This 316.9-mile drive from Spokane Valley, WA, to Wauna, WA, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 59 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-90 and then transitioning to State Route 18 and WA 16, this route offers a highway-focused experience across 99% of its length. With an estimated fuel cost of $66, it's an efficient journey for those looking to cover ground. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 252 miles on I-90, meaning you'll have ample opportunity to settle in. Both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, suggesting a consistent geographical feel throughout your trip.
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
158.5 miles from Spokane Valley, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 316.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for nearly the entire 316.9 miles, with 99% of the journey on major roadways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-90, experiencing a long, 252-mile stretch that allows for consistent speed and minimal interruptions. As you transition to State Route 18 and then WA 16, the character of the drive remains highway-centric, maintaining a steady pace. This route is designed for efficient travel, prioritizing directness over winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 90 is the longest continuous segment at about 252 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 0.2 miles in near East Montgomery Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 316.9 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 263.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 264 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|East Montgomery Avenue
Turn left onto East Montgomery Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
263.8 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Take the exit toward WA 18 West: Auburn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 25
Toward WA 18 West: Auburn
9
264 mi into trip|~4h 48m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn,...
8
291.7 mi into trip|~5h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway Sou...
8
301.1 mi into trip|~5h 37m 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
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 Wauna, WA, road signs point toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn
264 mi in|~4h 48m
Tacoma
264 mi in|~4h 48m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 90
252 mi
4h 32m
State Route 18
26.7 mi
34m
WA 16
12.5 mi
15m
Spokane Valley Freeway
11.3 mi
14m
I 5
8.5 mi
10m
State Route 302
0.9 mi
1m
Purdy Drive Northwest
0.8 mi
1m
Snoqualmie Parkway
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 90
— 252 mi, about 4h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spokane Valley, WA and Wauna, WA.
1
Start on WA 27
0.2 mi·27 sec·North Pines Road
Use the left lane.
2
Turn left onto East Montgomery Avenue
155 ft·6 sec·East Montgomery Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
4
Merge onto I 90
11 mi·14 min·Spokane Valley Freeway
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; US 395
57 mi·1 hr·I 90; US 395
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
195 mi·3 hr 31 min·I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
9
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
10
Continue on WA 18
27 mi·34 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Seattle, TacomaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5 South, WA 161: Enchanted Parkway South, TacomaUse the straight lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward I 5 South: Tacoma
14
Merge onto I 5
7.2 mi·9 min·I 5
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
1.3 mi·1 min·I 5
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 132BToward WA 16 West: Gig Harbor, BremertonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·45 sec
Toward WA 16 West: Union AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto WA 16
13 mi·15 min·WA 16
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward WA 302 West: Purdy Key CenterUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto WA 302
0.8 mi·1 min·Purdy Drive Northwest
21
Turn left onto WA 302
0.9 mi·1 min·State Route 302
22
Turn left
67 ft·5 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 59-minute duration, this drive is comfortably achievable in one day, but planning your departure time can enhance the experience. Leaving Spokane Valley early in the morning will help you avoid potential traffic and maximize daylight hours. You'll encounter one designated stop point, but consider taking short breaks as needed, especially during the 252-mile stretch on I-90. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is $66, it's always wise to refuel before entering longer, less populated segments of the route.
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 158.5 miles from Spokane Valley, WA, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 252 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 70 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.5 miles or 2h 53m 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 43m
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 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 316.9 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 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 I 90 for about 252 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 158.5 mi from Spokane Valley, WA
· 2h 53m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
20 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 273.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$66.32 one way
$132.65 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg111 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$69.56
$139.11
premium
$5.77
$71.96
$143.93
diesel
$5.61
$69.97
$139.94
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$66
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95.1
1
$33.27
$15.21
Efficient EV
79.2
0
$27.73
$12.68
EV Truck/SUV
126.8
1
$44.37
$20.28
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Spokane Valley, WA
Night
in Spokane Valley on Thursday
Local time
10:22 PM
PDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Wauna, WA
Night
in Wauna on Thursday
Local time
10:22 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
14 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 Wauna, WA covers 316.9 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 I 90, State Route 18, WA 16. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 158.5 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 $66.32 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 316.9 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 0.2 miles (East Montgomery Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 263.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 264 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Spokane Valley, WA and Wauna, WA, road signs point toward Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park.
