Origin
Coulee Dam, WA
Late night in Coulee Dam on Sunday
Local time
3:08 AM
PDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Coulee Dam, WA to Spokane Valley, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 18m
Distance
96.7 mi
156 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 9m
★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 38m
10 AM
2h 25m
12 PM
2h 23m
3 PM
2h 26m
5 PM
2h 37m
8 PM
2h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Coulee Dam, WA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Coulee Dam, WA to Spokane Valley, WA is 96.7 miles and takes about 2h 18m via Sunset Highway, State Route 174, and US 2, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you across Washington's Pacific Coast region, offering a mixed driving experience that's manageable for a single day. With a short duration and relatively low fuel cost, it's a convenient option for moving between these two points. Plan for a straightforward journey that won't demand an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.3 miles from Coulee Dam, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Highway | 52.3 mi | 1h 8m |
| State Route 174 | 17.8 mi | 22m |
| US 2 | 13.3 mi | 17m |
| West Sunset Highway | 4.8 mi | 10m |
| Coulee Corridor | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| West Broadway Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| Morgan Street | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| East Grand Coulee Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Sunset Highway
— 52.3 mi, about 1h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Coulee Dam, WA and Spokane Valley, WA.
1
Start on Marina Way
93 ft
·
4 sec
·
Marina Way
2
Continue on Roosevelt Way
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Roosevelt Way
3
Continue on WA 155
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
State Highway 155
4
Turn left onto WA 155
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Columbia Avenue
5
Continue on WA 155
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
State Route 155
6
Continue on WA 155
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Coulee Corridor
7
Turn left onto Federal Avenue
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
Federal Avenue
8
Turn slight left onto Spokane Way
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Spokane Way
9
Continue on WA 174
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Grand Coulee Avenue
10
Continue on WA 174
18 mi
·
22 min
·
State Route 174
11
Continue on WA 21
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
·
WA 21
12
At end of road, turn left onto US 2
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
Sunset Highway
13
Continue on US 2
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
West Main Avenue
14
Continue on US 2
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
Northwest Main Avenue
15
Continue on US 2
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Main Street
16
Continue on US 2
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Main Avenue
17
Continue on US 2
7.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Sunset Highway
18
Continue on US 2
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Watson Street
19
Continue on US 2
20 mi
·
24 min
·
Sunset Highway
20
Continue on US 2
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Morgan Street
21
Continue on US 2
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Sunset Highway
22
Continue on US 2; WA 231
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Broadway Avenue
23
Continue on US 2
13 mi
·
18 min
·
Sunset Highway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 2
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
West Sunset Highway
25
Enter roundabout onto West Sunset Highway
95 ft
·
1 sec
·
West Sunset Highway
26
Continue on West Sunset Highway
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Sunset Highway
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
27
Enter roundabout onto US 2
97 ft
·
2 sec
·
West Sunset Highway
28
Continue on US 2
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
West Sunset Highway
29
Turn straight onto US 2
13 mi
·
17 min
·
US 2
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Toward WA 27
31
Turn left onto WA 27
148 ft
·
11 sec
·
North Pines Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
32
Arrive at destination
WA 27
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 2h 18m duration, this trip offers flexibility; you can easily depart in the morning and arrive by midday. The fuel cost is estimated at $20, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before leaving Coulee Dam, as there are no designated stops on this route. Pay attention to road signs for Sunset Highway, State Route 174, and US 2 to navigate the transitions smoothly. The longest stretch is over 50 miles, so plan for a brief stop before or after that segment if needed for comfort.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 48.3 miles from Coulee Dam, WA, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 21 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.3 miles or 1h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spokane Valley, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Coulee Dam, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Coulee Dam, WA
This is one driving day of about 96.7 miles and 2h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Coulee Dam, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Sunset Highway for about 52.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 48.3 miles from Coulee Dam, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 81 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.4 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
WA 155 / Columbia Avenue
Turn left onto WA 155 / Columbia Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
22.2 mi into trip
|
~31m in
|
US 2 / Sunset Highway
At end of road, turn left onto US 2 / Sunset Highway
Navigation decision point
4
78.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
|
US 2 / West Sunset Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 2 / West Sunset Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
80 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
|
West Sunset Highway
Enter roundabout onto West Sunset Highway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
4
81 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
|
US 2 / West Sunset Highway
Enter roundabout onto US 2 / West Sunset Highway
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.24 one way
$40.48 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $21.22 | $42.45 |
| premium | $5.77 | $21.96 | $43.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.35 | $42.70 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29 | 0 | $10.15 | $4.64 |
| Efficient EV | 24.2 | 0 | $8.46 | $3.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.7 | 0 | $13.54 | $6.19 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Spokane Valley, WA
Late night in Spokane Valley on Sunday
Local time
3:08 AM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
47°F
Davenport, WA
48 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 18m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
The ancient geologic landscape of the upper Columbia River cradles Lake Roosevelt in walls of stone carved by massive ice age floods. Come explore the shorelines and learn the stories of American Indi...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 33.3
Park Closure: Hawk Creek Area Closed for 2026 Recreation Season
Park Closure: Fort Spokane Museum and Visitor Center to Close for Repairs
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a mixed drive profile, with 33% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches on Sunset Highway, State Route 174, and US 2. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 52.3 miles on Sunset Highway, offering a good period of consistent driving. The road's character shifts throughout the trip, providing variety without becoming overly challenging. Expect a blend of faster highway sections and potentially more winding local road segments.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.3 mi on Sunset Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near WA 155 / Columbia Avenue.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 18m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (WA 155 / Columbia Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 22.2 miles (US 2 / Sunset Highway): Navigation decision point; at 78.2 miles (US 2 / West Sunset Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 18m. Total distance: 96.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (33%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 52.3 miles on Sunset Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (WA 155 / Columbia Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 22.2 miles (US 2 / Sunset Highway): Navigation decision point; at 78.2 miles (US 2 / West Sunset Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Spokane Valley, WA before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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