Trip from Spokane Valley, WA to Carson, WA

Data updated 1 hour ago

Drive Time

5h 59m

Distance

305.6 mi

492 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$64

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 46m ★

6 AM

5h 59m

8 AM

6h 25m

10 AM

6h 8m

12 PM

6h 6m

3 PM

6h 9m

5 PM

6h 24m

8 PM

5h 51m

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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Carson, WA

William Jacobs

Trip Overview

This 305.6-mile journey from Spokane Valley, WA to Carson, WA is a solid day trip, estimated to take just under 6 hours to complete. You'll primarily navigate the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway and Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway, with a smaller portion on I-90, meaning about 23% of your drive will be on the interstate. With a fuel cost estimated at $64, this route offers a manageable expense for a single day of travel. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, making it a more engaging local experience rather than a straightforward highway cruise. Both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, so you'll be exploring within the same general geographic area.

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

152.8 miles from Spokane Valley, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 50m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a drive that's more about the journey than pure speed, given its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. While 23% of the route utilizes the interstate, much of your time will be spent on scenic highways like the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway. This highway features the longest uninterrupted stretch at 153.2 miles, offering a substantial period of consistent driving. As you progress, the road will likely transition between faster highway sections and more winding local roads, requiring your attention. This varied landscape means you'll experience different driving dynamics throughout the 5 hours and 59 minutes of travel time.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Lewis and Clark Trail Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 153.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 0.2 miles in near East Montgomery Avenue.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 305.6 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 0.2 miles (East Montgomery Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 68.4 miles (US 395 / Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.1 miles (US 395): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Montgomery Avenue

Turn left onto East Montgomery Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

68.4 mi into trip | ~1h 16m in | US 395 / Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 / Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway toward Ritzville, Pasco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Ritzville, Pasco

142.1 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in | US 395

Take the exit onto US 395 toward I 182 West, US 395 South: Richland, Pendleton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 182 West, US 395 South: Richland, Pend...

144.5 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in | US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail toward US 395: Kennewick, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 395: Kennewick, Pendleton, Columbia B...

171 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Take the exit onto Lewis and Clark Trail Highway toward SR 14: Plymouth, Vancouver

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward SR 14: Plymouth, Vancouver

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Spokane Valley, WA and Carson, WA, road signs point toward Ritzville, Pasco, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport and Vancouver.

Ritzville

68.4 mi in | ~1h 16m | via US 395

Pasco

68.4 mi in | ~1h 16m | via US 395

Pendleton

142.1 mi in | ~2h 35m | via US 395

Columbia Basin College

144.5 mi in | ~2h 39m | via US 395

Tri Cities Airport

144.5 mi in | ~2h 39m | via US 395

Vancouver

171 mi in | ~3h 11m | via Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Lewis and Clark Trail Highway	153.2 mi	3h 5m
Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway	73.7 mi	1h 19m
I 90	56.6 mi	1h
Spokane Valley Freeway	11.3 mi	14m
Lewis and Clark Trail	5.7 mi	7m
East Steuben Street	1.6 mi	3m
North US 395	1.1 mi	2m
Wind River Road	1 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Lewis and Clark Trail Highway — 153.2 mi, about 3h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on WA 27

0.2 mi · 27 sec · North Pines Road

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto East Montgomery Avenue

155 ft · 6 sec · East Montgomery Avenue

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Merge onto I 90

11 mi · 14 min · Spokane Valley Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; US 395

57 mi · 1 hr · I 90; US 395

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395

74 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway

Toward Ritzville, Pasco

Take the exit onto US 395

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 395

Toward I 182 West, US 395 South: Richland, Pendleton

Merge onto I 182; US 12; US 395

1.9 mi · 2 min · Lewis and Clark Trail

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395

3.8 mi · 5 min · Lewis and Clark Trail

Toward US 395: Kennewick, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport

Continue on US 395

1.1 mi · 2 min · North US 395

Continue on US 395

22 mi · 24 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Take the exit onto Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Toward SR 14: Plymouth, Vancouver

Continue on WA 14

114 mi · 2 hr 15 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Continue on WA 14

1.6 mi · 3 min · East Steuben Street

Continue on WA 14

7.0 mi · 10 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on WA 14

0.4 mi · 30 sec · Lewis and Clark Highway

Continue on WA 14

11 mi · 14 min · Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Enter roundabout onto Wind River Road

19 ft · 0 sec · Wind River Road

Toward Carson

Continue on Wind River Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Wind River Road

Toward Carson

Turn right onto Hot Springs Avenue

270 ft · 9 sec · Hot Springs Avenue

Turn right onto 1st Street

196 ft · 8 sec · 1st Street

Arrive at destination

1st Street

Trip Plan

With a total duration of just under 6 hours, this drive is definitely achievable in a single day, so you have flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one significant stop along the way to break up the 305.6 miles. Given the 'turn-heavy' nature of the route, be sure to stay alert and check your navigation frequently, especially during the 153.2-mile stretch on the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway. The estimated fuel cost of $64 is a good baseline, but it's always wise to fill up before you leave Spokane Valley to ensure you have plenty of gas for the journey.

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 152.8 miles from Spokane Valley, WA, or about 2h 50m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.2 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 152.8 miles or 2h 50m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 46m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Spokane Valley, 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 Spokane Valley, WA

This is one driving day of about 305.6 miles and 5h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Spokane Valley, 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 Lewis and Clark Trail Highway for about 153.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 152.8 mi from Spokane Valley, WA · 2h 50m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hermiston, OR

153 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

Moses Lake, WA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hermiston, OR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 152.8 miles from Spokane Valley, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Lewis and Clark Trail Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 153.2 miles.

Arriving in Carson, WA

The final approach into Carson, 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 Carson, 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

$63.96 one way

$127.92 round trip

$5.32/gal 25.4 MPG avg 107 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.58	$67.08	$134.15
premium	$5.77	$69.40	$138.80
diesel	$5.61	$67.47	$134.95

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$64

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$89–$114

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 106.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	91.7	1	$32.09	$14.67
Efficient EV	76.4	0	$26.74	$12.22
EV Truck/SUV	122.2	1	$42.78	$19.56

Gas CO2

107 kg

EV CO2

36 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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Spokane Valley, WA

Late night in Spokane Valley on Wednesday

Local time

2:07 AM

PDT

Current temp

33°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Carson, WA

Late night in Carson on Wednesday

Local time

2:07 AM

PDT

Current temp

38°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

5 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

5h 59m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Spokane Valley, WA to Carson, WA covers 305.6 miles and takes about 5h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Lewis and Clark Trail Highway, Thomas S. Foley Memorial Highway, I 90. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 152.8 miles from Spokane Valley, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $63.96 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

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.

Between Spokane Valley, WA and Carson, WA, road signs point toward Ritzville, Pasco, Pendleton, Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities Airport and Vancouver.

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