There might not be much to see in nearby Lynnwood, but it is a good halfway point when you're looking for an affordable base of operations for exploration into Seattle and Snohomish County.

There are a number of chain hotels clustered right near the I-5/I-405 junction and between Highway 99 and I-5 east of Edmonds, but for a consistently affordable option, consider Hotel International (5621 196th St. SW, 800/626-5750 or 425/771-1777, $70 s, $90 d), an independent hotel with tidy and spacious rooms, an indoor spa, and very gracious staffers.

Of course, if you're headed to Edmonds or Mukilteo for the charm of the neighborhood, then a friendly bed-and-breakfast is probably more your speed. Mukilteo offers two B&Bs that won't break the bank.

Two miles north of downtown Edmonds, Maple Tree B&B (18313 Olympic View Dr., 425/774-8420, $90 d) rests atop a bluff facing the sound and the Olympics beyond. Soak up the view from the solarium, and once the sun goes down, check out the constellations from the telescope set up there. The single guest room has a private bath, and a light breakfast is served.

And the centrally located Dayton House B&B (522 Dayton, 425/778-3611, $95 d) is a private upstairs apartment with a view deck, within walking distance of Brackett’s Landing and the ferry terminal.