I-- 90, Mount Baker

Those unfamiliar with where Interstate 90 begins in Seattle, such as myself, often find it a little difficult getting on the freeway without a little driving around or going out of the way to a known on-ramp. However, I-90 traffic is a quicker way to the east side than the northern alternative, Highway 520. Both include Seattle's famous floating bridges over Lake Washington, and both tend to slow down a bit over the bridges. However, I-90 traffic does tend to recover more quickly than it's northern competitor.

The freeway is newer, wider and better maintained than Hwy 520, and offers Express Lanes, reducing traffic congestion even more. The tunnels under Beacon Hill are well lit and provide a little break from the monotony of freeway travel. There are also carpool lanes to ease traffic that much more during morning and afternoon rush hour.

Interstate 90 is the longest east-west interstate in the country. In Western Washington, it intersects Seattle with Bellevue, Issaquah and all of the beautiful communities in between.