Traveling from Ridgefield to Spokane covers 368.2 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 48 minutes of road time. While it is technically possible to complete this journey in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of this local drive makes it a significant commitment behind the wheel. You should budget approximately $77 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Washington locations. Because the route is categorized as a local drive rather than a high-speed interstate haul, you will want to account for potential fatigue. It is a straightforward trip for those comfortable with navigating winding local roads, though it lacks the fast-paced efficiency of a major highway corridor.
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
184.2 miles from Ridgefield, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 31m 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
I 205
14.7 mi
19m
Old Oregon Trail Highway
11.4 mi
12m
I 5
5.9 mi
6m
Lewis and Clark Trail
4.9 mi
6m
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
3.3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Columbia River Highway
— 158.1 mi, about 2h 55m
Traffic on I-84
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,276 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,842
Quietest
2 AM
~122 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Ridgefield, WA and Spokane, WA.
1
Start on South 5th Avenue
96 ft·6 sec·South 5th Avenue
2
Turn right onto Pioneer Street
1.5 mi·3 min·Pioneer Street
3
Enter roundabout onto WA 501
117 ft·3 sec·Pioneer Street
4
Continue on WA 501
0.5 mi·1 min·Pioneer Street
5
Enter roundabout onto WA 501
135 ft·3 sec·Pioneer Street
6
Continue on WA 501
0.3 mi·33 sec·Pioneer Street
7
Enter roundabout onto Pioneer Street
134 ft·2 sec·Pioneer Street
8
Continue on Pioneer Street
0.3 mi·36 sec·Pioneer Street
9
Enter roundabout onto WA 501
140 ft·2 sec·Pioneer Street
10
Continue on WA 501
0.1 mi·15 sec·Pioneer Street
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 5 South: PortlandUse the right lane.
12
Merge onto I 5
5.9 mi·6 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 205
15 mi·19 min·I 205
Toward I 205 South: SalemUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 22Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The DallesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 84; US 30
158 mi·2 hr 55 min·Columbia River Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 84; US 30
11 mi·12 min·Old Oregon Trail Highway
17
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 82 West: Hermiston, Umatilla
18
Continue on I 82
30 mi·33 min·McNary Highway
19
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
20
Continue on US 395
1.1 mi·2 min·South US 395
21
Continue on US 395
4.9 mi·6 min·Lewis and Clark Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
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.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395
0.3 mi·34 sec·US 395
Toward US 395
24
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.
25
Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395
1.8 mi·2 min·I 90; US 2; US 395
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward Maple Street, Lincoln Street, Walnut Street
27
Continue on West 5th Avenue
382 ft·12 sec·West 5th Avenue
28
Turn straight onto West Freeway Avenue
0.2 mi·32 sec·West Freeway Avenue
29
Continue on West 4th Avenue
0.2 mi·31 sec·West 4th Avenue
30
Continue on West 4th Avenue
167 ft·4 sec·West 4th Avenue
31
Continue on South Lincoln Street
0.4 mi·1 min·South Lincoln Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
32
Turn left onto West Main Avenue
0.2 mi·34 sec·West Main Avenue
33
Turn right
26 ft·8 sec
34
Turn left onto South Gorge Trail
157 ft·17 sec·South Gorge Trail
35
Arrive at destination
South Gorge Trail
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour and 48 minute duration, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid navigating the more technical, turn-heavy sections in the dark. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and reset, as the constant steering required on these local roads can be more draining than highway driving. Since you are looking at a $77 fuel bill, verify your vehicle’s range before heading out to ensure you don't get caught in a stretch with limited service. Because this route relies entirely on local roads, keep a close eye on your GPS for navigation updates, as local routes can change more frequently than major interstates. Flexibility is your best asset here, so don't be afraid to add extra time for rest if the local road conditions feel particularly demanding.
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 184.2 miles from Ridgefield, WA, or about 3h 31m 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 81 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 184.2 miles or 3h 31m 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 51m
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 Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield, WA
This is one driving day of about 368.4 miles and 6h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Ridgefield, 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 234.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2.7 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the ramp toward I 5 South: Portland
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 5 South: Portland
7
8.9 mi into trip|~13m in|I 205
Keep slight right at fork onto I 205 toward I 205 South: Salem
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 205 South: Salem
8
23.7 mi into trip|~32m 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
234 mi into trip|~4h 30m 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
234.5 mi into trip|~4h 31m 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
$71.77 one way
$143.53 round trip
$4.95/gal25.4 MPG avg129 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.18
$75.19
$150.38
premium
$5.39
$78.19
$156.38
diesel
$4.80
$69.56
$139.12
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$72
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$97–$122
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
110.5
1
$38.68
$17.68
Efficient EV
92.1
1
$32.24
$14.74
EV Truck/SUV
147.4
1
$51.58
$23.58
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 kg (67% 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Ridgefield, WA
Evening
in Ridgefield on Saturday
Local time
6:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
53°F
Partly Cloudy
NNW 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 16 at 8:50PM PDT until July 17 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 16 at 8:50PM PDT until July 17 at 7:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Spokane, WA
Evening
in Spokane on Saturday
Local time
6:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
63°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 5 mph34% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 16 at 8:50PM PDT until July 17 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 16 at 8:50PM PDT until July 17 at 7:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
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
10 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
6h 59m 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 very different experience than a typical interstate cruise, as this route is defined by its turn-heavy, local road character. With a highway share of 0%, you won't find yourself settling into long, monotonous stretches of high-speed pavement. Instead, the road demands your full attention as you navigate constant changes in direction and pace. This technical profile means the drive feels much more active and engaging than a standard freeway commute. Prepare for a steady, hands-on driving experience that requires focus throughout the entire 368.2-mile trek.
42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 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 2.7 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 19 significant decision points across 368.4 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: Lane positioning matters here; at 8.9 miles (I 205): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 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
2,262 ft104 ft
Total Climb
2,593 ft
Total Descent
868 ft
Highest Point
2,262 ft
~342 mi in
Elevation Range
2,158 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ridgefield, WA and Spokane, WA, road signs point toward Umatilla, Pasco and Finley.
Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington State, and the largest between Seattle and Minneapolis. It is the economic hub of the "Inland Empire", a name used for Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle (pre-dating by nearly a century the use of the same title by a region in Southern California). It is at the north edge of the Palouse, where gently rolling hills of wheat fields end at the Spokane River valley.
This article also includes the suburbs of Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley.
Top landmarks
•Monroe Street Bridge — bridge in Spokane, Washington
•Montvale Hotel — hotel in Spokane, Washington
•Manito Park and Botanical Gardens — park in Spokane, Washington state, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 59m. Total distance: 368.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 59m 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 2.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 8.9 miles (I 205): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.7 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 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.0 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.
