Driggs to Tacoma: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Driggs, Idaho to Tacoma, Washington covers roughly 620 miles and takes about 10 hours of pure driving time. You'll traverse two mountain passes—Teton Pass (elevation 8,431 feet) and Snoqualmie Pass (elevation 3,022 feet)—and cross the Snake River twice. This journey mirrors the historic Oregon Trail but with modern asphalt and rest stops. The eastern half is dominated by the volcanic plains of the Snake River Plain, while the western half cuts through the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range. A little-known fact: just west of Driggs, the town of Victor was originally a stagecoach stop on the route from Utah to Montana. Today, it's a gateway to Teton Valley's world-class fly fishing. For travelers asking how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this guide provides detailed answers.

Fuel stations are abundant along the interstate sections, but sparse between Mountain Home, ID and Pendleton, OR. Gasoline prices fluctuate by about $0.20 per gallon between states; filling up in Idaho typically saves money. The main corridor is well-maintained, with road conditions updated via Idaho 511 and Washington 511. Toll roads are absent, but some sections of I-90 near Seattle may have high-occupancy toll lanes. Rest areas are located every 50-70 miles, with full facilities in Idaho at Bliss and in Oregon at Ontario. The best stops Driggs, ID to Tacoma, WA include the Craters of the Moon National Monument for a quick detour.

• Fuel: ~$60-80 total (regular unleaded)
• Recommended fuel stops: Idaho Falls, ID; Burley, ID; Pendleton, OR
• Rest areas: Bliss (ID), Ontario (OR), Ellensburg (WA)
• Cell coverage: Good on interstates; spotty in remote Idaho sections

The drive opens with the dramatic rise of the Tetons behind you. US-20 crosses the Snake River Plain, a flat expanse of ancient lava flows and sagebrush. Near Arco, you can detour to Craters of the Moon National Monument (a 60-mile roundtrip) to see volcanic craters and lava tubes. Further west, the landscape gives way to the irrigated farmlands of the Magic Valley. After crossing into Oregon, the Blue Mountains rise abruptly, with pine forests and winding roads. The Columbia River Gorge offers stunning basalt cliffs and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls near Portland. As you approach Tacoma, Mount Rainier dominates the horizon. Local commerce thrives in towns like Baker City, OR, known for its historic downtown and Oregon Trail interpretation center.

• Natural landmarks: Teton Pass, Craters of the Moon, Columbia River Gorge
• Cultural stops: Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (Baker City), Pendleton Woolen Mills
• Unique sights: Shoshone Falls (near Twin Falls), Palouse Falls (side trip)

Winter driving requires chains or snow tires over Teton and Snoqualmie passes. Summer brings construction zones. The route is generally safe, but watch for wildlife (deer, elk) near dawn/dusk. For families, stop at the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot or the Children's Museum in Richland, WA. Pet-friendly hotels are common; most Motel 6 locations allow pets. Fatigue management: stop every 2 hours; ideal rest points are Burley, ID (halfway point) and Pendleton, OR. Hidden off-route spots include the ghost town of Corinne, UT (slight detour) and the Stonehenge replica at Maryhill, WA. For things to do between Driggs, ID and Tacoma, WA, consider wine tasting in Walla Walla or hiking at Palouse Falls.

• Safety: check weather at mountain passes; carry emergency kit
• Family: Blackfoot (potato museum), Richland (children's museum)
• Pets: designated pet relief areas at rest stops; pet-friendly chains
• Hidden gems: Maryhill Stonehenge, Palouse Falls State Park