The Wayside Chapel brings religious respite to traveller’s on Washington’s Highway 2

written by Sheila G. Miller | photos by Andrea Vanni

On Washington’s Highway 2 just west of Sultan, a hand-painted billboard lets you know of the approaching Wayside Chapel with five words: Pause Rest Worship (no facilities).
The tiny chapel, which opened in 1962, has four two-seater pews, a wee altar with room for a preacher, a Bible, a couple flower vases and a notebook for guests to record their thoughts.

According to the tiny building’s Facebook page, it started as an idea to provide a religious stop for visitors traveling to the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle. In its first four months of operation, almost 3,000 people signed the guest book.

The little chapel, which is just 8 feet by 14 feet, sits alone at the edge of a green field next to a grand tree. It’s the perfect brief respite for the weary traveler.