Pasco, WA to Steilacoom, WA is 250.5 miles and takes about 4h 53m via US 97, US 12, and I 82, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This mostly highway route stays within Washington state, connecting two points in the Pacific Coast region. Given its 95% highway share, expect a fairly direct trip with minimal detours. The drive is manageable for a single day, making it a convenient option for getting between these areas.
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
125.2 miles from Pasco, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 18m 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
26.7 mi
34m
I 182
11.8 mi
12m
I 5
11.4 mi
14m
Steilacoom Boulevard Southwest
5.3 mi
10m
Lewis and Clark Trail
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 97
— 85.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 56 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~6,725 veh/hr typical
Quietest
2 AM
~776 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Steilacoom, 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
86 mi·1 hr 35 min·US 97
Toward I 90 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
12
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
13
Continue on WA 18
27 mi·34 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, TacomaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, TacomaUse the straight lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
17
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi·9 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·5 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 129Toward South 72 Street, South 84 StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·49 sec
Toward South 72nd Street, South 84th Street
21
At end of road, turn left onto Tacoma Mall Boulevard
0.6 mi·1 min·Tacoma Mall Boulevard
22
Turn right onto South 84th Street
0.8 mi·1 min·South 84th Street
Use the right lane.
23
Turn left onto South Tacoma Way
0.3 mi·37 sec·South Tacoma Way
24
Turn slight right
223 ft·8 sec
25
Turn straight onto Steilacoom Boulevard Southwest
5.3 mi·10 min·Steilacoom Boulevard Southwest
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right onto Puyallup Street
305 ft·10 sec·Puyallup Street
27
Turn straight onto Rainier Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Rainier Street
28
Arrive at destination
Rainier Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 53-minute drive, departing in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight, especially since it's designed as a single-day trip. With a fuel cost estimate of $52, plan your stops accordingly, and keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly during the 85.7-mile stretch on US 97. You'll want to take advantage of the single recommended stop for a break. Since the drive is under five hours, you have flexibility to leave a bit later if needed, but don't forget to factor in potential traffic as you get closer to Steilacoom.
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 125.2 miles from Pasco, WA, or about 2h 18m 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 55 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.2 miles or 2h 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 3h 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Steilacoom, 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 250.5 miles and 4h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 242.3 — 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
9
202.4 mi into trip|~3h 44m 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,...
8
230.1 mi into trip|~4h 20m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway Sou...
8
242.3 mi into trip|~4h 36m in
Take the exit toward South 72 Street, South 84 Street
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 129
Toward South 72 Street, South 84 Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.03 one way
$108.05 round trip
$5.48/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.72
$56.42
$112.84
premium
$5.94
$58.55
$117.10
diesel
$6.18
$60.94
$121.88
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.2
0
$26.30
$12.02
Efficient EV
62.6
0
$21.92
$10.02
EV Truck/SUV
100.2
1
$35.07
$16.03
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Pasco, WA
Late night
in Pasco on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 AM
PDT
Current temp
43°F
Mostly Cloudy
NW 1 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Steilacoom, WA
Late night
in Steilacoom on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 AM
PDT
Current temp
43°F
Cloudy
0 mph2% chanceLive 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 53m 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...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 215.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend most of your time on the highway, with 95% of the 250.5 miles being paved interstate or major US highways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 85.7 miles on US 97. After this primarily highway experience, expect a shift to surface roads as you approach your destination in Steilacoom.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 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?
9/10
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 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 21 significant decision points across 250.5 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 202.4 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
2,643 ft76 ft
Total Climb
3,173 ft
Total Descent
3,483 ft
Highest Point
2,643 ft
~161 mi in
Elevation Range
2,567 ft
Notable High Points
2,487 ft at ~107.3 miles+877 ft prominence
2,643 ft at ~161 miles+507 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 Steilacoom, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
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.
Steilacoom, a small town of 6,400 people (2018) on the southern Puget Sound, is the oldest incorporated town in Washington state. It has 4 buildings and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the oldest Catholic church in the state and the first Protestant church north of the Columbia River.
Top landmarks
•Steilacoom Catholic Church — church in Steilacoom, Washington
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 250.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). 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 16 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 Steilacoom, 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 16 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 202.4 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 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Steilacoom, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
