Pasco, WA to Anacortes, WA is 297.7 miles and takes about 5h 46m via US 97, US 12, and I-5, with a fuel budget near $60 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Washington state, traversing the Pacific Coast region. It's a predominantly highway drive, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. Expect a consistent pace for most of the 5h 46m journey, with minimal detours required.
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
148.8 miles from Pasco, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 97
101.4 mi
1h 53m
US 12
70.9 mi
1h 17m
I 5
43.4 mi
51m
I 82
31 mi
33m
I 405
18.4 mi
23m
I 182
11.8 mi
12m
State Route 20
7 mi
9m
Memorial Highway
4 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 101.4 mi, about 1h 53m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 125 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~2,530 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,416
Quietest
2 AM
~139 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
18.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 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 Pasco, WA and Anacortes, WA.
1
Start on North 8th Avenue
0.1 mi·32 sec·North 8th Avenue
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Court Street
0.3 mi·44 sec·West Court Street
3
Turn left onto North 4th Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·North 4th Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·47 sec
5
Merge onto I 182; US 12; US 395
1.3 mi·1 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12
12 mi·12 min·I 182; US 12
Toward I 182, US 12Use the straight lane.
7
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
8
Continue on I 82; US 97
31 mi·33 min·I 82; US 97
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
101 mi·1 hr 53 min·US 97
Toward I 90 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 10Toward I 405: Renton, EverettUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 405 North: Everett, BellevueUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 405
8.1 mi·10 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
8.4 mi·10 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
1.9 mi·2 min·I 405
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·48 sec
Toward I 5 North: Everett, Vancouver British ColumbiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 5
43 mi·51 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·33 sec
Toward WA 536 West: Kincaid Street
18
Turn left onto WA 536
0.2 mi·22 sec·East Kincaid Street
19
Turn right onto WA 536
0.3 mi·27 sec·South 3rd Street
20
Continue on WA 536
0.8 mi·2 min·West Division Street
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on WA 536
4.0 mi·6 min·Memorial Highway
22
Take the ramp onto WA 536
0.3 mi·29 sec·WA 536
23
Merge onto WA 20
7.0 mi·9 min·State Route 20
24
Keep slight right at fork onto State Route 20 Spur
2.6 mi·3 min·State Route 20 Spur
Toward Anacortes, San Juans Ferry
25
Turn right onto R Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·R Avenue
26
Keep slight left at fork onto R Avenue
90 ft·5 sec·R Avenue
27
Keep slight right at fork onto R Avenue
0.4 mi·58 sec·R Avenue
28
Enter roundabout onto R Avenue
101 ft·5 sec·R Avenue
29
Continue on R Avenue
0.1 mi·20 sec·R Avenue
30
Turn left onto 20th Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·20th Street
31
Turn right onto WA 20 SPUR
0.5 mi·1 min·Commercial Avenue
32
Turn left onto WA 20 SPUR
11 ft·0 sec·12th Street
33
Arrive at destination
WA 20 SPUR
Trip Plan
For this 297.7-mile drive, departing Pasco, WA in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight. The 5h 46m estimated duration means you can comfortably complete it in one day, but consider a stop around the halfway point if you prefer to break up the driving. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 101.4-mile stretch on US 97, as services might be less frequent. The $60 fuel cost is an estimate, so monitor prices as you go. Given the limited number of stops suggested, plan your restroom breaks strategically.
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 148.8 miles from Pasco, WA, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.4 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 65 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.8 miles or 2h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anacortes, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pasco, 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 Pasco, WA
This is one driving day of about 297.7 miles and 5h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Pasco, 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 101.4 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 236.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.7 mi into trip|~5m in|I 182; US 12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12 toward I 182, US 12
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 182, US 12
7
116.4 mi into trip|~2h 8m 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
217.8 mi into trip|~4h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 405: Renton, Everett
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 10
Toward I 405: Renton, Everett
8
218 mi into trip|~4h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Everett, Bellevue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 405 North: Everett, Bellevue
7
236.9 mi into trip|~4h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 5 North: Everett, Vancouver British Columbia
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 I 5 North: Everett, Vancouver British Co...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.69 one way
$127.38 round trip
$5.43/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.68
$66.57
$133.14
premium
$5.89
$69.05
$138.09
diesel
$6.28
$73.56
$147.12
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$64
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$89–$114
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.3
1
$31.26
$14.29
Efficient EV
74.4
0
$26.05
$11.91
EV Truck/SUV
119.1
1
$41.68
$19.05
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Pasco, WA
Morning
in Pasco on Friday
Local time
8:37 AM
PDT
Current temp
42°F
Mostly Cloudy
NW 2 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Anacortes, WA
Morning
in Anacortes on Friday
Local time
8:37 AM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Cloudy
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
39°F
North Bend, WA
149 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
3 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
5h 46m 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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 225.8
San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores, quiet woodlands, orca whales and one of the last remaining native prairies in the Puget Sound/Northern Straits region. But it w...
21 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 297.7
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 297.7 miles on high-speed roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 101.4 miles on US 97, offering a consistent cruising experience. The remaining percentage involves surface roads, likely with more frequent intersections and a slower pace as you approach your destination. Expect fairly continuous travel with minimal interruptions on the main highway sections.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 101.4 mi on US 97.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 2.7 miles in near I 182; US 12.
Driving Effort10/10
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 25 significant decision points across 297.7 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 2.7 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.4 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.8 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
2,542 ft13 ft
Total Climb
2,958 ft
Total Descent
3,326 ft
Highest Point
2,542 ft
~170.1 mi in
Elevation Range
2,529 ft
Notable High Points
2,308 ft at ~106.3 miles+591 ft prominence
2,542 ft at ~170.1 miles+514 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Pasco, WA and Anacortes, WA, road signs point toward Everett, Bellevue and Vancouver British Columbia.
Pasco is a city in the Columbia River Plateau in Washington State, roughly between the Yakima and Snake Rivers on the north bank of the Columbia.
Pasco is one of the Tri-Cities of Washington, which also includes Kennewick and Richland. The Tri-Cities are the third most populous metropolitan area in the state, after Seattle-Tacoma and Spokane.
Top landmarks
•Franklin County Courthouse — county courthouse in Pasco, Washington
Anacortes, in northwest Washington State, is the mainland gateway to the San Juan Islands. The city has an active harbor and is home to thousands of boats.
It is the only city on Fidalgo Island, which is separated from the mainland by the narrow Swinomish Channel. The island also includes the north section of Deception Pass State Park, and the Swinomish Indian Reservation.
Top landmarks
•WT Preston — American steamship
•Wilson Hotel — hotel in Anacortes, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 46m. Total distance: 297.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 46m 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 101.4 miles on US 97. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Anacortes, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.7 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.4 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 217.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park and San Juan Island National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Anacortes, WA before the return drive.
