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Trip from Kirkland, WA to Lake Shore, WA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 22m

Distance

170.3 mi

274 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 11m ★
6 AM
3h 23m
8 AM
3h 47m
10 AM
3h 31m
12 PM
3h 29m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 46m
8 PM
3h 15m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in King County, Washington, United States

Kirkland, WA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Lake Shore, WA, WA

Lake Shore, WA

William Jacobs

Trip Overview

This 170.3-mile drive from Kirkland, WA, to Lake Shore, WA, will take you approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. The route primarily utilizes I-5, I-405, and Northwest 99th Street, offering a straightforward journey within the Pacific Coast region. With a projected fuel cost of around $36, this highway-focused drive is efficient for reaching your destination. Plan for just one stop along the way, keeping the focus on covering ground. This trip is designed for those who appreciate a direct path through Washington.

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

85.2 miles from Kirkland, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 5 148.7 mi 2h 50m
I 405 17.8 mi 22m
Northwest 99th Street 0.9 mi 2m
7th Avenue 0.5 mi 1m
Northeast 85th Street 0.5 mi 1m
Northeast 99th Street 0.4 mi <1m
Northwest 20th Avenue 0.1 mi <1m
6th Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 5 — 148.7 mi, about 2h 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Kirkland, WA and Lake Shore, WA.

1

Start on 1st Street

399 ft · 16 sec · 1st Street
2

Turn left onto 7th Avenue

0.1 mi · 16 sec · 7th Avenue
3

Continue on 7th Avenue

0.3 mi · 52 sec · 7th Avenue
4

Continue on 7th Avenue

0.1 mi · 20 sec · 7th Avenue
5

Turn right onto 6th Street

449 ft · 14 sec · 6th Street
6

Turn left onto Northeast 85th Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Northeast 85th Street
7

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 405 South: Renton Use the right lane.
8

Merge onto I 405

18 mi · 22 min · I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 48 sec
Toward I 5 South: Portland Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 5

20 mi · 25 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

126 mi · 2 hr 22 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

2.2 mi · 2 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Exit 5 Toward Northeast 99th Street Use the slight right lane.
14

Turn straight onto Northeast 99th Street

0.4 mi · 58 sec · Northeast 99th Street
15

Continue on Northwest 99th Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · Northwest 99th Street
16

Turn left onto Northwest 18th Avenue

172 ft · 9 sec · Northwest 18th Avenue
17

Turn right onto Northwest 98th Street

399 ft · 17 sec · Northwest 98th Street
18

Continue on Northwest 20th Avenue

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Northwest 20th Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

Northwest 96th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 22-minute duration, an early morning departure from Kirkland is advisable to maximize your day. The longest stretch on I-5 is nearly 150 miles, so plan your single stop strategically for fuel or a break. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, budgeting is straightforward. Keep an eye out for potential traffic on I-405 as you transition, as this is a common area for congestion. This route's direct nature means you have flexibility in how you pace your journey.

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 85.2 miles from Kirkland, WA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 148.7 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 37 miles or 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 85.2 miles or 1h 43m 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 45m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Kirkland, 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 Kirkland, WA

This is one driving day of about 170.3 miles and 3h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Kirkland, 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 148.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in and county seat of Thurston County, Washington, United States, and Washington federated state capital city

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Olympia, WA

85 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

Fife Heights, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tumwater, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 85.2 miles from Kirkland, 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 148.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

SOI Thai Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kirkland, Washington

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14252027465

Visit website

Jeremy's Farm to Table

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chehalis, Washington

1.1 mi

Joy's Once Upon a Thyme

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chehalis, Washington

1.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Gravity Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakewood, Washington

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 48.7

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12534478740

Visit website

Daisy Mae's Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kent, Washington

2.6 mi

SOI Thai Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Kirkland, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14252027465

Visit website

Jeremy's Farm to Table

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 97.3

Chehalis, Washington

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+13607484417

Visit website

Joy's Once Upon a Thyme

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 97.3

Chehalis, Washington

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+13607408944

Visit website

Anchovies and Salt

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 12.2

Renton, Washington

Hours: 12–9 pm

+14259703154

Visit website

Peachtree Restaurant & Pie House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 170.3

Vancouver, Washington

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13606936736

Black Bear Diner Lakewood

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.7

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12532670238

Visit website

Tina’s Kitfo, Restaurant & Coffee Shop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 12.2

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+12064204871

Visit website

Due' Cucina Italian Restaurant - Totem Lake

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Kirkland, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14257777725

Visit website

Gravity Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 48.7

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12534478740

Visit website

Daisy Mae's Café

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.3

Kent, Washington

Hours: 4:30 am–5 pm

+12538725580

Naomi Joe Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 36.5

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12532373403

Visit website

Rainier Valley Coffee Co.

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 36.5

Puyallup, Washington

Hours: 4 am–6 pm

Visit website

Candor Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.3

Renton, Washington

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+12532368630

Visit website

Amoré Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Bellevue, Washington

Hours: 5:30 am–6 pm

+14255035792

Visit website

Painted Plate

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 73

Olympia, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13607052103

Visit website

Santo Coffee Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Seattle, Washington

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+12064031678

Visit website

Cowlitz County Historical Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 133.8

Kelso, Washington

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+13605773119

Visit website

The Family Room LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 133.8

Kelso, Washington

Hours: 2–7 pm

+13603023214

Visit website

Tam O'Shanter Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 133.8

Kelso, Washington

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

+13604231371

Visit website

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 60.8

Olympia, Washington

+13607539467

Visit website

Children's Discovery Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 133.8

Kelso, Washington

Hours: 3:30–5:30 pm

+13603539682

Visit website

420 Holiday

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 133.8

Longview, Washington

Hours: 8 am–11:55 pm

+13607033103

Visit website

Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Kirkland, Washington

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+14255873300

Visit website

Pointe Pest Control - Longview

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 133.8

Longview, Washington

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15034763446

Visit website

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 0.1 and 168.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | 7th Avenue

Turn left onto 7th Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
19.3 mi into trip | ~26m in

Take the exit toward I 5 South: Portland

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 5 South: Portland
6
39.9 mi into trip | ~52m in | I 5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
166.1 mi into trip | ~3h 14m in | I 5

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
168.3 mi into trip | ~3h 17m in

Take the exit toward Northeast 99th Street

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 5 Toward Northeast 99th Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.64 one way

$71.28 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $37.38 $74.76
premium $5.77 $38.67 $77.35
diesel $5.61 $37.60 $75.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.1 0 $17.88 $8.17
Efficient EV 42.6 0 $14.90 $6.81
EV Truck/SUV 68.1 0 $23.84 $10.90

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (67% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Kirkland, WA

Evening in Kirkland on Saturday

Local time

7:52 PM

PDT

Current temp

57°F

Sunny

SSW 5 mph 2% chance Live forecast

Destination

Lake Shore, WA

Evening in Lake Shore on Saturday

Local time

7:52 PM

PDT

Current temp

69°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

12 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

3h 22m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 5.9
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 98% of the drive on major interstates. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 148.7 miles on I-5, so be prepared for long periods of consistent speed. While largely an interstate journey, the inclusion of Northwest 99th Street suggests a brief transition to a more localized road as you approach your destination. This route prioritizes efficiency over winding scenic byways.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 148.7 mi on I 5.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and I 405. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 7th Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

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 170.3 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 0.1 miles (7th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 19.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.9 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 22m. Total distance: 170.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 148.7 miles on I 5. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 Lake Shore, 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 0.1 miles (7th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 19.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 39.9 miles (I 5): 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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Lake Shore, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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