy, fudge, and Wenatchee River views
▪️ Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee for a final food-and-gift stop before your next leg of the trip
Weekend travel is always better when you leave room for the unexpected, and Highway 2 gives you plenty of reasons to pull over, stretch your legs, grab something good, and enjoy the ride.
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