This 242.5-mile drive from Dallesport, WA, to Seattle, WA, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day. With an estimated duration of 4 hours and 44 minutes, it’s a manageable trip, perfect for a day excursion. You'll primarily be on US 97 and I-82, with a portion on Lewis and Clark Trail Highway, offering an 89% highway experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $51. This route traverses the Pacific Coast region, providing a direct connection between two points within the same general area.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
121.2 miles from Dallesport, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 97
165.8 mi
3h 9m
I 82
49.3 mi
54m
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
18.5 mi
23m
Dallesport Road
1.9 mi
4m
Evergreen Highway
1.8 mi
2m
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
1.3 mi
1m
Buena Way
0.8 mi
1m
South Elm Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 165.8 mi, about 3h 9m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 75 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,875 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,580
Quietest
2 AM
~143 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
20.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dallesport, WA and Seattle, WA.
1
Start on 6th Avenue
84 ft·5 sec·6th Avenue
2
Turn right onto Central Boulevard
0.3 mi·1 min·Central Boulevard
3
Turn straight onto Dallesport Road
1.9 mi·4 min·Dallesport Road
4
Turn right onto WA 14
18 mi·23 min·Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·55 sec
6
Continue on US 97
58 mi·1 hr 7 min·US 97
7
Continue on WA 22
0.7 mi·1 min·South Elm Street
8
Continue on WA 22
0.8 mi·1 min·Buena Way
9
Continue on WA 22
1.8 mi·2 min·Evergreen Highway
10
Continue on WA 22
0.1 mi·11 sec·Buena Road
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
12
Merge onto I 82; US 12
18 mi·20 min·I 82; US 12
13
Continue on I 82; US 97
31 mi·33 min·I 82; US 97
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
107 mi·2 hr 1 min·US 97
Toward I 90 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 90
1.3 mi·1 min·Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 2CToward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia, James Street, Madison StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia, Madison Street, Convention Center
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·54 sec
Toward Madison Street, Convention PlaceUse the slight right lane.
19
Turn left onto Madison Street
0.1 mi·35 sec·Madison Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Turn left
31 ft·2 sec
21
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 44-minute estimated drive time, starting your journey in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one designated stop, the longest stretch of 165.8 miles on US 97 means you'll want to ensure you have ample fuel before embarking. The $51 fuel cost is a good budget to keep in mind. This is a one-day trip, so you have the advantage of not needing to rush or split the drive, allowing for a relaxed pace.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 121.2 miles from Dallesport, WA, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 165.8 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 53 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.2 miles or 2h 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 53m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Seattle, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dallesport, 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 Dallesport, WA
This is one driving day of about 242.5 miles and 4h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Dallesport, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 97 for about 165.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 132.3 and 242.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
132.3 mi into trip|~2h 37m in|US 97
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97 toward I 90 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 West
8
241.1 mi into trip|~4h 40m in
Take the exit toward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia, James Street, Madison Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2C
Toward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia, J...
6
241.8 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia, Madison Street, Convention Center
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia, M...
8
242 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Madison Street, Convention Place
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Madison Street, Convention Place
6
242.3 mi into trip|~4h 43m in|Madison Street
Turn left onto Madison Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.24 one way
$94.48 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$49.49
$98.99
premium
$5.39
$51.47
$102.94
diesel
$4.80
$45.79
$91.58
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.8
0
$25.46
$11.64
Efficient EV
60.6
0
$21.22
$9.70
EV Truck/SUV
97
1
$33.95
$15.52
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Dallesport, WA
Morning
in Dallesport on Sunday
Local time
10:40 AM
PDT
Current temp
59°F
Clear
W 9 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Seattle, WA
Morning
in Seattle on Sunday
Local time
10:40 AM
PDT
Current temp
76°F
Mostly Sunny
WSW 2 to 7 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 9:08PM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
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
17 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 44m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people from around the world passing through this port city on their way to a remarkable adventure in the Yukon Territory...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 242.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 89% of the drive taking place on major roadways. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 165.8 miles on US 97, which sets the pace for much of the journey. While the majority is highway driving, the inclusion of Lewis and Clark Trail Highway adds a touch of variation. This road will feel efficient, allowing you to cover ground quickly for most of the 242.5 miles.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 165.8 mi on US 97.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 97 and I 82. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 132.3 miles in near US 97.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 242.5 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 132.3 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 241.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 241.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Seattle, Washington sits at one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Occupying a narrow isthmus between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, with 780,000 people in Seattle and over four million people in the metro area. Seen from above, carpets of evergreen trees, pristine blue waters, and snowy white mountains surround the downtown's metallic skyscrapers, earning the city its nickname The Emerald City.
On the ground, you will find a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Next to the progressive downtown and the freewheeling feel of Capitol Hill, you can find a laid-back atmosphere in the districts to the north and ethnically diverse neighborhoods to the south.
Top landmarks
•Space Needle — observation tower in Seattle, Washington, United States
•Climate Pledge Arena — sports arena in Seattle, Washington, USA
•Museum of Pop Culture — museum in Seattle, Washington, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 44m. Total distance: 242.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 165.8 miles on US 97. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 12 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Seattle, WA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 12 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 132.3 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 241.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 241.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Seattle, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
