US 2 Stevens Pass - Wenatchee to Sultan

[jamawani]

Would love to hear your feedback on this route.
I will avoid my own opinion so as not to influence yours.
I've crossed the Cascades in Washington every possible way by bicycle.
But it's been some years since I did US 2.

Have you ridden Stevens Pass in the past few years?
What did you think of the traffic levels and shoulders?
Were you aware of back road options?
(Easy St, North Rd, Chumstick Hwy; east)
(Old Cascade Highway, Reiter Rd, Ben Howard Rd; west)

Oh, and rate the scenery, please.

Would you ride US 2 over Stevens Pass again?
If you've done other routes, how does it compare?

Happy cycling in 2018 - and thanks.

PS - I am discussing the route - not planning a January ride.