The Bothell Branch of the Sunset Highway: A Historical Overview
By Curt Cunningham

A Pioneering Route Around Lake Washington

Before the Sunset Highway officially opened in 1915, Washington State faced a critical decision: which direction should the highway take around Lake Washington? There were three options; The first was the Yellowstone Trail route through Kirkland across Lake Washington on the ferry; the second was around the southern end of the lake through Renton; and the third was around the northern end of the lake through Bothell. The southern route was chosen primarily due to its proximity to Seattle's industrial hub, ensuring direct access for the bustling trade and commerce sectors south of the city. The first option was not considered as the State wanted to eliminate ferries whenever possible. 

This decision to take the southern route left the northern side of the lake without a state-recognized route for nearly a decade.

By the 1920s, however, growing communities and increasing traffic demands highlighted the need for a northern route. In February 1925, the state addressed this need by signing into law the creation of the Bothell Branch of the Sunset Highway, officially known as Primary State Highway 2 BO (PSH 2 BO), or simply, the North Branch.

Tracing the Route: Fall City to Seattle

The Bothell Branch began in Fall City, a small agricultural town, and extended westward to Redmond on what is today State Route 202. From Redmond, the route veered north to Woodinville before heading east to Bothell. At Bothell, it connected with the Pacific Highway, offering travelers seamless access south into Seattle.

With this addition, travelers now had multiple options: they could take the northern or southern route around Lake Washington or opt for ferries serving lakeside communities such as Bellevue, Medina, and Kirkland on the eastern shore, and Seattle neighborhoods like Leschi and Madison Park. This interconnectivity fostered a new era of accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors alike.

A Boon for the North Lake Communities

The creation of the Bothell Branch brought immediate benefits to the towns along its path. Redmond, Woodinville, and Bothell experienced a surge in activity, with increased traffic helping local economies thrive. By 1927, the Bothell Sentinel proudly touted the North Branch as the superior choice for circumventing the lake, citing its flat terrain, absence of sharp curves, and shorter overall distance compared to the southern route.

Despite these advantages, the nearby Pacific Highway underwent a significant realignment in 1926, bypassing Bothell in favor of Aurora Avenue in Seattle. This left the old Seattle-Bothell Road without a designation, prompting the Sentinel to campaign for its renaming as the "Puget Sound Highway." The paper went so far as to claim that within two years, no one would be able to go anywhere without passing through Bothell.

By 1928 and again in 1932, discussions emerged about extending the Bothell Branch southward to Seattle via the original Pacific Highway alignment. This long-debated extension was finally approved in 1937, solidifying the branch's status as a vital thoroughfare.

Mid-Century Adjustments and Modern Transformations

As road networks evolved, so too did the Bothell Branch. In 1942, the Preston-North Bend Cutoff was completed, bypassing Fall City and Snoqualmie. This new alignment streamlined the Sunset Highway but left the eastern end of the Bothell Branch without a direct connection. In the late 1940s, this issue was resolved when the branch was officially extended from Fall City to North Bend, re-establishing its continuity.

The region between Fall City and Bothell has remained largely agricultural over the past century, preserving much of its rural charm. However, Woodinville has undergone a dramatic transformation, earning renown as the Woodinville Wine Country. This identity began in 1976 with the opening of the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery, located on the historic Hollywood Farm site. Today, Woodinville boasts over 100 wineries, alongside numerous breweries and distilleries, making it a premier destination for wine enthusiasts.

A Journey Through Time and Place

The Bothell Branch of the Sunset Highway serves as a fascinating lens through which to view the development of Washington State’s transportation network and the communities it connects. From its origins as a practical solution to bypassing Lake Washington to its role in spurring growth in Redmond, Woodinville, and Bothell, the branch remains a testament to the transformative power of infrastructure. Today, while the agricultural roots of the region endure, modern amenities like Woodinville’s thriving wine industry ensure that the route remains as vibrant and relevant as ever.