I did a similar ride clockwise and it was awesome. started in Renton and stayed in Snohomish than in darrington. Then stayed at Ross Lake Resort...that is an amazing stay in a cabin floating on the lake. Boats took me there. than the fabulous Duck Pond Inn in Winthrop. The climbs are stunning. I ended up going over Blewett and on to Renton through Snoqualmie. It is a great ride. I did it on a tandem and stayed in motels and ate out. Fresh cherries were abundant and added to the fun. The only question might be the wind direction on 97. It can be a bugger if it isn't going your direction.