This 76.7-mile drive from Everett to Wauna, Washington, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-5 and WA 16, with a short section on Broadway, this route is almost entirely highway, making for a straightforward journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $16, it's an economical option for a quick excursion within the Pacific Coast region. The efficiency of this drive means you can focus on your destination rather than the travel itself.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.3 miles from Everett, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 48m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 39m. Total distance: 76.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 95% of this 76.7-mile journey. The bulk of your travel will be on I-5, featuring a significant uninterrupted stretch of 59.2 miles, which allows for consistent speed. As you transition to WA 16 and then Broadway, you'll encounter a slight shift in road character, but the overall feel remains that of a swift, direct passage. This route is designed for efficient travel, minimizing distractions and maximizing forward progress.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 5 is the longest continuous segment at about 59.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and WA 16. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.7 miles you will encounter 10 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 1.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1.6 miles (I 5): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 60.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.2 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 5 South
5
1.6 mi into trip|~2m in|I 5
Merge onto I 5
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
60.9 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
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 132B
Toward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, Bremerton
7
61.4 mi into trip|~1h 18m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 16 West: Union Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 16 West: Union Avenue
6
74.4 mi into trip|~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward WA 302 West: Purdy Key Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 302 West: Purdy Key Center
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 Everett, WA to Wauna, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Bremerton along the way.
Bremerton
60.9 mi in|~1h 17m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 5
59.2 mi
1h 14m
WA 16
12.5 mi
15m
Broadway
1.1 mi
1m
State Route 302
0.9 mi
1m
Purdy Drive Northwest
0.8 mi
1m
Hewitt Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 5
— 59.2 mi, about 1h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Everett, WA and Wauna, WA.
1
Start on Hewitt Avenue
128 ft·6 sec·Hewitt Avenue
2
Turn right onto Broadway
1.1 mi·1 min·Broadway
3
Take the ramp
156 ft·3 sec
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 5 South
5
Merge onto I 5
58 mi·1 hr 12 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
1.3 mi·1 min·I 5
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 132BToward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, BremertonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·45 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Union AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto WA 16
13 mi·15 min·WA 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward WA 302 West: Purdy Key CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn straight onto WA 302
0.8 mi·1 min·Purdy Drive Northwest
12
Turn left onto WA 302
0.9 mi·1 min·State Route 302
13
Turn left
67 ft·5 sec
14
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the short duration of just under two hours, this route offers great flexibility. You can depart at your leisure, though an early start will help you avoid potential Washington traffic, especially on I-5. Since there are no recommended stops, consider planning one brief break for fuel or a quick stretch, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major town is the 59.2 miles on I-5; ensuring you're fueled before this segment is a good idea.
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 38.3 miles from Everett, WA, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.2 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 17 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.3 miles or 48m 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 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wauna, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Everett, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Everett, WA
This is one driving day of about 76.7 miles and 1h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Everett, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 59.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 38.3 mi from Everett, WA
· 48m into the drive
The midpoint is around 38.3 miles from Everett, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Wauna, WA
The final approach into Wauna, WA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.05 one way
$32.11 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$16.83
$33.67
premium
$5.77
$17.42
$34.84
diesel
$5.61
$16.93
$33.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23
0
$8.05
$3.68
Efficient EV
19.2
0
$6.71
$3.07
EV Truck/SUV
30.7
0
$10.74
$4.91
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Everett, WA
Afternoon
in Everett on Thursday
Local time
2:05 PM
PDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Wauna, WA
Afternoon
in Wauna on Thursday
Local time
2:05 PM
PDT
Current temp
59°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
2 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 39m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Everett, WA to Wauna, WA covers 76.7 miles and takes about 1h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 5, WA 16, Broadway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 38.3 miles from Everett, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.05 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.7 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 1.6 miles (I 5): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 60.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Everett, WA to Wauna, WA, road signs begin pointing toward Bremerton along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park.
