Wallace to Anacortes Road Trip: Best Stops & Scenic Drives

Beginning in the historic mining town of Wallace (elevation 2,748 ft), the drive to Anacortes covers roughly 700 miles and climbs to 5,200 ft at Lookout Pass before descending toward the Puget Sound. This trip crosses four states: Idaho, Montana (briefly), Washington, and Oregon (via a short detour if you take I-84), though the main route stays on I-90. The journey typically takes 11–12 hours of pure driving, often stretched over two or three days to enjoy the sights.

Wallace itself is a National Historic Landmark, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and the world's only working silver mine tour. As you head west, the landscape transforms from pine forests and rugged mountains to the arid Columbia Plateau, then to the lush, rainforest-like Cascade foothills, and finally to the island-dotted coast of the Salish Sea.

Road quality is generally excellent, but the steep grades and heavy truck traffic on I-90 require attentiveness. Use lower gears when descending passes to avoid brake fade. Keep an emergency kit with water, blankets, and a flashlight, especially in winter.

For families, the route offers kid-friendly stops like the Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho, and the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie. Many rest areas have playgrounds, and the drive-through tree in the Olympic Peninsula is a fun photo op.

Pets are welcome in many outdoor areas, but national parks and some lodges have restrictions. Leash laws apply in all state parks. Plan rest stops every 2 hours to stretch legs and let dogs walk.

Fatigue is a real hazard; take advantage of the many rest areas and scenic viewpoints. The Ellensburg rest area has a great view of the Kittitas Valley. Alternatively, pull over in Cle Elum and hike the Iron Horse State Park trail for a break.

The route skirts the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park (a 3-hour detour), but closer highlights include the St. Joe River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, and the Cedar Creek Falls near Wallace. In Montana, the 50-mile stretch from Lookout Pass to Missoula follows the Clark Fork River, a favorite for rafting.

Spokane's Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World's Fair, features a 100-foot waterfall. Farther west, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers viewpoints like the Wild Horses Monument, though this is a slight detour off I-84. The Cascades themselves are a volcanic range, with Mount Rainier (14,411 ft) visible on clear days near Tacoma.

For local commerce, stop at the historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane (built 1914) or the farmers' markets in Ellensburg (Saturdays, May–October). In Anacortes, the ferry terminal is a hub for whale-watching tours, a key local industry.

If you're looking for hidden gems off the main highway, check out this how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide for tips on using local blogs and social media.

Fuel prices vary significantly: Idaho typically has lower gas taxes (32 cents/gallon) than Washington (49.4 cents), so filling up before crossing state lines can save money—especially if you have a large tank. Gas stations are plentiful along I-90, but become sparse in the Cascades, so plan to refuel at Cle Elum or North Bend before tackling the final stretch.

Most of the route is four-lane divided highway, but the section from Ellensburg to Anacortes includes two-lane roads (WA-20) with passing lanes. Winter travel requires chains or snow tires from November to March, especially over Snoqualmie Pass (elevation 3,022 ft). Summer brings road construction, so check the Washington State Department of Transportation app for delays.

• Drive time: 11–12 hours nonstop, but spread over 2–3 days is recommended.
• Tolls: None on I-90; the ferry from Anacortes to the San Juans is extra.
• Food: Local diners in Wallace, Missoula, Spokane, and Cle Elum offer regional fare.