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Trip from Yelm, WA to Spokane Valley, WA

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

Drive Time

6h 21m

Distance

330.1 mi

531 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$69

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
6h 9m ★
6 AM
6h 21m
8 AM
6h 46m
10 AM
6h 30m
12 PM
6h 28m
3 PM
6h 31m
5 PM
6h 45m
8 PM
6h 14m

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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city in Thurston County, Washington, United States

Yelm, WA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 330.1-mile journey from Yelm, WA, to Spokane Valley, WA, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 6 hours and 21 minutes behind the wheel, with a projected fuel cost of $69. The route primarily utilizes I-90, covering 96% of the total mileage, making it a very direct path across Washington state. With only one recommended stop and a longest uninterrupted stretch of 263.1 miles on I-90, this drive offers a consistent pace. It's a practical choice for a day trip, allowing you to cover significant ground without needing an overnight stay.

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

165.1 miles from Yelm, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 90 263.1 mi 4h 46m
State Route 18 27.3 mi 34m
I 5 24.6 mi 30m
Yelm Highway Southeast 4.3 mi 7m
Reservation Road Southeast 2.7 mi 4m
Nisqually Road Southwest 2.1 mi 4m
Old Pacific Highway Southeast 1.7 mi 3m
WA 510 Alternate 0.9 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 90 — 263.1 mi, about 4h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on this road

54 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto North 1st Street

164 ft · 7 sec · North 1st Street
3

Turn right onto WA 510

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Yelm Avenue
4

Turn right onto Killion Road Southeast

0.6 mi · 1 min · Killion Road Southeast
5

Turn left onto WA 510 Alt

0.9 mi · 1 min · WA 510 Alternate
6

Enter roundabout onto WA 510

129 ft · 2 sec · Yelm Highway Southeast
7

Continue on WA 510

4.2 mi · 7 min · Yelm Highway Southeast
8

Enter roundabout onto WA 510

98 ft · 1 sec · Saint Clair Cutoff Road Southeast
9

Continue on WA 510

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Saint Clair Cutoff Road Southeast
10

Enter roundabout onto Reservation Road Southeast

23 ft · 0 sec · Reservation Road Southeast
11

Continue on Reservation Road Southeast

2.7 mi · 4 min · Reservation Road Southeast
12

At end of road, turn right onto Old Pacific Highway Southeast

1.7 mi · 3 min · Old Pacific Highway Southeast
13

Continue on Nisqually Road Southwest

2.1 mi · 4 min · Nisqually Road Southwest
14

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 5 North: Tacoma, Seattle
15

Merge onto I 5

16 mi · 20 min · I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

8.2 mi · 10 min · I 5
Use the slight right lane.
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 142A Toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservation Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Merge onto WA 18

27 mi · 34 min · State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Continue on WA 18

0.1 mi · 8 sec · Snoqualmie Parkway
20

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
21

Merge onto I 90

252 mi · 4 hr 32 min · I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395

11 mi · 14 min · I 90; US 2; US 395
23

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward WA 27
24

Turn left onto WA 27

148 ft · 11 sec · North Pines Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
25

Arrive at destination

WA 27

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour, 21-minute duration, starting your drive from Yelm early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic. With a fuel cost estimate of $69, plan your refueling stops accordingly, keeping in mind the longest stretch is 263.1 miles on I-90. While this route is designed for a single day, a brief stop around the halfway point could be beneficial for stretching and a quick break. Pay attention to the transition from I-5 and State Route 18 onto I-90 to ensure a smooth merge.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 165.1 miles from Yelm, WA, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 263.1 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 73 miles or 1h 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 165.1 miles or 3h 20m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 14m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Yelm, 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 Yelm, WA

This is one driving day of about 330.1 miles and 6h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Yelm, 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 I 90 for about 263.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Monroe, WA

165 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

Redmond, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cashmere, WA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 165.1 miles from Yelm, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 90 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 263.1 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 Restaurant

Black Bear Diner Lakewood

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lakewood, Washington

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.6

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12532670238

Visit website

Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup Restaurant (이가네 전통 설렁탕)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lakewood, Washington

1.4 mi

Jake's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ritzville, Washington

1.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Barnyard

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ritzville, Washington

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 259.4

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15093476049

Visit website

Black Bear Diner Lakewood

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.6

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12532670238

Visit website

Yi's Traditional Korean Beef Soup Restaurant (이가네 전통 설렁탕)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 23.6

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 8:30 am–9 pm

+12533011655

Visit website

Jake's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 259.4

Ritzville, Washington

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+15096591961

The Restaurant & Terrace Bar at Salish Lodge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Expensive mile 70.7

Snoqualmie, Washington

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+14258882556

Visit website

Chuck E. Cheese

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 23.6

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12534733078

Visit website

The Barnyard

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 259.4

Ritzville, Washington

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+15093476049

Visit website

Gravity Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 23.6

Lakewood, Washington

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+12534478740

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 188.6

George, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 94.3

Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 330.1

Spokane, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 330.1

Spokane Valley, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 330.1

Spokane Valley, Washington

+18668167584

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

2.7 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 117.9

Cle Elum, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663003827

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 70.7

North Bend, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 330.1

Spokane, Washington

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 330.1

Spokane Valley, Washington

Hours: 2–9 pm

+15092423831

Visit website

STAR Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 23.6

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12534043939

Visit website

McChord AFB Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 23.6

McChord AFB, Washington

Hours: 12–4 pm

+12539822485

Lincoln Heights Park

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 23.6

Tacoma, Washington

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12533051000

Visit website

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 6.7 and 38.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
6.7 mi into trip | ~13m in | Reservation Road Southeast

Enter roundabout onto Reservation Road Southeast

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
9.5 mi into trip | ~17m in | Old Pacific Highway Southeast

At end of road, turn right onto Old Pacific Highway Southeast

Navigation decision point

5
13.2 mi into trip | ~25m in

Take the ramp toward I 5 North: Tacoma, Seattle

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 5 North: Tacoma, Seattle
6
30 mi into trip | ~46m in | I 5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
8
38.2 mi into trip | ~56m in

Take the exit toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservation

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 142A Toward WA 18 East: Auburn, Muckleshoot Reservat...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$69.09 one way

$138.17 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 116 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.58 $72.45 $144.91
premium $5.77 $74.96 $149.92
diesel $5.61 $72.88 $145.76

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$69

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$94–$119

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 115.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 99 1 $34.66 $15.84
Efficient EV 82.5 0 $28.88 $13.20
EV Truck/SUV 132 1 $46.21 $21.13

Gas CO2

115 kg

EV CO2

39 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 15, 2026

Origin

Yelm, WA

Evening in Yelm on Saturday

Local time

6:12 PM

PDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Spokane Valley, WA

Evening in Spokane Valley on Saturday

Local time

6:12 PM

PDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

59°F

Monroe, WA

165 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

14 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

6h 21m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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...

20 mi from route ~49 min detour Free near mile 56.9
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly a highway experience, with 96% of the route consisting of major interstates. You'll find yourself on I-90 for the vast majority of your trip, including a significant 263.1-mile segment that allows for consistent cruising. While the profile is highway-focused, the initial and final portions may involve State Route 18 and I-5, offering slight variations before you merge onto the main east-west corridor. Expect a fairly uniform driving experience for most of the 6 hours and 21 minutes, characterized by efficient travel across the state.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 263.1 mi on I 90.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 and State Route 18. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.7 miles in near Reservation Road Southeast.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 330.1 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 6.7 miles (Reservation Road Southeast): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 9.5 miles (Old Pacific Highway Southeast): Navigation decision point; at 13.2 miles: 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.

On the drive from Yelm, WA to Spokane Valley, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Muckleshoot Reservation along the way.

Muckleshoot Reservation

38.2 mi in | ~56m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 21m. Total distance: 330.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 21m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 263.1 miles on I 90. 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 Spokane Valley, 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 6.7 miles (Reservation Road Southeast): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 9.5 miles (Old Pacific Highway Southeast): Navigation decision point; at 13.2 miles: 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 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Spokane Valley, 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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