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Trip from Fircrest, WA to Vancouver, 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 35m

Distance

134.3 mi

216 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 25m ★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Fircrest, WA, WA

Fircrest, WA

Alex Stone

Trip Overview

This 134.3-mile drive from Fircrest, WA, to Vancouver, WA, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 35 minutes. Given its manageable length and duration, it's perfectly suited as a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. You'll spend virtually all your time on major roadways, with 99% of the route being highway driving. Expect a fuel cost of around $28 for this trip. This drive is an efficient way to travel within the Pacific Coast region of Washington state.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

67.1 miles from Fircrest, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 5 130.4 mi 2h 27m
WA 16 2.2 mi 3m
Columbia Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Alameda Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
South Orchard Street 0.2 mi <1m
South 19th Street 0.2 mi <1m
East Fourth Plain Boulevard 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 5 — 130.4 mi, about 2h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fircrest, WA and Vancouver, WA.

1

Start on Alameda Avenue

0.2 mi · 45 sec · Alameda Avenue
Use the straight lane.
2

Turn right onto Columbia Avenue

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Columbia Avenue
3

Continue on South 19th Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · South 19th Street
Use the right lane.
4

Turn right onto South Orchard Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · South Orchard Street
Use the right lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward WA 16 East: Seattle, Portland Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto WA 16

1.9 mi · 2 min · WA 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto WA 16

0.1 mi · 11 sec · WA 16
Toward I 5 South: Portland Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16

0.2 mi · 22 sec · WA 16
Toward I 5 South: Portland South 38th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 5

124 mi · 2 hr 20 min · I 5
Use the slight right lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

6.2 mi · 7 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 1D Toward 4th Plain Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

242 ft · 13 sec
Toward 4th Plain Boulevard East Use the left lane.
13

Turn left onto East Fourth Plain Boulevard

0.2 mi · 23 sec · East Fourth Plain Boulevard
Use the left lane.
14

Arrive at destination

East Fourth Plain Boulevard

Trip Plan

With a duration of just 2 hours and 35 minutes, this trip offers flexibility, so you can leave whenever it suits you. You'll want to factor in the estimated fuel cost of $28. Since the longest stretch on I 5 is over 130 miles, plan for one stop to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. Given the highway-focused nature, pay attention to traffic patterns, especially as you approach the Vancouver area, as congestion can sometimes impact travel times.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.1 miles from Fircrest, WA, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130.4 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 30 miles or 36m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 67.1 miles or 1h 18m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Vancouver, WA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fircrest, 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 Fircrest, WA

This is one driving day of about 134.3 miles and 2h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Fircrest, 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 I 5 for about 130.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and county seat of Lewis County, Washington, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chehalis, WA

67 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.

Popular next leg

Chehalis, WA to Vancouver, WA

77.4 mi · 1h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

Olympia, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Chehalis, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.1 miles from Fircrest, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 130.4 miles.

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 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 134.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.9 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward WA 16 East: Seattle, Portland

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward WA 16 East: Seattle, Portland
7
3.1 mi into trip | ~5m in | WA 16

Keep slight right at fork onto WA 16 toward I 5 South: Portland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 5 South: Portland
8
3.2 mi into trip | ~5m in | WA 16

Keep slight left at fork onto WA 16 toward I 5 South: Portland South 38th Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 5 South: Portland South 38th Street
7
133.9 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in

Take the exit toward 4th Plain Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1D Toward 4th Plain Boulevard
8
134.1 mi into trip | ~2h 34m in

Keep slight left at fork toward 4th Plain Boulevard East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward 4th Plain Boulevard East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.11 one way

$56.22 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $29.48 $58.95
premium $5.77 $30.50 $61.00
diesel $5.61 $29.65 $59.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 47 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.3 0 $14.10 $6.45
Efficient EV 33.6 0 $11.75 $5.37
EV Truck/SUV 53.7 0 $18.80 $8.60

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Fircrest, WA

Late night in Fircrest on Sunday

Local time

12:44 AM

PDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Vancouver, WA

Late night in Vancouver on Sunday

Local time

12:44 AM

PDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

2 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

2h 35m 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.

Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park

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...

26 mi from route ~66 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Primarily an interstate experience, this route is 99% highway driving, meaning you'll be on fast-paced roads for the vast majority of your trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is a substantial 130.4 miles on I 5, offering a consistent pace. While mainly a highway-focused drive, there are brief transitions onto WA 16 and Columbia Avenue. The character remains largely consistent, emphasizing efficient travel over varied scenery.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130.4 mi on I 5.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and WA 16. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 134.3 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 0.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.1 miles (WA 16): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (WA 16): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Vancouver, WA

Full guide →

Vancouver is a city in southwest Washington State, immediately north of the border with Oregon. The city was established around Fort Vancouver, a fur trading outpost dating back to 1824, making this one of the oldest continuously-inhabited European communities in the Pacific Northwest. Two bridges across the Columbia River connect Vancouver to the rest of the Portland Metropolitan Area.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 35m. Total distance: 134.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 130.4 miles on I 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Vancouver, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.1 miles (WA 16): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.2 miles (WA 16): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. 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 Vancouver, 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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