Salmon to Friday Harbor: Epic Pacific Northwest Drive

This route begins in Salmon, Idaho, the birthplace of Sacagawea, and ends at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, where the Washington State Ferry docks at 48.5346° N, 123.0175° W. The 780-mile drive traverses two time zones, five mountain passes, and three distinct climate zones.

Most drivers complete the trip in one very long day (12–14 hours of driving), but breaking it into two days is how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

From Salmon, take US-93 north to Missoula, MT, then I-90 west all the way to Seattle. At Seattle, follow I-5 north to Anacortes, where you'll board the Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor. This route is entirely paved and well-maintained.

• Total driving distance: 780 miles; typical drive time: 12–14 hours, excluding ferry wait.
• Ferry: Anacortes to Friday Harbor is ~1.5 hours; reservations are recommended in summer. Current fares (2025): $55 for car + driver each way; extra passengers $10 each.
• Fuel: Expect roughly 4–5 fuel stops. Prices vary; in Idaho/Montana, gas averages $3.50/gal, in Washington $4.20/gal. Total fuel cost for a mid-size SUV (25 mpg) is about $120–$140.
• Road quality: I-90 is excellent; US-93 in Montana is scenic but winding in places; watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk.

No tolls except for the ferry. Three mountain passes: Lost Trail Pass (MT) at 7,014 ft, Lookout Pass (ID/MT) at 4,696 ft, and Snoqualmie Pass (WA) at 3,022 ft. Each requires traction tires in winter.

Road safety is generally high, but watch for moose and elk on US-93 and deer on I-90 at night. Winter conditions require chains or snow tires. Summer brings road construction; check local DOT alerts.

• Family-friendly: The Children's Museum in Missoula, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone (south of Missoula), and the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.
• Pet-friendly: Many rest areas have designated pet runs, and most hotels along I-90 allow dogs. Dogs are allowed on the ferry on leash, but check for kennel requirements.
• Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2–3 hours; ideal rest points include Kellogg, ID (Silver Mountain Resort), Ritzville, WA (for a quick nap at the Heritage Park), and North Bend, WA (with scenic Snoqualmie Falls nearby).
• Hidden gems: The Cataldo Mission in Cataldo, ID, the oldest standing building in Idaho (1850); and the Othello, WA sandhill cranes migration in spring.

For overnight stays, consider stopping in Spokane or Ellensburg to break the drive. These towns offer a range of hotels and restaurants. Remember that Friday Harbor is an island; once you arrive, everything is walkable or bikeable, and parking is scarce.

This drive crosses the Continental Divide twice and transitions from the sagebrush steppe of Idaho to the rainforests of the Cascades. A unique geological highlight is the Channeled Scablands in eastern Washington, formed by the Missoula Floods 15,000 years ago. Notable stops include the National Bison Range in Montana and the Gingko Petrified Forest State Park in Vantage, WA.

Local commerce thrives in towns like Missoula, a university town known for its independent bookstores and breweries, and Ellensburg, WA, with its historic downtown and rodeo heritage. Both are worth a short detour for a meal or coffee. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle is a major employer, but for travelers, the Pike Place Market is a must-visit.