I am disappointed that I didn't get to ride my original route, but I am glad I heeded our friend Ken Gass's advice and did not try to pedal US-2.   Not only was the detour around WA-20 considerably longer, many sections of US-2 are extremely bicycle unfriendly.  As it was, we did have a pleasant drive.  

US-97 from Omak to Wenatchee was particularly pretty - a combination of arid mountains and lush orchards, as well as following the Columbia River for a large part of the way.  US-97 also had a great shoulder.  If I had known, I would have definitely pedaled from Omak to Wenatchee, but I did not think to ask Ken about that portion - we only discussed US-2.  I'll certainly remember that section though, and maybe incorporate it in another trip if I ever get back this way. 

Once we turned onto US-2, the road conditions were very different, and not for the better.  Traffic was very heavy, the road lacked a shoulder in many places, and the surface was rough in many places as well.  In addition, the scenery was not nearly as nice, at least from my viewpoint. In Snohomish we turned onto WA-9; it was marginally better than US-2, but traffic was still very heavy.   Ken was certainly right; I would not want to have to cycle on either highway.

We followed WA-9 until we got to Arlington, where we picked up WA-530.  That road was moderately busy until we reached Oso, where it thinned out considerably. At Darrington, WA-530 bends to the north it became very scenic, as we entered a dense forest and followed alongside the Sauk River.

About 5 miles from our day's destination, we turned off WA-530 and onto WA-20.   It too, was very scenic as it followed along the Skagit River and was the perfect section of road to end a long day.  As a bonus, it also gave me a nice preview of tomorrow's ride.  Life is good!