Washington State Considers Taxing Vehicle Emissions - From SEMA Action Network

In a misguided attempt to reduce motor vehicle emissions, legislation (S.B. 6900) has been introduced in the Washington State Senate by Senator Rodney Tom (tom.rodney@leg.wa.gov) to establish two separate progressive fees for state motor vehicles based on (1) engine size and (2) calculations of carbon emissions. These fees would be collected by the state at the time of initial vehicle registration and at subsequent renewals of registration. If this effort is successful, the expense of driving the vehicle of your choice in Washington State could be substantial.

Snake Hill is the local nickname for 212th Wy SE. The part, as 212th climbs up to the Sammamish Plateau, is less than a mile long, and often has slow moving sedans, SUV's, or station wagons keeping you in line. However, when you get this prime streatch of pavement to yourself you'll be wearing the silliest grin ever.

Snoqualmie River Rd is a classic farm country road that scrambles its way past 2 golf courses, a protected marsh, and numerous farms. Accessible from Tolt Hill Rd (off SR-203) at its west end, and Redmond-Fall City Hwy (aka SR-202) at its east end, it's an unmarked 2 lane road with vegetation thick at the roadside. Be on the look out for blind 90 degree bends, and stout trees defending the fields in places.

The pavement quality has been better, but it could definitely be worse. There are no potholes to worry about, but years of settling and heaving have left some pretty pronounced dips and swells in addition to a few patches of wash-board. The west end of the drive offers sever well banked corners. Do resist the urge to hog the road, you can't see oncoming traffic.

Heading away from Carnation, hang a left on SE 24th St (where the road T's) to keep up the property-line scramble as the road squeezes between farms. From Redmond-Fall City Hwy, head North on 324th Ave SE, keeping your eyes pealed for Snoqualmie River Rd T'd to the right.

This drive reminds me of a string of pearls. As a whole, it makes a beautiful necklace with great roads running from Deception Pass at the north end of the Island to Clinton at the south end. There are literally dozens of great sections of road with moderate sweepers sliding back and forth across the island and down the shorelines. But, just like a real string of pearls, if you look close enough, you can see the thread that holds them together. You hop on and off Highways 20 and 525, and spend time on boring, do nothing straights in between the fun bits. The views are great, but without a navigator along to read the map, you'll be spending too much time keeping track of your position and the next road change to appreciate them much. Another 2 or 3 runs would probably make the route simple to follow and the maps could stay stuffed in the trunk. The only real problem is navigating. Unfortunately it gets in the way of driving and scenery.

Most of this road is pretty unexciting. However, the southern end, where it connects with Ames Lake-Carnation Rd is an exceptionally roller-coaster-esque ride. The road undulates and curves wonderfully for maybe a mile. And that mile is worth it. This is definitely one of the more challenging roads I've found. I once got a Honda Civic air-borne here (I was paying more attention to the young lady in my passenger seat than the road, whoops).