Wallace ID to Sequim WA: A Curated Road Trip Guide

This route traces the path of the historic Mullan Road, the first wagon road to cross the Rockies, completed in 1862. You'll traverse the Bitterroot Range, the Columbia Plateau, and the Cascade Mountains, ending on the Olympic Peninsula.

Covering roughly 1,170 miles, the drive typically takes 18-20 hours of pure driving time. This guide helps you decide is it worth driving Wallace, ID to Sequim, WA and highlights things to do between Wallace, ID and Sequim, WA.

Major highways include I-90 from Wallace to Seattle, then US-101 north to Sequim. Expect significant elevation changes: 2,700 ft at Wallace to sea level at Seattle, with Snoqualmie Pass at 3,022 ft.

• Fuel: About 8 fill-ups for a 300-mile range car; gas prices vary by state, generally cheaper in Idaho than Washington.
• Road Quality: I-90 is well-maintained, but mountain passes can be snowy Oct-Apr. Check WSDOT alerts.
• Tolls: No tolls on the entire route.

As you leave Wallace, you'll climb through the Bitterroot National Forest, with wildflowers in spring and golden larches in fall. Near Spokane, the Spokane River flows through basalt canyons sculpted by Ice Age floods.

Further west, the Columbia River Gorge offers dramatic vistas; stop at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center to learn about the area's geology. In the Cascades, Snoqualmie Pass is a winter wonderland and summer hiking hub.

Beyond Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula's rainforests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of Olympic National Park. Along the way, small towns like Cle Elum and Port Angeles offer farm-to-table dining, local wineries, and artisan shops.

The route is generally safe, but mountain passes demand caution: slow down for curves and watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk. Keep an emergency kit with blankets and water.

For families, stop at the Children's Museum of Tacoma or the Seattle Aquarium. Many parks have playgrounds and easy trails.

Pet-friendly options abound: most rest areas have pet areas, and many hotels accept pets. Leash laws apply in parks.

To combat fatigue, plan stops every 2-3 hours. Recommended rest zones include the Vantage Rest Area (mile 137 on I-90) with panoramic views, and the North Bend Rest Area. Consider the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide for off-the-beaten-path ideas.