Redding, CA to Wallace, ID Road Trip Guide

The journey from Redding, California to Wallace, Idaho follows I-5 north through the Cascade Range and then I-90 east across the Columbia Plateau, covering approximately 800 miles. This route passes the aftermath of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption and the historic Coeur d'Alene mining district.

Key milestones: From Redding, take I-5 north for about 300 miles to the Seattle area, then transition to I-90 east for another 500 miles to Wallace. Total driving time is around 11-12 hours, but plan for 2-3 days to appreciate the attractions. This guide covers how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, ensuring you don't miss the region's natural and cultural highlights.

The route encompasses three biomes: Mediterranean-like foothills of Northern California, temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, and arid high desert of the Columbia Plateau.

• Mount Shasta: Visible from I-5 near Redding, a dormant volcano.
• Columbia River Gorge: I-84 follows the river; stops include Multnomah Falls and Hood River.
• Palouse Falls: Off I-90 near Spokane, a 200-foot waterfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but nearby Olympic National Park is recognized. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is a protected area with interpretive centers.

Local commerce: In Wallace, historic mining district offers shops like The Old Time Candy & Toy Store and the Wallace District Mining Museum. Farmers markets in Coeur d'Alene and Spokane.

Culinary infrastructure: From Redding's farm-to-table restaurants to Portland's food carts and Spokane's craft breweries. Small towns like Pullman offer diners.

The primary route is I-5 north from Redding to I-90 east near Seattle. An alternative is I-5 to I-84 east at Portland, then US-97 north to I-90, which saves some miles but adds mountain passes.

• Gas stations are plentiful on I-5 and I-90, but fill up in remote stretches like the Columbia Basin.
• Rest areas available every 50-100 miles; notable are Gee Creek Rest Area near Vancouver, WA.
• Toll roads: None on this route, but congestion around Seattle may cause delays.

Fuel efficiency: Expect fuel stops every 300-350 miles. Diesel is widely available. Prices vary: California higher, Oregon and Idaho lower. Budget around $4.50/gallon average.

1. Redding: Last cheap gas before Oregon.
2. Portland area: Slightly cheaper.
3. Spokane area: Among the cheapest.

Road quality: I-5 well-maintained but congested near cities. I-90 east of Cascades generally good, but winter conditions can be hazardous. Check weather for Snoqualmie Pass and Lookout Pass.

Safety: I-5 and I-90 are major interstates with good signage. Mountain passes like Snoqualmie (elevation 3,000 ft) and Lookout Pass (4,700 ft) require winter tires or chains in snow.

• Speed limits: 65-70 mph on interstates.
• Cell coverage: Limited in remote areas; download offline maps.
• Wildlife: Deer, elk, moose; drive cautiously at dawn/dusk.

Family and child suitability: Long drive but manageable with breaks. Kid-friendly stops include Silverwood Theme Park near Coeur d'Alene, Spokane Children's Museum, and Multnomah Falls.

Pet-friendly: Many rest stops have pet areas. Hotels like Motel 6 and La Quinta allow pets. National Forests have off-leash areas but check local rules.

Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2-3 hours. Recommended rest areas: Siskiyou Rest Area near Oregon border, Gee Creek Rest Area in Washington, Spokane Valley Rest Area.

1. Take breaks to walk and stretch.
2. Switch drivers if possible.
3. Stay hydrated but limit caffeine.

Hidden off-route spots: Side trip to Leavenworth, WA (German village) 30 miles off I-90. Coeur d'Alene Lake Cruises. In Wallace, the Route of the Hiawatha scenic bike trail.