I don't think Chuckanut Drive is as scenic as some would make out. You really don't see that much on the drive as it is hidden.
A drive I would recommend is taking US 2 east at Everett to US 97, head north to from there, taking WA 153 to Winthrop and then US 20 (the North Cascades Highway) back to I-5 at Burlington. You could also turn north earlier and head up to drive in the highway to Mt Baker though it is a o-w highway.