Olympia to Anacortes: A Scenic Washington Road Trip

The drive from Olympia, WA to Anacortes, WA spans roughly 150 miles (241 km) via I-5 N and State Route 20, taking about 2.5 to 3.5 hours without stops. This route skirts the Cascade Range foothills and the Salish Sea, offering a microcosm of Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Did you know that the Skagit River, which you'll follow near Anacortes, hosts the largest wintering bald eagle population in the lower 48 states? This fact alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Safety on I-5 is generally good, but watch for merging trucks near Fort Lewis. Best stops for families include Point Defiance Zoo (Tacoma) and the Children's Museum in Olympia.

• Pet-friendly stops: service areas with grass patches (Maytown Rest Area has a dog run).
• Fatigue management: break every 90 minutes; Everett waterfront park is ideal.
• Rest zones: Skagit Valley Rest Area (Milepost 211) has picnic tables.

For child-friendly dining, try The Filling Station in Tacoma for milkshakes and burgers. Many parks along the way have playgrounds, like Howarth Park in Everett.

South of Tacoma, the landscape is dominated by Douglas fir forests and agricultural prairies. Near Mount Vernon, you'll hit the Skagit Valley, a fertile delta known for tulip fields and dairy farms.

For tips on discovering hidden spots along any route, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Olympia Farmers Market (Saturday/Sunday).
• Historic downtown Snohomish (antiques and cafés).
• La Conner: art galleries and waterfront dining.

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-5, with prices often lower than in Seattle. Key refueling points: Tumwater (exit 104), Fife (exit 137), and Burlington (exit 229).

• Average gas cost: $3.80–$4.50/gallon (2025 estimates).
• Tolls: None on I-5 or WA-20. Toll for SR-520 is avoidable.
• Public restrooms: Rest areas at Milepost 88 (Maytown) and Milepost 147 (Everett).

The road quality is excellent on I-5, but WA-20 from Burlington to Anacortes can be narrow with some sharp curves. Keep an eye out for agricultural trucks near the Skagit Valley.