Major Highways & Driving Tips in Washington, United States
1. Interstate 5 (I-5)
A major north-south highway connecting Canada and Mexico through Washington; crosses the border with British Columbia in Bellingham and ends at the Oregon state line near the Columbia River.
- Long Distance: Covers over 800 miles within Washington, making it one of the longest interstates in the state.
- High Traffic: One of the busiest highways in Washington, carries a significant volume of commercial and passenger traffic.
- Rest Areas: Features numerous rest areas along its length providing essential services to travelers.
2. Interstate 90 (I-90)
Runs east-west across Washington from the Idaho border near Spokane to its convergence with I-5 in Seattle.
- Scenic Route: Offers stunning views of the Cascade Range, particularly during fall.
- Mountain Passes: Includes passes over the Cascades at Snoqualmie Pass and Blewett Pass.
- Urban Traffic: Experiences heavy urban traffic in Seattle and Spokane, but also offers less-congested stretches between cities.
3. State Route 20 (SR 20)
Known as the North Cascades Highway, this scenic route connects Concrete and Okanogan in northern Washington.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the North Cascades National Park.
- Seasonal Road Closures: Subject to seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides access to various recreational opportunities, such as hiking trails and campgrounds.
4. U.S. Route 101 (US 101)
Runs along the coast of Washington from the Oregon state line to Port Townsend.
- Coastal Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive with beautiful ocean views and various coastal attractions.
- Smaller Towns: Connects numerous small towns and coastal communities, providing opportunities for unique local experiences.
- Limited Access: Has limited access in some areas due to its proximity to the coastline.
5. State Route 410 (SR 410)
Also known as Chinook Pass Highway, connects the Cascade Loop between Enumclaw and Cle Elum.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive through the Cascade Mountains with views of Mount Rainier.
- Seasonal Road Closures: Subject to seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.
- Mountain Pass: Includes a pass over the Cascades at Chinook Pass, providing access to Mount Rainier National Park.
6. State Route 167 (SR 167)
Connects Auburn and Kent to Sea-Tac Airport and Tacoma.
- Urban Route: A major urban route connecting several cities in the Puget Sound region.
- High Traffic: Experiences high traffic, especially during rush hours and due to Sea-Tac Airport traffic.
- Frequent Construction: Prone to construction and lane closures due to maintenance and improvement projects.
7. State Route 12 (SR 12)
Known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, runs east-west across southern Washington from Pasco to the Idaho border.
- Historical Significance: Follows a route taken by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive through various landscapes, including desert, farmland, and forests.
- Rural Setting: Primarily a rural route with limited services along its length.
8. State Route 14 (SR 14)
Connects downtown Seattle to Everett via the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge.
- Urban Route: An important urban route connecting two major cities in the Puget Sound region.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of a toll for vehicles crossing the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge.
- Efficient Commute: Provides an efficient commute between Seattle and Everett, bypassing congested city streets.
9. State Route 520 (SR 520)
Connects Bellevue and Redmond to Seattle via the floating bridge over Lake Washington.
- Urban Route: An essential urban route connecting Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of a toll for vehicles crossing the floating bridge over Lake Washington.
- Alternate Route to I-5: Serves as an alternative route to I-5, reducing traffic congestion during peak hours.
10. State Route 16 (SR 16)
Runs along the Olympic Peninsula from Port Angeles to Aberdeen.
- Scenic Coastal Drive: Offers a scenic coastal drive with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic Mountains.
- Small Towns: Connects numerous small towns and coastal communities, providing opportunities for unique local experiences.
- Limited Access: Has limited access in some areas due to its proximity to the coastline.
11. State Route 9 (SR 9)
Connects Yakima and the Columbia River Gorge.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive through the Yakima Valley, with views of orchards and vineyards.
- Fruit Basket of Washington: Passes through the heart of the 'Fruit Basket of Washington,' known for its apple, pear, and wine production.
- Rural Setting: Primarily a rural route with limited services along its length.
12. U.S. Route 395 (US 395)
Runs north-south across eastern Washington from the Canadian border near Oroville to the Tri-Cities area.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive through various landscapes, including forests, farmland, and mountain ranges.
- Rural Setting: Primarily a rural route with limited services along its length.
- Seasonal Road Closures: Subject to seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.
13. State Route 26 (SR 26)
Runs east-west across northern Washington from the Canadian border near Sumas to Chehalis.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive through the North Cascades and the Skagit River Valley.
- Rural Setting: Primarily a rural route with limited services along its length.
- Seasonal Road Closures: Subject to seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.
14. State Route 97 (SR 97)
Runs east-west across central Washington from the Canadian border near Osoyoos to its junction with U.S. Route 2 near Coulee City.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a scenic drive through various landscapes, including the Okanogan Highlands and Columbia River Basin.
- Rural Setting: Primarily a rural route with limited services along its length.
- Seasonal Road Closures: Subject to seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.
15. State Route 405 (SR 405)
A major freeway loop around Seattle, connecting I-5, I-90, and SR 167.
- Urban Route: An essential urban route that connects multiple highways in the Seattle metropolitan area.
- High Traffic: Experiences high traffic, especially during rush hours.
- Frequent Construction: Prone to construction and lane closures due to maintenance and improvement projects.