Spanning 357.7 miles, this route from Minnehaha to Spokane offers a solid day trip for those comfortable with nearly seven hours of driving. You will spend roughly 6h 46m on the road, primarily navigating via the Columbia River Highway, US 395, and the McNary Highway. Budgeting around $75 for fuel is a safe bet for this trek across Washington state. Since the drive remains entirely within the Pacific Coast region, you can expect a consistent transition across familiar terrain. While it is certainly feasible to complete this journey in one day, the duration makes it a significant commitment that requires steady pacing to stay comfortable behind the wheel.
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
178.8 miles from Minnehaha, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Columbia River Highway
158.1 mi
2h 55m
US 395
131.2 mi
2h 21m
McNary Highway
29.9 mi
33m
Old Oregon Trail Highway
11.4 mi
12m
I 205
7.3 mi
9m
Lewis and Clark Trail
4.9 mi
6m
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
3.3 mi
4m
WA 500
2.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Columbia River Highway
— 158.1 mi, about 2h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minnehaha, WA and Spokane, WA.
1
Start on Northeast 51st Street
56 ft·7 sec·Northeast 51st Street
2
Turn left onto Northeast 22nd Avenue
0.2 mi·41 sec·Northeast 22nd Avenue
3
Turn left onto Northeast 49th Street
0.6 mi·1 min·Northeast 49th Street
4
Turn right onto Northeast Saint James Road
0.6 mi·1 min·Northeast Saint James Road
5
Turn slight right onto Northeast Saint Johns Road
0.1 mi·27 sec·Northeast Saint Johns Road
6
Turn left
0.4 mi·51 sec
Toward WA 500 EastUse the left lane.
7
Merge onto WA 500
2.9 mi·4 min·WA 500
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 205 South: SalemUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 205
7.3 mi·9 min·I 205
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 22Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The DallesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 84; US 30
158 mi·2 hr 55 min·Columbia River Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 84; US 30
11 mi·12 min·Old Oregon Trail Highway
13
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 82 West: Hermiston, Umatilla
14
Continue on I 82
30 mi·33 min·McNary Highway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395
3.3 mi·4 min·Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
Toward US 395 north to I‑182: Kennewick, Pasco, Spokane
16
Continue on US 395
1.1 mi·2 min·South US 395
17
Continue on US 395
4.9 mi·6 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit onto US 395
0.2 mi·21 sec·US 395
Toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Street): Spokane, FinleyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 395
Toward US 395
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395
131 mi·2 hr 20 min·US 395
Toward US 395 North: SpokaneUse the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395
1.8 mi·2 min·I 90; US 2; US 395
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward Maple Street, Lincoln Street, Walnut Street
23
Continue on West 5th Avenue
382 ft·12 sec·West 5th Avenue
24
Turn straight onto West Freeway Avenue
0.2 mi·32 sec·West Freeway Avenue
25
Continue on West 4th Avenue
0.2 mi·31 sec·West 4th Avenue
26
Continue on West 4th Avenue
167 ft·4 sec·West 4th Avenue
27
Continue on South Lincoln Street
0.4 mi·1 min·South Lincoln Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
28
Turn left onto West Main Avenue
0.2 mi·34 sec·West Main Avenue
29
Turn right
26 ft·8 sec
30
Turn left onto South Gorge Trail
157 ft·17 sec·South Gorge Trail
31
Arrive at destination
South Gorge Trail
Trip Plan
To manage the 357.7-mile distance effectively, plan for at least one scheduled stop to break up the long hours in the driver's seat. Since you are looking at a 6h 46m transit time, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and ensure you reach Spokane before dark. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the 158.1-mile leg on the Columbia River Highway, as services may be spaced out along this primary stretch. Because this is a one-day trip, maintaining a consistent pace will help you handle the mixed road profiles without feeling rushed. Flexibility is key here, so use your single planned stop as a genuine opportunity to rest rather than just a quick refuel.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 178.8 miles from Minnehaha, WA, or about 3h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 158.1 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 79 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 178.8 miles or 3h 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 5h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spokane, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Minnehaha, 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 Minnehaha, WA
This is one driving day of about 357.7 miles and 6h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Minnehaha, 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 Columbia River Highway for about 158.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.5 and 223.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.5 mi into trip|~4m in
Turn left toward WA 500 East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward WA 500 East
6
4.8 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 205 South: Salem
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 205 South: Salem
8
13 mi into trip|~20m in
Take the exit toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles
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 22
Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles
7
223.4 mi into trip|~4h 18m in|US 395
Take the exit onto US 395 toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Street): Spokane, Finley
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 US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Stree...
7
223.8 mi into trip|~4h 19m in|US 395
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 toward US 395 North: Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 395 North: Spokane
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$74.86 one way
$149.73 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg125 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$78.51
$157.02
premium
$5.77
$81.23
$162.46
diesel
$5.61
$78.98
$157.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$75
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$100–$125
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
107.3
1
$37.56
$17.17
Efficient EV
89.4
1
$31.30
$14.31
EV Truck/SUV
143.1
1
$50.08
$22.89
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Minnehaha, WA
Evening
in Minnehaha on Saturday
Local time
6:11 PM
PDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Spokane, WA
Evening
in Spokane on Saturday
Local time
6:11 PM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
72°F
Warm Springs, OR
179 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
16 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
6h 46m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that balances high-speed transit with more variable road conditions. With only 40% of the route consisting of major highways, you will encounter a variety of road types that keep the journey engaging. You should prepare for an uninterrupted stretch of 158.1 miles while traveling on the Columbia River Highway, which acts as the primary backbone of your trip. The shift between these major corridors and local roads means the pace fluctuates throughout the day. It is a practical drive that demands your full attention as you transition between the different highway systems connecting these two Washington hubs.
40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 158.1 mi on Columbia River Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 357.7 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 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,280 ft49 ft
Total Climb
2,776 ft
Total Descent
1,200 ft
Highest Point
2,280 ft
~332.1 mi in
Elevation Range
2,231 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Minnehaha, WA and Spokane, WA, road signs point toward Umatilla, Pasco and Finley.
Umatilla
183.3 mi in|~3h 29m
Pasco
214 mi in|~4h 4m|via US 395
Finley
223.4 mi in|~4h 18m|via US 395
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 46m. Total distance: 357.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 46m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 158.1 miles on Columbia River Highway. 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 Spokane, 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 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Spokane, WA before the return drive.
