Trip from Vancouver, WA to Colfax, WA

Drive Time

6h 32m

Distance

339.4 mi

546 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$71

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

6h 21m ★

6 AM

6h 33m

8 AM

6h 57m

10 AM

6h 41m

12 PM

6h 39m

3 PM

6h 43m

5 PM

6h 56m

8 PM

6h 26m

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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Colfax, WA

Abraham Castro

Trip Overview

Spanning 339.4 miles from Vancouver to Colfax, this journey takes approximately 6 hours and 32 minutes of drive time. While it is technically possible to complete this trip in a single day, the duration makes for a long stint behind the wheel, so consider your stamina before departing. You will navigate a variety of corridors, primarily utilizing the Columbia River Highway, US 395, and WA 26. Expect to set aside about $71 for fuel costs based on the total distance. Since both the origin and destination are within Washington, you will traverse the state's diverse inland geography. This route is best suited for travelers who enjoy a sustained, mixed-drive experience through the Pacific Northwest.

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

169.7 miles from Vancouver, WA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 13m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip offers a mixed-drive profile that keeps you engaged as the landscape shifts. Only 35% of your journey is spent on major highways, meaning you will experience a balanced transition between different road types. Your longest uninterrupted segment is a substantial 158.1-mile stretch along the Columbia River Highway, which serves as the primary backbone of your trip. As you move away from the river and onto WA 26 and US 395, the character of the road changes, requiring you to adjust to different driving conditions. Anticipate a varied experience that moves from major thoroughfares to smaller, more localized driving environments.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 26 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 1 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 339.4 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 1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the exit toward WA 14 East: Camas

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 1A Toward WA 14 East: Camas

6.9 mi into trip | ~9m in

Take the exit toward I 205: Salem, Seattle

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 6 Toward I 205: Salem, Seattle

7.3 mi into trip | ~10m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 205 South: Salem

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 205 South: Salem

11.7 mi into trip | ~16m 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

212.8 mi into trip | ~4h 1m in | US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395 / Lewis and Clark Trail Highway toward US 395 north to I‑182: Kennewick, Pasco, Spokane

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward US 395 north to I‑182: Kennewick, Pasco,...

Towns Along This Route

Between Vancouver, WA and Colfax, WA, road signs point toward Umatilla, Pasco, Spokane and Finley.

Umatilla

182 mi in | ~3h 26m

Pasco

212.8 mi in | ~4h 1m | via US 395

Spokane

212.8 mi in | ~4h 1m | via US 395

Finley

222.1 mi in | ~4h 14m | via US 395

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Columbia River Highway	158.1 mi	2h 55m
WA 26	72.4 mi	1h 26m
US 395	43.7 mi	47m
McNary Highway	29.9 mi	33m
Old Oregon Trail Highway	11.4 mi	12m
Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway	5.2 mi	6m
Lewis and Clark Trail	4.9 mi	6m
Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge	4.1 mi	5m

Longest stretch: Columbia River Highway — 158.1 mi, about 2h 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Vancouver, WA and Colfax, WA.

Start on East Fourth Plain Boulevard

329 ft · 9 sec · East Fourth Plain Boulevard

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 57 sec

Toward I 5 South: Portland

Merge onto I 5

0.7 mi · 55 sec · I 5

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 1A Toward WA 14 East: Camas Use the slight right lane.

Continue on WA 14

5.2 mi · 6 min · Southeast Lewis and Clark Highway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Exit 6 Toward I 205: Salem, Seattle Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 55 sec

Toward I 205 South: Salem Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 205

4.1 mi · 5 min · Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Continue on I 84; US 30

158 mi · 2 hr 55 min · Columbia River Highway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 84; US 30

11 mi · 12 min · Old Oregon Trail Highway

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min

Toward I 82 West: Hermiston, Umatilla

Continue on I 82

30 mi · 33 min · McNary Highway

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 Use the none lane.

Continue on US 395

1.1 mi · 2 min · South US 395

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 395

4.9 mi · 6 min · Lewis and Clark Trail

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 395

0.3 mi · 34 sec · US 395

Toward US 395

Keep slight right at fork onto US 395

43 mi · 47 min · US 395

Toward US 395 North: Spokane Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min

Turn right onto WA 26

72 mi · 1 hr 26 min · WA 26

Continue on WA 26

415 ft · 7 sec · West Walla Walla Highway

Merge onto US 195

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Main Street

Turn left onto East Spring Street

139 ft · 8 sec · East Spring Street

Turn right

257 ft · 18 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To keep your 6-hour and 32-minute journey manageable, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since you are looking at a $71 fuel expense, check your tank levels before hitting the longer stretches to avoid unnecessary stress. Aiming for an early morning departure will help you clear the bulk of the 339.4-mile distance before the afternoon fatigue sets in. Because the route relies heavily on state highways like WA 26, stay alert for changes in speed limits and road width as you transition between sections. Flexibility is your greatest asset here, so don't hesitate to pull over if you need a break during the long 158.1-mile leg.

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 169.7 miles from Vancouver, WA, or about 3h 13m 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 169.7 miles or 3h 13m 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 19m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA

This is one driving day of about 339.4 miles and 6h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Vancouver, 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 169.7 mi from Vancouver, WA · 3h 13m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Yakima, WA

170 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

Yacolt, 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 169.7 miles from Vancouver, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Columbia River Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 158.1 miles.

Arriving in Colfax, WA

The final approach into Colfax, 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 Colfax, 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

$71.23 one way

$142.47 round trip

$5.33/gal 25.4 MPG avg 119 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$5.57	$74.39	$148.77
premium	$5.77	$77.11	$154.23
diesel	$5.64	$75.40	$150.81

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$71

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$96–$121

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 118.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	101.8	1	$35.64	$16.29
Efficient EV	84.9	0	$29.70	$13.58
EV Truck/SUV	135.8	1	$47.52	$21.72

Gas CO2

119 kg

EV CO2

40 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 3 days ago

Origin

Vancouver, WA

Night in Vancouver on Sunday

Local time

9:03 PM

PDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Colfax, WA

Night in Colfax on Sunday

Local time

9:03 PM

PDT

Current temp

33°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

8 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 32m 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 Vancouver, WA to Colfax, WA covers 339.4 miles and takes about 6h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Columbia River Highway, WA 26, US 395. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 169.7 miles from Vancouver, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $71.23 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.

Between Vancouver, WA and Colfax, WA, road signs point toward Umatilla, Pasco, Spokane and Finley.

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Return Trip

Colfax, WA to Vancouver, WA

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339.4 mi 6h 33m

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Trip from Vancouver, WA to Colfax, WA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Colfax, WA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Vancouver, WA

Colfax, WA

Same local time

8 degrees cooler at arrival

6h 32m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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