Yakima to Hockinson is 194.5 miles and takes about 3 hours 54 minutes via Columbia River Highway and Evergreen Highway, with a fuel budget near $43 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive connects two points within Washington state, traversing the Pacific Coast region for its entirety. Expect a trip dominated by surface roads, offering a more local feel than a pure interstate experience. It's a manageable one-day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace and arrival before dark.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
97.3 miles from Yakima, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Columbia River Highway
95 mi
1h 48m
Evergreen Highway
60.1 mi
1h 10m
I 82
16.2 mi
18m
I 205
7.6 mi
9m
Northeast Ward Road
3.3 mi
5m
United States Route 97
2.4 mi
2m
Northeast 182nd Avenue
2.1 mi
3m
Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard
1.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Columbia River Highway
— 95 mi, about 1h 48m
Traffic on I-84
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,741 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,308
Quietest
1 AM
~160 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.9×
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 Yakima, WA and Hockinson, WA.
1
Start on South 1st Street
415 ft·19 sec·South 1st Street
2
Turn left onto East Chestnut Avenue
0.9 mi·2 min·East Chestnut Avenue
3
Turn left onto South Fair Avenue
359 ft·12 sec·South Fair Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·58 sec
5
Merge onto I 82; US 12; US 97
3.9 mi·4 min·I 82; US 12; US 97
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 82; US 12
12 mi·13 min·I 82; US 12
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward SR 22 East: Toppenish, Buena
8
Turn right onto WA 22
1.8 mi·2 min·Evergreen Highway
9
Continue on WA 22
0.8 mi·1 min·Buena Way
10
Turn right onto WA 22
0.7 mi·1 min·South Elm Street
11
Continue on US 97
58 mi·1 hr 7 min·Evergreen Highway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
0.2 mi·33 sec·US 97
13
At end of road, turn left onto US 97; WA 14
0.5 mi·33 sec·Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
14
Turn right onto US 97
2.4 mi·2 min·United States Route 97
15
Take the exit
385 ft·9 sec
16
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·17 sec·this road
17
Merge onto I 84; US 30
95 mi·1 hr 48 min·Columbia River Highway
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·29 sec
Exit 9Toward I 205: Salem, Seattle, Portland Airport
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·28 sec
Toward I 205 North: Seattle, Portland AirportUse the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto I 205
7.6 mi·9 min·I 205
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
249 ft·4 sec
Exit 30A-B; 30CToward WA 500 West, WA 500 East: Northeast 112th AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·15 sec·this road
Exit 30Toward WA 500 West, WA 500 East
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 30A-BToward WA 500 East: Northeast 112th AvenueUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 30BToward WA 500 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto WA 500
0.7 mi·1 min·WA 500
26
Turn right onto Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard
1.6 mi·3 min·Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard
27
Turn left onto Northeast Ward Road
3.3 mi·5 min·Northeast Ward Road
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on Northeast 182nd Avenue
2.1 mi·3 min·Northeast 182nd Avenue
29
Turn left
113 ft·13 sec
30
Turn left
338 ft·24 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
This 194.5-mile drive is easily completed in one day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will allow you to experience the majority of the drive on the Columbia River Highway and Evergreen Highway before hitting more populated areas. With a fuel cost estimated at $43, it's a budget-friendly trip. Given the 3-hour 54-minute estimated drive time, plan for one stop to stretch your legs and refuel if needed. Watch for increased traffic as you approach Hockinson.
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 97.3 miles from Yakima, WA, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95 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 43 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.3 miles or 1h 56m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hockinson, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Yakima, 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 Yakima, WA
This is one driving day of about 194.5 miles and 3h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Yakima, 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 95 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 177.6 and 186.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
177.6 mi into trip|~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 205: Salem, Seattle, Portland Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 9
Toward I 205: Salem, Seattle, Portland Airport
8
178 mi into trip|~3h 28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 205 North: Seattle, Portland Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 205 North: Seattle, Portland Airport
8
185.9 mi into trip|~3h 38m in
Take the exit toward WA 500 West, WA 500 East: Northeast 112th Avenue
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 30A-B; 30C
Toward WA 500 West, WA 500 East: Northeast 112t...
9
186.1 mi into trip|~3h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward WA 500 East: Northeast 112th Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 30A-B
Toward WA 500 East: Northeast 112th Avenue
8
186.2 mi into trip|~3h 39m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 500 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 30B
Toward WA 500 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.10 one way
$86.19 round trip
$5.63/gal25.4 MPG avg68 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.91
$45.22
$90.43
premium
$6.08
$46.56
$93.11
diesel
$5.35
$40.97
$81.94
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
58.4
0
$20.42
$9.34
Efficient EV
48.6
0
$17.02
$7.78
EV Truck/SUV
77.8
0
$27.23
$12.45
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (66% 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 May 30, 2026
Origin
Yakima, WA
Afternoon
in Yakima on Wednesday
Local time
1:50 PM
PDT
Current temp
44°F
Mostly Clear
NW 8 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 29 at 9:52AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Destination
Hockinson, WA
Afternoon
in Hockinson on Wednesday
Local time
1:50 PM
PDT
Current temp
43°F
Mostly Cloudy
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 29 at 9:52AM 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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 54m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With only 14% of this 194.5-mile route on highways like I 82, you'll spend most of your time on surface roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 95 miles along the Columbia River Highway. Be prepared for a more urban feel with frequent exits and merging traffic as you navigate through various towns and into the greater Vancouver area.
Only 14% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95 mi on Columbia River Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 177.6 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 22 significant decision points across 194.5 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 177.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,056 ft9 ft
Total Climb
2,724 ft
Total Descent
3,489 ft
Highest Point
3,056 ft
~55.6 mi in
Elevation Range
3,046 ft
Notable High Points
3,056 ft at ~55.6 miles+1,381 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Yakima, WA and Hockinson, WA, road signs point toward Buena, Seattle and Portland Airport.
Yakima is the principal city of the Yakima Valley, an agricultural region noted for apple, wine, and hop production on the Columbia River Plateau of Washington State. It is the county seat of Yakima County.
This article also covers the nearby communities of Union Gap and Selah.
Top landmarks
•Capitol Theatre, Yakima — theater and performing arts center in Yakima, Washington, United States
•A. E. Larson Building — building in Yakima, Washington, United States
•E. William Brackett House — house in Yakima, Washington
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 54m. Total distance: 194.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 95 miles on Columbia River Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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 Hockinson, 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 11 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 177.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Hockinson, WA, but most travelers stay overnight.
