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Trip from Seattle, WA to Garrett, WA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 4m

Distance

269.4 mi

434 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$56

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 51m ★
6 AM
5h 5m
8 AM
5h 32m
10 AM
5h 14m
12 PM
5h 12m
3 PM
5h 16m
5 PM
5h 31m
8 PM
4h 57m

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

city in and county seat of King County, State of Washington, United States

Seattle, WA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Garrett, WA, WA

Garrett, WA

Benjamin Dominguez

Trip Overview

This 269.4-mile journey from Seattle to Garrett, Washington, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 5 hours and 4 minutes of driving time. You'll primarily be on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, I 82, and US 12. With a fuel cost estimated at $56, this drive offers a straightforward way to travel within the Pacific Coast region. While it's possible to complete in a single day, the 107-mile longest stretch on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel means you'll want to plan for a comfortable pace. This route is ideal for those seeking a direct path without extensive detours.

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

134.7 miles from Seattle, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel 107 mi 1h 59m
I 82 64.1 mi 1h 8m
US 12 54.8 mi 1h 2m
US 97 37.8 mi 42m
Wallula Avenue 1.4 mi 2m
Old Highway 12 1.2 mi 2m
I 90 1 mi 1m
I 5 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel — 107 mi, about 1h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Seattle, WA and Garrett, WA.

1

Start on this road

31 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto Madison Street

204 ft · 11 sec · Madison Street
3

Turn right onto 4th Avenue

308 ft · 14 sec · 4th Avenue
4

Turn right onto Spring Street

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Spring Street
Use the right lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 5 South: Portland
6

Continue on I 5

0.6 mi · 1 min · I 5
Use the left lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

147 ft · 2 sec · I 5
Toward I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Toward I 90 East: Bellevue, Spokane
9

Merge onto I 90

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

107 mi · 1 hr 59 min · Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit onto US 97

38 mi · 42 min · US 97
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12

64 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 82; US 12
13

Take the exit onto US 12

55 mi · 1 hr 2 min · US 12
Exit 102 Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Turn right onto Spalding Road

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Spalding Road
15

Turn left onto Old Highway 12

1.2 mi · 2 min · Old Highway 12
16

Turn right onto Wallula Avenue

1.4 mi · 2 min · Wallula Avenue
17

Turn right onto Campbell Road

0.3 mi · 1 min · Campbell Road
18

Arrive at destination

Campbell Road

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour estimated duration, starting your drive from Seattle in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. While this route is designed for a single day, keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 107-mile stretch on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, as services might be less frequent. With only one designated stop, plan it strategically to include a break and any necessary refueling. The $56 fuel estimate should help you budget accordingly for this Pacific Coast adventure.

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 134.7 miles from Seattle, WA, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107 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 59 miles or 1h 7m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 134.7 miles or 2h 32m 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 6m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Seattle, 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 Seattle, WA

This is one driving day of about 269.4 miles and 5h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Seattle, 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 Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel for about 107 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Cle Elum, WA, WA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cle Elum, WA

135 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

Monroe, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Selah, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 134.7 miles from Seattle, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 107 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 211.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Spring Street

Turn right onto Spring Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
1 mi into trip | ~2m in | I 5

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 toward I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 90 East, I 5 South: Bellevue, Portland
6
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 East: Bellevue, Spokane

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 90 East: Bellevue, Spokane
7
109.4 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in | US 97

Take the exit onto US 97 toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima

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 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
8
211.4 mi into trip | ~3h 56m in | US 12

Take the exit onto US 12 toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco

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 102 Toward I‑182 east, US 12 east: Richland, Pasco

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$56.38 one way

$112.77 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $59.13 $118.26
premium $5.77 $61.18 $122.35
diesel $5.61 $59.48 $118.96

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$56

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$81–$106

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 94.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 80.8 0 $28.29 $12.93
Efficient EV 67.4 0 $23.57 $10.78
EV Truck/SUV 107.8 1 $37.72 $17.24

Gas CO2

94 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Seattle, WA

Night in Seattle on Saturday

Local time

11:03 PM

PDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Garrett, WA

Night in Garrett on Saturday

Local time

11:03 PM

PDT

Current temp

66°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

17 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 4m 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

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...

0 mi from route ~1 min detour Free
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 mixed driving experience on this route, with 59% of it being highway. You'll encounter substantial stretches, including a notable 107 miles on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, which suggests periods of faster, more direct travel. The combination of Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, I 82, and US 12 indicates a dynamic drive that likely transitions between broader highway corridors and potentially more varied road conditions as you progress. This isn't a constant interstate grind; rather, it's a blend that keeps you engaged behind the wheel.

59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 107 mi on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 0.1 miles in near Spring Street.

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 15 significant decision points across 269.4 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 0.1 miles (Spring Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Seattle, WA and Garrett, WA, road signs point toward I‑182 East and Pasco.

I‑182 East

211.4 mi in | ~3h 56m | via US 12

Pasco

211.4 mi in | ~3h 56m | via US 12

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 4m. Total distance: 269.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 107 miles on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel. 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 Garrett, 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 (Spring Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (I 5): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Garrett, WA before the return drive.

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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