Driving I-5 Through Washington

Vancouver to Olympia – River Meets History

I usually start my I-5 journeys at Vancouver, just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. Vancouver has a charming downtown and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, where the state’s earliest trading stories come alive.

As I head north, the drive follows the Columbia River for a stretch, then rolls through farmland and forests. Olympia, the state capital, is one of my favorite stops—Capitol Lake and the Washington State Capitol Campus are perfect for a walk.

RV Stop: Millersylvania State Park (near Olympia) offers camping among tall firs and quiet lakes.

Tacoma – Grit and Waterfront Charm

Next up is Tacoma, a city that has reinvented itself with museums, public art, and a vibrant waterfront. I love walking along the Thea Foss Waterway and visiting the Museum of Glass, where live glassblowing demonstrations never fail to inspire me.

Quick Bite: Tacoma is a hub of amazing food from all different cultures. If I'm craving something, it's usually in Tacoma.

Seattle – Skyline, Coffee, and Culture

No I-5 trip is complete without passing through Seattle. Yes, the traffic can be tough, but where else do you get to see the Space Needle, the waters of Lake Union, and Mount Rainier all in one glance?

I usually stop at Pike Place Market for something fresh to eat and maybe wander down to the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront.

RV Stop: Lake Pleasant RV Park (just north of Seattle in Bothell) makes a great base for exploring the city while still sleeping near trees and water.

Everett to Bellingham – Bays and Valleys

Leaving Seattle, the pace slows a bit. I love stopping in Everett for its waterfront parks and in Mount Vernon during tulip season, when the Skagit Valley becomes a sea of colors.

Farther north, Bellingham is one of my favorite I-5 towns. It’s a college city with a laid-back vibe, a beautiful Fairhaven Historic District, and great access to the water.

RV Stop: Larrabee State Park, just south of Bellingham, has campsites overlooking the rocky shoreline of Samish Bay.

Blaine and the Canadian Border

At the very top of Washington, I-5 ends at Blaine, right at the Canadian border. I always stop at the Peace Arch Park, where you can literally straddle the line between the U.S. and Canada. It’s a fitting end to the highway, reminding me that I-5 is not just a state road but an international connection.

My Tips for Driving I-5 in Washington

- Expect traffic in the big cities: Seattle and Tacoma are busiest—try to travel early or late in the day.
- Break it up: There’s so much to see; make the drive into a multi-day trip.
- Explore the small towns: From Centralia’s antiques to Mount Vernon’s tulips, the gems are in the details.
- Bring layers: Coastal rain in Olympia, mountain breezes in Bellingham—it all changes quickly.

Final Thoughts

I-5 may be Washington’s busiest road, but it’s also one of its greatest adventures. From the Columbia River to the Canadian border, the highway tells the story of this state—its history, its landscapes, its people.

Every time I drive I-5, I see more than traffic and exits—I see forests, farmland, bustling cities, and peaceful shorelines. For me, it’s not just the main highway through Washington; it’s the spine of the Evergreen State.

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