Summer Road Trips in Washington
Routes
30
Avg Distance
457 mi
Avg Drive
8h 46m
Destinations
17
Washington in the summer offers a diverse range of drives, from lengthy cross-state expeditions to more focused regional explorations. With 30 routes listed, averaging 457 miles and over 8 hours, there's ample opportunity to experience the state's varied landscapes. Expect drives with moderate elevation changes, some reaching over 4,000 feet, and varying levels of EV charger availability.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$5.35/gal
Diesel: $5.60/gal
Typical trip cost
$78–$500
One-way, ~457 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~160 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31
Climate through the year: Washington
Washington peaks at around 78°F in Aug and cools to 47°F / 37°F in Dec. Wettest month is Nov at ~6.3 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48 | 38 | 5.8 | 1.8 |
| Feb | 50 | 38 | 3.8 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 54 | 40 | 4.2 | 0.4 |
| Apr | 59 | 43 | 3.2 | — |
| May | 66 | 49 | 1.9 | — |
| Jun peak | 71 | 53 | 1.5 | — |
| Jul peak | 77 | 57 | 0.6 | — |
| Aug peak | 78 | 57 | 1 | — |
| Sep | 72 | 54 | 1.6 | — |
| Oct | 61 | 47 | 3.9 | — |
| Nov | 52 | 41 | 6.3 | 0.2 |
| Dec | 47 | 37 | 5.7 | 1.7 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for WA — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Marysville, WA → Dublin, OH
Through: Broadus → Valparaiso
This extensive cross-country option, spanning 2,377 miles, presents a significant journey through varied terrain with a drive score of 7. It involves hilly sections and ascents up to 4,125 feet, offering a substantial travel experience.
Editor's pick
Ocean Park, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Muckleshoot Reservation
Covering 449 miles, this route scores an 7 and is primarily highway-based. It traverses hilly landscapes with elevations up to 2,482 feet and includes access to parks, making it a solid choice for a scenic cross-state trip.
Editor's pick
Kettle Falls, WA → Vancouver, WA
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +2 more
With a high drive score of 8, this 436-mile route focuses on surface roads through gently rolling terrain, maxing out at 2,397 feet. It boasts excellent EV coverage with 21 DC fast chargers and provides access to parks.
Ilwaco, WA → Spokane, WA
Through: Muckleshoot Reservation
Vancouver, WA → Colville, WA
Through: Umatilla → Pasco → Spokane +2 more
Oroville, WA → Vancouver, WA
Through: Ellensburg → Seattle → Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn +1 more
Vancouver, WA → Newport, WA
Through: Umatilla → Pasco → Spokane +1 more
Westport, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Olympia → Muckleshoot Reservation
Spokane, WA → Port Angeles, WA
Through: Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn → Tacoma → Bremerton
Spokane Valley, WA → Raymond, WA
Through: Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn → Tacoma → Port Angeles
Spokane Valley, WA → Blaine, WA
Through: Everett → Bellevue → Vancouver British Columbia
Bellingham, WA → Clarkston, WA
Through: Renton → Seattle → Pullman
Westport, WA → Spokane, WA
Through: Olympia → Muckleshoot Reservation
Spokane, WA → South Bend, WA
Through: Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn → Tacoma → Port Angeles +1 more
Nooksack, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Renton → Seattle
Spokane, WA → Sumas, WA
Through: Everett → Bellevue → Vancouver British Columbia +1 more
Hoquiam, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Muckleshoot Reservation
Spokane Valley, WA → Ferndale, WA
Through: Everett → Bellevue → Vancouver British Columbia
West Longview, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Yakima → Ellensburg → Spokane
Nooksack, WA → Spokane, WA
Through: Renton → Seattle
Marietta, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Renton → Seattle
Longview, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Yakima → Ellensburg → Spokane
Spokane Valley, WA → Venersborg, WA
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +4 more
Kelso, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Yakima → Ellensburg → Spokane
Lewisville, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Umatilla → Pasco → Spokane +1 more
Spokane, WA → Woodland, WA
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +4 more
Dollar Corner, WA → Spokane Valley, WA
Through: Umatilla → Pasco → Spokane +1 more
Everett, WA → Colville, WA
Through: Seattle → Newport
Vancouver, WA → Liberty Lake, WA
Through: Umatilla → Pasco → Spokane +1 more
Spokane, WA → West Longview, WA