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Trip from Spokane Valley, WA to Carson, WA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 59m

Distance

305.6 mi

492 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$64

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 46m ★
6 AM
5h 59m
8 AM
6h 25m
10 AM
6h 8m
12 PM
6h 6m
3 PM
6h 9m
5 PM
6h 24m
8 PM
5h 51m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Carson, WA, WA

Carson, WA

William Jacobs

Trip Overview

This 305.6-mile journey from Spokane Valley, WA to Carson, WA is a solid day trip, estimated to take just under 6 hours to complete. You'll primarily navigate the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway and Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway, with a smaller portion on I-90, meaning about 23% of your drive will be on the interstate. With a fuel cost estimated at $64, this route offers a manageable expense for a single day of travel. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, making it a more engaging local experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise. Both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, so you'll be exploring within the same general geographic area.

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

152.8 miles from Spokane Valley, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 50m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway 153.2 mi 3h 5m
Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway 73.7 mi 1h 19m
I 90 56.6 mi 1h
Spokane Valley Freeway 11.3 mi 14m
Lewis and Clark Trail 5.7 mi 7m
East Steuben Street 1.6 mi 3m
North US 395 1.1 mi 2m
Wind River Road 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Lewis and Clark Trail Highway — 153.2 mi, about 3h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Spokane Valley, WA and Carson, WA.

1

Start on WA 27

0.2 mi · 27 sec · North Pines Road
Use the left lane.
2

Turn left onto East Montgomery Avenue

155 ft · 6 sec · East Montgomery Avenue
Use the left lane.
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec
4

Merge onto I 90

11 mi · 14 min · Spokane Valley Freeway
5

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; US 395

57 mi · 1 hr · I 90; US 395
6

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395

74 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway
Toward Ritzville, Pasco
7

Take the exit onto US 395

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 395
Toward I 182 West, US 395 South: Richland, Pendleton
8

Merge onto I 182; US 12; US 395

1.9 mi · 2 min · Lewis and Clark Trail
9

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395

3.8 mi · 5 min · Lewis and Clark Trail
Toward US 395: Kennewick, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport
10

Continue on US 395

1.1 mi · 2 min · North US 395
11

Continue on US 395

22 mi · 24 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
12

Take the exit onto Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
Toward SR 14: Plymouth, Vancouver
13

Continue on WA 14

114 mi · 2 hr 15 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
14

Continue on WA 14

1.6 mi · 3 min · East Steuben Street
15

Continue on WA 14

7.0 mi · 10 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
Use the straight lane.
16

Continue on WA 14

0.4 mi · 30 sec · Lewis and Clark Highway
17

Continue on WA 14

11 mi · 14 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
18

Enter roundabout onto Wind River Road

19 ft · 0 sec · Wind River Road
Toward Carson
19

Continue on Wind River Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Wind River Road
Toward Carson
20

Turn right onto Hot Springs Avenue

270 ft · 9 sec · Hot Springs Avenue
21

Turn right onto 1st Street

196 ft · 8 sec · 1st Street
22

Arrive at destination

1st Street

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just under 6 hours, this drive is definitely achievable in a single day, so you have flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one significant stop along the way to break up the 305.6 miles. Given the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route, be sure to stay alert and check your navigation frequently, especially during the 153.2-mile stretch on the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway. The estimated fuel cost of $64 is a good baseline, but it's always wise to fill up before you leave Spokane Valley to ensure you have plenty of gas for the journey.

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 152.8 miles from Spokane Valley, WA, or about 2h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.2 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 67 miles or 1h 14m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 152.8 miles or 2h 50m 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 46m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Spokane Valley, 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 Spokane Valley, WA

This is one driving day of about 305.6 miles and 5h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Spokane Valley, 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 Lewis and Clark Trail Highway for about 153.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Yakima County, Washington, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Sunnyside, WA

153 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

Davenport, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 67 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Kennewick, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 152.8 miles from Spokane Valley, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Lewis and Clark Trail Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 153.2 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

The Barnyard

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ritzville, Washington

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 65.5

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15093476049

Visit website

Jake's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 65.5

Ritzville, Washington

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+15096591961

Bette's Place

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 283.8

Hood River, Oregon

Hours: 5:30 am–2 pm

+15413861880

Visit website

Mi Linda Sierra Mexican Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15094911401

Double Dragon Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+15097378833

Visit website

Hill's Restaurant & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+15097836713

Visit website

Carl's Jr.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15093745222

Visit website

Casa Mia Kennewick Italian Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+15095820440

Visit website

Denny's Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15097357377

Visit website

The Barnyard

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 65.5

Ritzville, Washington

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15093476049

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 283.8

Mosier, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Spokane, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Spokane Valley, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

2.6 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 218.3

Arlington, OR

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663003827

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Spokane Valley, Washington

+18668167584

Visit website

OpConnect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 283.8

Cook, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18558859571

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 283.8

Hood River, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 21.8

Spokane, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Spokane Valley, Washington

Hours: 2–9 pm

+15092423831

Visit website

Max Air Trampoline Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15095790818

Visit website

Hood River Waterfront Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 283.8

Hood River, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15413875201

Visit website

Visit Tri-Cities

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+15097358486

Visit website

Fast Track Tri Cities

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

+15417017253

Visit website

Playground Of Dreams

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+15095854293

Visit website

Museum at Keewaydin

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 152.8

Kennewick, Washington

Hours: 12–4:30 pm

+15095827704

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 171 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Montgomery Avenue

Turn left onto East Montgomery Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
68.4 mi into trip | ~1h 16m in | US 395 / Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 / Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway toward Ritzville, Pasco

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

Toward Ritzville, Pasco
5
142.1 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in | US 395

Take the exit onto US 395 toward I 182 West, US 395 South: Richland, Pendleton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 182 West, US 395 South: Richland, Pend...
6
144.5 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail toward US 395: Kennewick, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport

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

Toward US 395: Kennewick, Pendleton, Columbia B...
5
171 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Take the exit onto Lewis and Clark Trail Highway toward SR 14: Plymouth, Vancouver

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward SR 14: Plymouth, Vancouver

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$63.96 one way

$127.92 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 107 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $67.08 $134.15
premium $5.77 $69.40 $138.80
diesel $5.61 $67.47 $134.95

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: 106.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 91.7 1 $32.09 $14.67
Efficient EV 76.4 0 $26.74 $12.22
EV Truck/SUV 122.2 1 $42.78 $19.56

Gas CO2

107 kg

EV CO2

36 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 Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Spokane Valley, WA

Evening in Spokane Valley on Saturday

Local time

7:48 PM

PDT

Current temp

50°F

Chance Light Snow

W 8 mph 45% chance Live forecast

Destination

Carson, WA

Evening in Carson on Saturday

Local time

7:48 PM

PDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

46°F

Sunnyside, WA

153 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

6 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 59m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive that's more about the journey than pure speed, given its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. While 23% of the route utilizes the interstate, much of your time will be spent on scenic highways like the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway. This highway features the longest uninterrupted stretch at 153.2 miles, offering a substantial period of consistent driving. As you progress, the road will likely transition between faster highway sections and more winding local roads, requiring your attention. This varied landscape means you'll experience different driving dynamics throughout the 5 hours and 59 minutes of travel time.

Only 23% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 153.2 mi on Lewis and Clark Trail Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near East Montgomery Avenue.

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 11 significant decision points across 305.6 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 0.2 miles (East Montgomery Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 68.4 miles (US 395 / Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.1 miles (US 395): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Spokane Valley, WA and Carson, WA, road signs point toward Ritzville, Pasco, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport and Vancouver.

Ritzville

68.4 mi in | ~1h 16m | via US 395

Pasco

68.4 mi in | ~1h 16m | via US 395

Pendleton

142.1 mi in | ~2h 35m | via US 395

Columbia Basin College

144.5 mi in | ~2h 39m | via US 395

Tri Cities Airport

144.5 mi in | ~2h 39m | via US 395

Vancouver

171 mi in | ~3h 11m | via Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 305.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 153.2 miles on Lewis and Clark Trail 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 Carson, 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 0.2 miles (East Montgomery Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 68.4 miles (US 395 / Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.1 miles (US 395): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Carson, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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