Anacortes to Jackpot: Epic Pacific NW to Nevada Drive

Leaving the rain-soaked islands of the Pacific Northwest for the high desert of northeastern Nevada, this 850-mile route crosses three states and a remarkable variety of American landscapes. The drive begins on Fidalgo Island, where the Deception Pass Bridge—completed in 1935 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—offers a dramatic gateway to the mainland.

From there, you'll thread through the Cascade Range via the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), one of the most scenic byways in the country, before dropping into the agricultural plains of Central Washington and following the Columbia River east. The journey ends in Jackpot, a tiny gambling enclave on the Idaho border, where the only reason to stop is the casinos that line the highway.

Fuel economy is a prime consideration on this route, as gas stations become sparse east of Spokane. Plan to fill up in Cle Elum, Ritzville, and Boise—the latter being the only major city on the entire route. The most direct path follows I-90 east to Vantage, then US-395 south to Pasco, then I-84 east through Oregon to Boise, finally US-93 south to Jackpot. However, a more scenic alternative takes WA-20 Northeast from Burlington through the North Cascades, then connects to US-97 and I-90 at Ellensburg, adding about 60 miles but yielding far superior scenery.

• Drive time: 13-14 hours without stops, but plan for at least 2 days to enjoy the journey.
• Road conditions are generally good year-round, but mountain passes (Washington Pass, 5,477 ft) require chains in winter.
• Cellular coverage is spotty in the Cascades and central Oregon; download offline maps.
• Use the Wayro blog post how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to plan your off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The North Cascades are a geologist's playground, with claims to be the most glaciated region in the Lower 48—more than 300 glaciers cling to peaks like Mount Shuksan and Liberty Bell. These mountains host a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the San Juan Islands National Historical Park, though it lies off-route, a short ferry detour from Anacortes rewards with the park's orca whale–viewing opportunities. Returning to the road, the Okanogan Valley introduces a rain-shadow desert, a stark contrast with sagebrush steppe.

Crossing the Columbia River at Vantage, you'll see the Gingko Petrified Forest State Park, where 15 million-year-old fossilized trees are accessible via a short interpretive trail. This region also marks the transition to the Palouse, a rolling landscape of fertile hills often compared to Tuscany. The local commerce here is agriculture-dependent, with roadside stands selling cherries and apples in season. As you approach Jackpot, the land turns high-desert, and the economy shifts to gaming—the town exists solely because of its casinos and the lack of gambling in neighboring Idaho.

Fatigue is a leading hazard on this monotonous stretch of highway in eastern Washington and Oregon. To combat it, the route is dotted with official rest areas every 50-60 miles; use them—they are clean and offer picnic tables. For families, the Wild Horse Wind & Solar Facility near Ellensburg provides an educational viewpoint, while the Children's Museum of Tri-Cities in Richland offers a hands-on break for kids. Pet-friendly accommodations are abundant along the route; most chain motels in towns like Ellensburg and Boise allow pets for a nominal fee.

Road quality is excellent on interstates and major U.S. highways, but on secondary roads, watch for deer and elk, especially at dawn and dusk. In winter, check passes before departure. For dining, the route features classic diners like the Bluebird in Winthrop (since 1945) and Basque cuisine in Boise—a nod to the region's immigrant history. Hidden off-route spots include the Maryhill Museum of Art, perched on a cliff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, and the dramatic basalt columns of Dry Falls, a fossilized waterfall in central Washington.