Spanning 65.9 miles between Woods Creek and Tacoma, this straightforward trip across the Pacific Coast region typically takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes of driving time. Because the route is compact, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, requiring no overnight stays. You will primarily navigate via State Highway 522, I-405, and I-5 to complete the journey. Budget roughly $14 for fuel to cover the distance, making this an economical option for your travel plans. Whether you are heading to Tacoma for business or a quick change of scenery, this highway-focused transit is designed for efficiency rather than leisure. It serves as a practical connection between these two Washington locations, keeping your travel time predictable and your costs low.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33 miles from Woods Creek, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 405
23.5 mi
29m
I 5
20.3 mi
25m
State Highway 522
7.5 mi
10m
State Route 522
5.8 mi
7m
Florence Acres Road
2.2 mi
5m
Old Owen Road
1.9 mi
3m
US 2
0.9 mi
1m
132nd Street Southeast
0.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 405
— 23.5 mi, about 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woods Creek, WA and Tacoma, WA.
1
Start on 248th Drive Southeast
209 ft·14 sec·248th Drive Southeast
2
Turn left onto 132nd Street Southeast
0.6 mi·2 min·132nd Street Southeast
3
Turn right onto 259th Avenue Southeast
0.3 mi·1 min·259th Avenue Southeast
4
Turn right onto Florence Acres Road
2.2 mi·5 min·Florence Acres Road
5
Turn straight onto Old Owen Road
1.9 mi·3 min·Old Owen Road
6
Turn right onto US 2
0.9 mi·1 min·US 2
7
Take the exit onto WA 522
7.5 mi·10 min·State Highway 522
Toward WA 522 WestUse the right lane.
8
Continue on WA 522
5.8 mi·7 min·State Route 522
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward I 405 South: BellevueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn slight left onto I 405
23 mi·29 min·I 405
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·48 sec
Toward I 5 South: PortlandUse the straight / right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 5
20 mi·25 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·19 sec
Exit 133Toward WA 7 South, I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome
14
Keep slight right at fork
334 ft·8 sec
Toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 705 North: City CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 705
0.3 mi·22 sec·I 705
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward A Street, City CenterUse the slight left lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific AvenueUse the slight left / straight lanes.
19
Continue on South 15th Street
0.3 mi·59 sec·South 15th Street
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
20
Turn right onto Tacoma Avenue South
0.3 mi·49 sec·Tacoma Avenue South
21
Turn right onto South 11th Street
43 ft·1 sec·South 11th Street
22
Arrive at destination
South 11th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 32 minute duration, you have significant flexibility with your departure time, though planning around peak traffic on I-405 is always a wise move. Since there are no designated stops on this route, make sure to fuel up before leaving Woods Creek so you can complete the entire 65.9-mile stretch without interruption. If you find yourself needing a break, utilize the transition between I-405 and I-5 to pull off for a quick stretch. Keep a close eye on the interchanges along the highway-heavy sections, as navigating the merges between I-405 and I-5 is the most demanding part of the drive. Embracing the efficiency of this route allows you to maximize your time in Tacoma, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 33 miles from Woods Creek, WA, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.5 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 14 miles or 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33 miles or 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tacoma, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Woods Creek, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Woods Creek, WA
This is one driving day of about 65.9 miles and 1h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 14 miles from Woods Creek, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 405 for about 23.5 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.9 and 65.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
5.9 mi into trip|~14m in|WA 522 / State Highway 522
Take the exit onto WA 522 / State Highway 522 toward WA 522 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward WA 522 West
7
64.1 mi into trip|~1h 28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome Station
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 705 North: City Center, Tacoma Dome St...
7
64.2 mi into trip|~1h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 705 North: City Center
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 705 North: City Center
8
64.9 mi into trip|~1h 29m in
Take the exit toward A Street, City Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward A Street, City Center
9
65.1 mi into trip|~1h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward South 15 Street, Pacific Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.79 one way
$27.58 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg23 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$14.46
$28.93
premium
$5.77
$14.97
$29.93
diesel
$5.61
$14.55
$29.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
19.8
0
$6.92
$3.16
Efficient EV
16.5
0
$5.77
$2.64
EV Truck/SUV
26.4
0
$9.23
$4.22
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (65% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Woods Creek, WA
Morning
in Woods Creek on Tuesday
Local time
6:53 AM
PDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Tacoma, WA
Morning
in Tacoma on Tuesday
Local time
6:53 AM
PDT
Current temp
45°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
4 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
1h 32m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 29.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, highway-focused experience, as 88% of this 65.9-mile journey takes place on major thoroughfares. The road maintains a consistent pace, with the longest uninterrupted stretch occurring during the 23.5-mile segment on I-405. You will spend the vast majority of your time moving quickly through the Pacific Coast landscape, prioritizing direct transit over winding backroads. As you transition between the various segments of State Highway 522, I-405, and I-5, the character of the drive remains functional and industrial. It is a steady, interstate-heavy grind that demands focus rather than sightseeing, ensuring you reach your destination in Tacoma with minimal complexity.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 23.5 mi on I 405.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 405 and I 5. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.9 miles in near WA 522 / State Highway 522.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 65.9 miles you will encounter 18 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: at 5.9 miles (WA 522 / State Highway 522): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Tacoma, a major port on the Puget Sound, is the third-largest city in Washington State, with about 220,000 residents. It has a dynamic art scene and a great ballet.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 32m. Total distance: 65.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 23.5 miles on I 405. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Tacoma, WA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.9 miles (WA 522 / State Highway 522): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Tacoma, WA before heading back.
