Stanley, ID to Anacortes, WA: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 700-mile drive begins in the Sawtooth Mountains at 6,260 feet and ends at sea level on Puget Sound, crossing four states and two mountain ranges.

The route follows US-95 north, then I-90 west, passing through Boise, Pendleton, and Seattle before reaching Anacortes.

From Stanley, you'll drive through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, then the high desert of southern Idaho, before climbing into the Blue Mountains of Oregon and the Cascades of Washington.

The route passes within 20 miles of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (the deepest river gorge in North America) and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

For a hidden gem, detour 12 miles east of I-84 at Baker City, OR, to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, which sits on a bluff overlooking the historic wagon road. This site offers a tangible connection to pioneer history and a panoramic view of the valley.

Culinary stops: In Boise, you'll find a vibrant food truck scene; in Pendleton, try the local Basque cuisine, a result of the region's sheep-ranching heritage. Washington's Yakima Valley (detour 10 miles south of I-82) is a prime wine and hop-growing region.

Highway quality is generally excellent: US-95 is a well-maintained two-lane highway, while I-90 is a four-lane interstate with rest areas every 30–50 miles.

Fuel prices drop by about 15% once you leave Idaho and enter Oregon (no sales tax) and remain moderate in Washington. Expect to pay around $4.50/gallon in Idaho, $3.80 in Oregon, and $4.20 in Washington (as of 2025).

• Plan for 3–4 fuel stops; the longest stretch without services is between Grangeville, ID and Lewiston, ID (approx. 80 miles).
• Carry a spare tire and emergency kit, as cell coverage is spotty in the mountains.

Key hazards include deer and elk crossings, especially at dawn/dusk between McCall and Riggins, ID, and in the Cascades. Carry chains in winter, as passes like Snoqualmie (I-90) can receive heavy snow.

For rest, take breaks at the Ontario, OR (Milepost 1 on I-84) or Ellensburg, WA (Milepost 106 on I-90) rest areas, both with clean facilities and picnic tables. To combat fatigue, switch drivers every 2–3 hours or use the '20-20-20 rule' (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet ahead for 20 seconds).

Family-friendly stops include the Idaho State Capitol in Boise (free tours), the Pendleton Round-Up grounds (historic rodeo), and the Yakima Valley SunDome (events). Pet-friendly: National forests (Sawtooth, Umatilla, Deschutes) allow dogs on leash; many rest areas have designated pet walk zones.

For more on finding unique detours, check out this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.