Origin
Salmon Creek, WA
Afternoon in Salmon Creek on Wednesday
Local time
12:21 PM
PDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Salmon Creek, WA to Spokane, WA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
6h 46m
Distance
359.2 mi
578 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$75
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 35m
★
6 AM
6h 47m
8 AM
7h 10m
10 AM
6h 55m
12 PM
6h 53m
3 PM
6h 56m
5 PM
7h 9m
8 PM
6h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Salmon Creek, WA
Ken Cheatham
Trip Overview
Embarking from Salmon Creek, Washington, this 359.2-mile journey to Spokane, Washington, is a substantial drive, estimated to take around 6 hours and 46 minutes. It's designed as a single-day trip, though you'll want to start early to comfortably cover the distance. Expect a fuel cost of approximately $75 for this leg. The route primarily utilizes highways like the Columbia River Highway and US 395, offering a varied driving experience across the Pacific Coast region. With just one recommended stop, it’s a straightforward, practical transit across the state.
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
179.6 miles from Salmon Creek, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 24m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This drive presents a mixed landscape, with 41% of the journey on highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 158.1 miles along the Columbia River Highway, which likely offers a more scenic and winding experience compared to the more direct US 395. The profile suggests a blend of faster-paced highway driving and potentially more local road sections as you progress towards Spokane. This variation means you'll need to adjust your driving style throughout the 6-hour and 46-minute trip.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Columbia River Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 158.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near Northeast 134th Street.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 359.2 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 0.5 miles (Northeast 134th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.5 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Northeast 134th Street
Turn right onto Northeast 134th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
0.6 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 205 South: Salem
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 205 South: Salem
8
14.5 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Take the exit toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles
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 22
Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles
7
224.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 18m in
|
US 395
Take the exit onto US 395 toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Street): Spokane, Finley
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.
Toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Stree...
7
225.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 19m in
|
US 395
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 toward US 395 North: Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 395 North: Spokane
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Salmon Creek, WA and Spokane, WA, road signs point toward Umatilla, Pasco and Finley.
Umatilla
184.8 mi in
|
~3h 29m
Pasco
215.5 mi in
|
~4h 4m
|
via US 395
Finley
224.8 mi in
|
~4h 18m
|
via US 395
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia River Highway | 158.1 mi | 2h 55m |
| US 395 | 131.2 mi | 2h 21m |
| McNary Highway | 29.9 mi | 33m |
| I 205 | 13.5 mi | 17m |
| Old Oregon Trail Highway | 11.4 mi | 12m |
| Lewis and Clark Trail | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| Lewis and Clark Trail Highway | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| I 90 | 1.8 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Columbia River Highway
— 158.1 mi, about 2h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salmon Creek, WA and Spokane, WA.
1
Start on Northeast Strand Road
264 ft
·
51 sec
·
Northeast Strand Road
2
Turn left onto Northeast 20th Avenue
93 ft
·
5 sec
·
Northeast 20th Avenue
3
Turn right onto Northeast Highway 99
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
Northeast Highway 99
4
Continue on Northeast 20th Avenue
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Northeast 20th Avenue
5
Turn right onto Northeast 134th Street
162 ft
·
4 sec
·
Northeast 134th Street
Use the right lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 205 South: Salem
Use the right lane.
7
Merge onto I 205
14 mi
·
17 min
·
I 205
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 22
Toward I 84 East, US 30 East: The Dalles
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 84; US 30
158 mi
·
2 hr 55 min
·
Columbia River Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 84; US 30
11 mi
·
12 min
·
Old Oregon Trail Highway
11
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 82 West: Hermiston, Umatilla
12
Continue on I 82
30 mi
·
33 min
·
McNary Highway
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway
Toward US 395 north to I‑182: Kennewick, Pasco, Spokane
14
Continue on US 395
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South US 395
15
Continue on US 395
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Lewis and Clark Trail
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit onto US 395
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
US 395
Toward US 395 north, SR 397 south (Oregon Street): Spokane, Finley
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
US 395
Toward US 395
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 395
131 mi
·
2 hr 20 min
·
US 395
Toward US 395 North: Spokane
Use the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 90; US 2; US 395
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
I 90; US 2; US 395
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward Maple Street, Lincoln Street, Walnut Street
21
Continue on West 5th Avenue
382 ft
·
12 sec
·
West 5th Avenue
22
Turn straight onto West Freeway Avenue
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
West Freeway Avenue
23
Continue on West 4th Avenue
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
West 4th Avenue
24
Continue on West 4th Avenue
167 ft
·
4 sec
·
West 4th Avenue
25
Continue on South Lincoln Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
South Lincoln Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
26
Turn left onto West Main Avenue
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
West Main Avenue
27
Turn right
26 ft
·
8 sec
28
Turn left onto South Gorge Trail
157 ft
·
17 sec
·
South Gorge Trail
29
Arrive at destination
South Gorge Trail
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 359.2-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Salmon Creek to avoid traffic and maximize daylight. While it's doable in one day, factor in the 6-hour, 46-minute driving time and the estimated $75 fuel cost. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 158.1 miles on the Columbia River Highway, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps before embarking on this longer segment. Given the single recommended stop, be prepared to be self-sufficient for snacks and drinks.
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 179.6 miles from Salmon Creek, WA, or about 3h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 158.1 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 80 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 179.6 miles or 3h 24m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spokane, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Salmon Creek, 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 Salmon Creek, WA
This is one driving day of about 359.2 miles and 6h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Salmon Creek, 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 158.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 179.6 mi from Salmon Creek, WA · 3h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
180 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 179.6 miles from Salmon Creek, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Columbia River Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 158.1 miles.
Arriving in Spokane, WA
The final approach into Spokane, WA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Spokane, WA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$75.18 one way
$150.35 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
126 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $78.84 | $157.68 |
| premium | $5.77 | $81.57 | $163.14 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $79.31 | $158.61 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$75
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$100–$125
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 107.8 | 1 | $37.72 | $17.24 |
| Efficient EV | 89.8 | 1 | $31.43 | $14.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 143.7 | 1 | $50.29 | $22.99 |
Gas CO2
126 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Spokane, WA
Afternoon in Spokane on Wednesday
Local time
12:21 PM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
70°F
Madras, OR
180 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
3 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 46m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Salmon Creek, WA to Spokane, WA covers 359.2 miles and takes about 6h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Columbia River Highway, US 395, McNary Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 179.6 miles from Salmon Creek, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $75.18 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 359.2 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (Northeast 134th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 14.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Salmon Creek, WA and Spokane, WA, road signs point toward Umatilla, Pasco and Finley.
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