Vernita Safety Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Seattle, WA to West Richland, WA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 1m
Distance
200.6 mi
323 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 49m
★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 8m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 27m
8 PM
3h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Seattle, WA
Wikimedia Commons
West Richland, WA
William Jacobs
Trip Overview
Seattle, WA to West Richland, WA is 200.6 miles and takes about 4 hours 1 minute via Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Washington State, beginning in the Pacific Coast region and ending in the same region. With a recommended single day of travel, this route is best suited for those looking for a straightforward drive. You'll encounter mostly surface roads, making it a good option if you prefer less interstate travel.
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
100.3 miles from Seattle, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel | 134.3 mi | 2h 29m |
| State Route 243 | 54.2 mi | 1h 12m |
| Vantage Highway | 4.6 mi | 6m |
| Twin Bridges Road | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| I 90 | 1 mi | 1m |
| WA 26 | 0.8 mi | <1m |
| Harrington Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Grosscup Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
— 134.3 mi, about 2h 29m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 83 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,625 veh/hr typical · worst 3,290
Quietest
2 AM
~134 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
19.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Seattle, WA and West Richland, 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
134 mi
·
2 hr 29 min
·
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward WA 26 East: Othello, Pullman
12
Turn straight onto WA 26
0.8 mi
·
59 sec
·
WA 26
13
Turn right onto WA 243
14 mi
·
21 min
·
State Route 243
14
Enter roundabout onto WA 243
96 ft
·
1 sec
·
State Route 243
Toward Yakima
15
Continue on WA 243
40 mi
·
51 min
·
State Route 243
Toward Yakima
16
Enter roundabout
99 ft
·
1 sec
17
Continue
313 ft
·
5 sec
18
Turn straight onto WA 240
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Vantage Highway
19
Turn right onto Twin Bridges Road
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Twin Bridges Road
20
At end of road, turn left onto Harrington Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Harrington Road
21
Continue on Grosscup Boulevard
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Grosscup Boulevard
22
Turn right onto Deer Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Deer Street
23
Arrive at destination
Deer Street
Trip Plan
Given this is a single-day trip, leaving Seattle in the morning allows ample time for the 4-hour drive. The route has only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks accordingly, especially since the longest stretch without a stop is 134.3 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $43 and services might be spaced out on the surface road sections. If you decide to split the drive, consider stopping around Ellensburg, which is roughly halfway. This route offers flexibility due to its manageable length.
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 100.3 miles from Seattle, WA, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 134.3 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 44 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.3 miles or 1h 53m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Richland, 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 200.6 miles and 4h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 134.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
100 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 100.3 miles from Seattle, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 134.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Indian John Hill Rest Area, I-90 Eastbound
0 mi from route
Ryegrass Eastbound Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Indian John Hill Rest Area, I-90 Westbound
0.1 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Travelers Rest Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Ryegrass Westbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 2.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Madison Street
Turn left onto Madison Street
Navigation decision point
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
6
2.5 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 90 / Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.08 one way
$78.16 round trip
$4.95/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.18 | $40.94 | $81.88 |
| premium | $5.39 | $42.58 | $85.15 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $37.88 | $75.75 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 60.2 | 0 | $21.06 | $9.63 |
| Efficient EV | 50.2 | 0 | $17.55 | $8.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 80.2 | 1 | $28.08 | $12.84 |
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Origin
Seattle, WA
Late night in Seattle on Sunday
Local time
4:17 AM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Mostly Clear
NNE 2 to 8 mph
1% chance
Live forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
West Richland, WA
Late night in West Richland on Sunday
Local time
4:17 AM
PDT
Current temp
59°F
Patchy Smoke then Clear
W 3 to 12 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 18 at 11:42AM PDT until July 18 at 9:00PM 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
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
4h 1m 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...
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?
This route is mostly surface roads, with only 28% of the drive on highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 134.3 miles on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel before transitioning to State Route 243 and Vantage Highway. Expect to see fewer exits and more rural cruising as you move away from major highway systems. The shift from highway to surface roads will be noticeable.
Only 28% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 134.3 mi on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Madison Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 200.6 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Madison Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,546 ft
50 ft
Total Climb
2,986 ft
Total Descent
2,750 ft
Highest Point
2,546 ft
~57.3 mi in
Elevation Range
2,496 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 West Richland, WA, road signs point toward Pullman and Yakima.
Pullman
136.8 mi in
|
~2h 33m
Yakima
152.1 mi in
|
~2h 56m
|
via WA 243
About the Cities
Starting in Seattle, WA
Full guide →“Jet City” · Founded 1851
Seattle, Washington sits at one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Occupying a narrow isthmus between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, with 780,000 people in Seattle and over four million people in the metro area. Seen from above, carpets of evergreen trees, pristine blue waters, and snowy white mountains surround the downtown's metallic skyscrapers, earning the city its nickname The Emerald City. On the ground, you will find a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Next to the progressive downtown and the freewheeling feel of Capitol Hill, you can find a laid-back atmosphere in the districts to the north and ethnically diverse neighborhoods to the south.
Top landmarks
- • Space Needle — observation tower in Seattle, Washington, United States
- • Climate Pledge Arena — sports arena in Seattle, Washington, USA
- • Museum of Pop Culture — museum in Seattle, Washington, USA
Arriving in West Richland, WA
Full guide →The Columbia River Plateau, sometimes called the Columbia River Basin, is a broad plateau in Washington State where the Columbia River rolls its way between the Cascade Mountains and the Rocky Mountain foothills. Extensive infrastructure projects along the river have transformed this semi-arid sagebrush steppe into a literal powerhouse of energy and agriculture.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 200.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 134.3 miles on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 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 West Richland, 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 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Madison Street): Navigation decision point; 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.
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 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at West Richland, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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