The Collegiate Spirit of the Mountains to Sound Greenway - I-90

Published on Nov 16, 2009 in College Visits

A crisp, Pacific wind breezes through emerald trees; a surge of energy runs from the city. You’re in Washington, a perfect place to spend your collegiate life. From outdoor recreation to metropolitan excitement, the Mountains to Sound Greenway is a great way to tour colleges while enjoying the pristine beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Begin your college tour in Seattle, heading east on I-90. One of Washington’s largest cities, Seattle is a hotbed for educational institutions. Start out with a visit to the Art Institute of Seattle, located two miles west of the end of the byway along Alaskan Way. This school offers hands-on learning in seven fields of study, including design, media arts, and library resources. Travel about one mile north of the Art Institute of Seattle, along 6th Street, and visit Antioch University-Seattle, a 157-year-old liberal arts college with only about 900 students. Another mile north of Antioch University-Seattle, you’ll find Cornish College of the Arts, one of three private, nonprofit performing and visual arts colleges in the nation. From Cornish College of the Arts, head about three miles north, near NE 45th Street, and explore the campus of the University of Washington - Seattle. This university, founded in 1861, is one of the oldest state-supported colleges in the West and has opened its doors to a diverse student body.

Travel back southeast through downtown Seattle for about three miles to the next college: Argosy University-Seattle, one of 19 locations across the country, offering degrees in several fields including psychology, behavioral sciences, and education. While downtown, notice the local flare and rich culture of Seattle, named as the 14th most populous urban region. Visit the city’s many historical places, including Pike Place Market, the oldest working public market, and the final residence of Kurt Cobain, famed lead singer of the early 90’s rock band Nirvana. Stop at one of several popular coffee shop chains, and don’t forget to check out another Seattle icon: the Space Needle.

From Argosy University-Seattle, head about two miles north along Westlake Avenue North to find Seattle Pacific University, a private university, founded in 1891. From Seattle Pacific University, drive four miles south to Madison Street and Broadway and explore Seattle University, founded in 1891 and one of 28 Jesuit-based universities in the country. Ready for some natural scenery before your next college? Time to head to the byway! Get onto I-5 heading south and drive for about one mile before merging onto the Mountains to Sound Greenway - I-90.

Head east along the byway and head through Mercer Island. You’ll love the historic buildings, such as Roanoke Inn. Prepare to be charmed by the quiet, quaint feel of this small island, home to Luther Burbank Park and V.F.W. Hall. Follow the Mountains to Sound Greenway (I-90) into Bellevue. Once in Bellevue, take Exit 11B and head to Bellevue College, the third largest academic institution in Washington state, enrolling on average 34,000 students. From Bellevue College, take I-405 north to get to the City University of Seattle, founded in 1973 and currently with locations throughout Washington, Hawaii, British Columbia, Alberta, and even overseas.

From City University of Seattle, make your way back to I-90 and the Mountains to Sound Greenway and head east out of Bellevue. On your way out, stop at the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, located just six miles south of the byway. Stretch your legs on one of the many hikes through the park, or saddle up and take a nice horseback ride. You’ll fall in love with the intense green landscape of Washington. You may also encounter one of the still-visible 19th century coal mine shafts throughout the park.

Continue about six miles along the byway into Issaquah. Take exit 15 and turn left onto 17th Avenue NW to reach Trinity Lutheran College, which was founded in 1944 and currently offers 30 areas of study in nine majors and 12 minors. From Trinity Lutheran College, make your way through town to the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. Take a tour and learn about the fascinating struggle salmon go through each year to lay their eggs. If you catch them at the right time, you can even see this incredible natural process happen! If a tour isn’t your kettle of fish, visit the Lake Sammamish or Squak Mountain State Parks. Both are located within ten miles of the byway on either side, and you’ll love the fishing, wildlife, hiking and scenery of these parks.

Return to the byway from Issaquah and continue east. Along the next 84-mile section of the byway, take a break from your college touring adventure and stop at one of the many interesting stops along the way. First, try visiting Snoqualmie Falls, 13 miles east of Issaquah. The Snoqualmie Falls cascades for 270 feet before colliding with a 65-foot-deep pool of frothy water-- truly a marvelous site. Return to the byway and continue east to see Twin Falls on your right, part of the Twin Falls State Park. Itching for another hike? Continue east for 18 miles and take Exit 54 to reach the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Although you may not want to walk the whole 145-mile trail in one day, you can stop and enjoy some more of the spectacular northwestern landscape. Make sure you bring some water-- it’s a long trip.

Travel another 15 miles along the byway to visit Lake Easton State Park, an adventure-filled park with sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains. If you’re in the mood for outdoor recreation, you’re in luck. Lake Easton State Park has it all, from hiking, biking, fishing and boating to snowshoeing. Head east along the byway for another ten miles, then take Exit 80 to get to Speelyi Beach, where you can relax and have a picnic in the sun.

Drive back through Roslyn and continue on the byway for another 17 miles before reaching Thorp. Exit here to visit the Historic Thorp Grist Mill, which was built in 1881 and provided the resources and jobs needed to develop the area. The byway ends after the Thorp Grist Mill, but continue east along I-90 to Ellensburg for the last stop on your college tour. Here you’ll find Central Washington University, home to the Wildcats and more than 100 major fields of study.

Your college tour is over! Consider for a moment the fun you’ve had and think about the great adventure that awaits you. The excitement is just beginning.

Photo Credits

^ Back to top