Finley to Kent is 229.7 miles and takes about 4h 27m via US 97, US 12, and I 82, with a fuel budget near $49 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route traverses the Pacific Coast region within Washington state, offering a predominantly highway experience. It's a practical, direct path suitable for a single-day trip, connecting two points within the same state. Consider this option when you need an efficient transit between these areas without extensive detours.
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
114.8 miles from Finley, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 97
85.7 mi
1h 35m
US 12
70.9 mi
1h 17m
I 82
31 mi
33m
State Route 18
15.8 mi
20m
WA 240
11.6 mi
13m
East State Route 397
4.2 mi
6m
Southeast 272nd Street
2 mi
3m
Southeast Kent Kangley Road
1.8 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 85.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 27 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
1 PM
~1,339 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,355
Quietest
2 AM
~108 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
12.4×
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 Finley, WA and Kent, WA.
1
Start on Finley Road
0.2 mi·23 sec·Finley Road
2
Turn left onto WA 397
4.2 mi·6 min·East State Route 397
3
Continue on WA 397
1.0 mi·1 min·East Chemical Drive
4
Continue on WA 397
0.4 mi·1 min·South Gum Street
5
Turn left onto East Columbia Drive
1.6 mi·3 min·East Columbia Drive
6
Enter roundabout onto WA 240
0.1 mi·8 sec·WA 240
7
Continue on WA 240
6.4 mi·8 min·WA 240
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto WA 240
5.1 mi·5 min·WA 240
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 182; US 12
0.1 mi·7 sec·I 182; US 12
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12
71 mi·1 hr 17 min·US 12
Toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
11
Continue on I 82; US 97
31 mi·33 min·I 82; US 97
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
86 mi·1 hr 35 min·US 97
Toward I 90 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
15
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
16
Continue on WA 18
16 mi·20 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward WA 516: South East 272nd Street, CovingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn right onto WA 516
2.0 mi·3 min·Southeast 272nd Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
19
Continue on WA 516
0.2 mi·16 sec·Southeast Kent-Kangley Road
20
Continue on WA 516
1.8 mi·3 min·Southeast Kent Kangley Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Continue on WA 516
0.4 mi·55 sec·Southeast 256th Street
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on WA 516
1.0 mi·1 min·Canyon Drive
23
Continue on WA 516
0.1 mi·20 sec·East Smith Street
24
Turn left onto East Titus Street
0.2 mi·40 sec·East Titus Street
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on East Gowe Street
0.3 mi·56 sec·East Gowe Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue South
10 ft·0 sec·2nd Avenue South
27
Arrive at destination
2nd Avenue South
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 27m estimated duration, starting your drive from Finley in the morning is advisable to ensure you have ample daylight. The route is primarily highway, so fuel stops are less frequent, but it's wise to fill up before embarking on the longest stretch of 85.7 miles on US 97. With a total distance of 229.7 miles and a single day recommendation, you have flexibility in planning your stops. Pay attention to the transition as you merge onto I 82, where traffic density may increase.
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 114.8 miles from Finley, WA, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.7 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 51 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.8 miles or 2h 10m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kent, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Finley, 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 Finley, WA
This is one driving day of about 229.7 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Finley, 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 85.7 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 121.1 and 229.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
121.1 mi into trip|~2h 17m 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
7
206.8 mi into trip|~3h 53m in
Take the exit toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
9
207 mi into trip|~3h 53m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn,...
7
223.3 mi into trip|~4h 14m in
Take the exit toward WA 516: South East 272nd Street, Covington
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.
Toward WA 516: South East 272nd Street, Covingt...
7
229.1 mi into trip|~4h 26m in|East Titus Street
Turn left onto East Titus Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.75 one way
$89.49 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$46.88
$93.76
premium
$5.39
$48.75
$97.50
diesel
$4.80
$43.37
$86.74
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.9
0
$24.12
$11.03
Efficient EV
57.4
0
$20.10
$9.19
EV Truck/SUV
91.9
1
$32.16
$14.70
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% 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
Finley, WA
Morning
in Finley on Sunday
Local time
10:23 AM
PDT
Current temp
93°F
Sunny
SW 10 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
Kent, WA
Morning
in Kent on Sunday
Local time
10:23 AM
PDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
WNW 5 mph2% 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
13 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
4h 27m 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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 229.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 96% of the 229.7 miles on high-speed roads. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch on US 97, covering 85.7 miles. The profile is consistently highway, meaning you'll experience fewer turns and more straightforward cruising for the majority of the trip. Expect smooth sailing with minimal interruptions until you approach urban areas near Kent.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 85.7 mi on US 97.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 97 and US 12. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 121.1 miles in near US 97.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 229.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 121.1 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 207 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,945 ft44 ft
Total Climb
3,427 ft
Total Descent
3,738 ft
Highest Point
2,945 ft
~180.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,902 ft
Notable High Points
2,336 ft at ~114.8 miles+539 ft prominence
2,945 ft at ~180.5 miles+522 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Finley, WA and Kent, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 27m. Total distance: 229.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 85.7 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 Kent, 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 121.1 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 207 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Kent, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
