Driving I-90 Across Washington: My West to East Adventure

Planning a road trip across Washington on Interstate 90? This complete I-90 Washington road trip guide includes a detailed itinerary, must-see attractions, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, historic landmarks, small-town stops, local restaurants, campgrounds, RV parks with hookups, family-friendly adventures, and helpful travel tips along the way. From Seattle and Snoqualmie Pass to Ellensburg, Moses Lake, Spokane, and beyond, discover where to stop, what to see, where to eat, where to camp, and what to pack for an unforgettable Pacific Northwest adventure. Whether you're traveling by car, RV, camper van, or motorcycle, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your journey across Washington State.

WASHINGTON TRAVEL

Get Outside and Play Usa

4/1/202511 min read

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Interstate 90 is the backbone of Washington travel, stretching from Seattle on Puget Sound all the way east to Spokane and the Idaho border. I’ve driven it more times than I can count, and each trip reminds me that this isn’t just a freeway—it’s a cross-section of Washington’s incredible landscapes. From skyscrapers to mountain passes, from lakes to rolling wheat fields, I-90 always feels like a journey worth savoring.

Seattle – Where It All Begins

Washington's largest city is often the starting point for an I-90 adventure. Surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, Seattle offers enough attractions to fill several days before heading east across the state.

Must-See Attractions

Space Needle
Pike Place Market
Seattle Great Wheel
Museum of Pop Culture
Seattle Aquarium
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Ballard Locks

Scenic Viewpoints

Kerry Park – One of the most photographed views of the Seattle skyline.
Gas Works Park – Beautiful lakefront views and sunsets.
Sky View Observatory – The city's highest public observation deck.
Alki Beach – Waterfront views of downtown and Puget Sound.

Waterfalls Nearby

Snoqualmie Falls – A spectacular 268-foot waterfall located just east of Seattle and directly along the I-90 corridor.
Franklin Falls – A popular family-friendly waterfall hike near I-90.
Twin Falls – A scenic waterfall trail perfect for stretching your legs before continuing east.

Historic Landmarks

Pioneer Square – Seattle's original downtown district.
Smith Tower – Historic architecture and city views.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Learn about Seattle's role in the Yukon gold rush.

Small-Town Stops Nearby

North Bend – Famous for mountain scenery and Twin Peaks filming locations.
Snoqualmie – Home to Snoqualmie Falls and a charming historic downtown.
Issaquah – Great local restaurants, shopping, and hiking opportunities.

Local Restaurants

The Crab Pot – Known for seafood feasts.
Marination Ma Kai – Hawaiian-Korean fusion with waterfront views.
Biscuit Bitch – A Seattle favorite for breakfast.
Pike Place Chowder – Famous Pacific Northwest chowder.

Campgrounds

Dash Point State Park – Forested campsites near Puget Sound.
Saltwater State Park – Waterfront camping and beach access.
Tolt-MacDonald Park – Riverside camping east of Seattle.

RV Parks With Hookups

Lake Pleasant RV Park – Bothell
Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort – Fall City
Issaquah Village RV Park – Issaquah
Blue Sky RV Park – Preston

Road Trip Tip: Fuel up, stock the cooler, and enjoy Seattle's attractions before heading east. Once you leave the city, I-90 quickly transitions into mountain scenery, waterfalls, alpine forests, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Washington State.

Snoqualmie Pass – Into the Cascades

As I-90 climbs into the Cascade Mountains, Snoqualmie Pass delivers some of the most dramatic scenery on the entire drive. Towering evergreens, rugged peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and year-round outdoor recreation make this stretch of highway a must-stop destination. Whether you're visiting in summer for hiking or winter for skiing, Snoqualmie Pass is one of Washington's premier mountain playgrounds.

Must-See Attractions

Summit at Snoqualmie
Gold Creek Pond
Hyak Sno-Park
Iron Horse State Park
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

Scenic Viewpoints

Gold Creek Pond – Mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks.
Snoqualmie Pass East Summit Viewpoint – Expansive mountain vistas and excellent photo opportunities.
Keechelus Lake – Beautiful shoreline views just off I-90.
Lake Easton – Scenic mountain lake surrounded by forests.

Waterfalls

Franklin Falls – One of Washington's most popular waterfall hikes.
Twin Falls – Easy access and beautiful cascades.
Snoqualmie Falls – A world-famous waterfall located just west of the pass.
Denny Creek Falls – A rewarding hike featuring waterfalls and natural waterslides.

Historic Landmarks

Snoqualmie Tunnel – A 2.3-mile railroad tunnel through the Cascade Mountains.
Stampede Pass Railroad History Sites – Remnants of the region's railroad heritage.
Iron Horse State Park – Preserves the historic Milwaukee Road railroad corridor.

Small-Town Stops

North Bend – Restaurants, shopping, and mountain views.
Snoqualmie – Historic downtown and Snoqualmie Falls.
Roslyn – A historic mining town featured in the television show Northern Exposure.
Cle Elum – Gateway to Central Washington and outdoor recreation.

Local Restaurants

Dru Bru – Popular mountain brewery at Snoqualmie Pass.
Commonwealth Restaurant – North Bend.
North Bend Bar & Grill – Casual local favorite.
The Brick Saloon – Historic Roslyn restaurant and tavern.
Cottage Café – Cle Elum breakfast favorite.

Campgrounds

Lake Easton State Park – Camping, boating, and swimming.
Kachess Campground – Lakeside campsites and fishing.
Salmon La Sac Campground – Forest camping near mountain trails.
Wish Poosh Campground – Located along Lake Kachess.

RV Parks With Hookups

Whispering Pines RV Park – Cle Elum
Yakima River RV Park – Ellensburg
Sun Country Golf & RV Resort – Cle Elum
Cascade Meadows RV Resort – Cle Elum area

Road Trip Tip: Plan extra time for Snoqualmie Pass. Between waterfalls, alpine lakes, scenic viewpoints, and historic railroad sites, this stretch of I-90 often becomes one of the most memorable parts of a Washington road trip. Sunrise and sunset provide spectacular mountain photography opportunities, while winter travelers should always check pass conditions before heading into the Cascades.

Ellensburg and the Yakima River Canyon

As I-90 descends from the Cascade Mountains into Central Washington, travelers are greeted by wide-open skies, rolling hills, and the rugged beauty of the Yakima River Canyon. Ellensburg combines historic charm, outdoor recreation, Western heritage, and excellent dining, making it one of the best stops along the entire interstate. Just south of town, the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views, wildlife watching, fishing, and some of the most underrated landscapes in Washington.

Must-See Attractions

Olmstead Place Historical State Park
Dick and Jane's Spot
Kittitas County Historical Museum
Wild Horse Renewable Energy Center
Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway
Umtanum Recreation Area

Scenic Viewpoints

Wild Horse Renewable Energy Center – Panoramic views of the Kittitas Valley and surrounding mountains.
Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway – Stunning overlooks featuring towering basalt cliffs and the winding Yakima River.
Umtanum Ridge – Excellent hiking and photography opportunities.
Lookout Mountain – Sweeping views of the valley below.

Waterfalls

Helen McCabe State Park – Seasonal cascades and river scenery.
Manastash Creek Falls – A lesser-known waterfall destination west of Ellensburg.
Several seasonal waterfalls appear throughout the Yakima River Canyon during spring runoff.

Historic Landmarks

Ellensburg Downtown Historic District – Beautiful brick buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
Olmstead Place Historical State Park – Preserved pioneer homestead.
Thorp Mill – One of the oldest remaining industrial structures in Washington.

Small-Town Stops

Ellensburg – Historic downtown, shopping, restaurants, and Central Washington University.
Thorp – Home to the famous fruit stand and historic mill.
Cle Elum – A great stop just west of Ellensburg.
Selah – Southern gateway to the Yakima River Canyon.

Local Restaurants

The Red Pickle – Popular downtown Ellensburg eatery.
Palace Café – Historic local favorite.
Ellensburg Pasta Company – Known for handmade pasta and Northwest-inspired dishes.
Cornerstone Pie – Pizza and local craft beverages.
Canyon River Grill – Scenic dining along the Yakima River Canyon.

Campgrounds

Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds
Umtanum Creek Recreation Area
Lake Easton State Park – Just west of Ellensburg.
Helen McCabe State Park

RV Parks With Hookups

Yakima River RV Park – Ellensburg
Kittitas Valley RV Park – Ellensburg
Ellensburg KOA Journey – Ellensburg
Sun Country Golf & RV Resort – Cle Elum

Road Trip Tip: If time allows, take the scenic drive through the Yakima River Canyon between Ellensburg and Yakima. The winding river, soaring basalt cliffs, bighorn sheep, hawks, and endless photo opportunities make it one of the most beautiful and overlooked drives in Washington State. Spring wildflowers and fall colors are especially spectacular.

The Columbia River and Vantage

As I-90 drops into the Columbia Basin, the landscape changes dramatically. Forested mountains give way to towering basalt cliffs, sweeping desert vistas, and the mighty Columbia River. Vantage is one of the most iconic stops along the interstate, offering unforgettable views, fascinating geology, outdoor recreation, and some of the best photography opportunities in Washington State. This is where many travelers pull over for "just a quick stop" and end up staying much longer than planned.

Must-See Attractions

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
Ginkgo Interpretive Trails
Wild Horses Monument
Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail
Wanapum Recreation Area
Vantage Bridge

The area is famous for its ancient petrified forests, dramatic Columbia River scenery, and the iconic Wild Horses Monument overlooking the river. The Ginkgo Petrified Forest preserves remains from more than 50 species of ancient trees and is considered one of the most diverse petrified forests in North America.

Scenic Viewpoints

Wild Horses Monument – Panoramic views of the Columbia River and Vantage Bridge.
Vantage Bridge Overlook – Stunning river and canyon scenery.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center – Perched high above the Columbia River.
Frenchman Coulee – Famous desert cliffs and geological formations.

The Wild Horses Monument sits above the Columbia River and offers one of the most photographed viewpoints along I-90.

Waterfalls

Seasonal waterfalls can occasionally be seen flowing through the basalt cliffs during spring runoff.
While Vantage is known more for geology than waterfalls, the dramatic coulees and canyon walls provide incredible scenery after wet winters.

Historic Landmarks

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park – A National Natural Landmark preserving ancient fossilized forests.
Wanapum Heritage Sites – Learn about the history and culture of the Wanapum people.
Vantage Bridge – One of Washington's most recognizable river crossings.

Small-Town Stops

Vantage – A classic Columbia River road trip stop.
George – Home of the famous Gorge Amphitheatre.
Quincy – Known for agriculture, wineries, and outdoor recreation.
Mattawa – Gateway to desert recreation and the Columbia River.

Local Restaurants

The Ranch – A great place to grab a burger while enjoying views of the Columbia River.
Vantage Coffee – Perfect for a caffeine boost before continuing east.

Campgrounds

Wanapum Recreation Area – Popular riverside camping destination.
Vantage Campground – Convenient location right off I-90 with camping and RV accommodations.
Sunland Estates – Columbia River recreation nearby.

RV Parks With Hookups

Vantage Campground – Offers full-hookup and pull-through RV sites.
Wanapum Recreation Area RV Sites
Sunland Estates RV Resort

Road Trip Tip: Plan to stop at the Wild Horses Monument near sunset. The late-day light turns the basalt cliffs golden, the Columbia River glows below, and the steel horse sculptures create some of the most dramatic road trip photographs you'll find anywhere in Washington. Between the monument, petrified forests, desert landscapes, and river views, Vantage is one of the true highlights of an I-90 adventure.

Moses Lake

Located in the heart of Central Washington, Moses Lake is a favorite stop for road trippers traveling I-90. Known for its massive freshwater lake, sunny weather, outdoor recreation, fishing, boating, and family-friendly atmosphere, Moses Lake offers a welcome break between the Columbia Basin and Eastern Washington. Whether you're looking to spend a few hours on the water or stay overnight in an RV, this lakeside community has plenty to offer.

Must-See Attractions

Moses Lake
Moses Lake Surf 'n Slide Water Park
Moses Lake Museum & Art Center
Blue Heron Park
McCosh Park
Potholes Reservoir

Scenic Viewpoints

McCosh Park Waterfront – Beautiful views across Moses Lake with walking paths and picnic areas.
Blue Heron Park – Excellent sunset photography and birdwatching.
Potholes Reservoir Overlooks – Unique desert-meets-water scenery just south of town.
Peninsula Drive Waterfront Areas – Great spots to watch boats and enjoy lake views.

Waterfalls

Moses Lake is better known for boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation than waterfalls.
Nearby travelers interested in waterfalls often visit Spokane Falls farther east along I-90 or Dry Falls to the west near Coulee City.

Historic Landmarks

Moses Lake Museum & Art Center – Showcasing local history, culture, and regional exhibits.
Historic Downtown Moses Lake – Local shops, restaurants, and community events.
Larson Air Museum exhibits and local aviation history displays highlight the area's military and aviation heritage.

Small-Town Stops Nearby

Moses Lake – The region's primary recreation hub.
Warden – Small farming community south of town.
Ephrata – Historic downtown and gateway to the Columbia Basin.
Othello – Access to the Potholes Reservoir recreation area.

Local Restaurants

Michael's on the Lake – Waterfront dining with beautiful lake views.
Porterhouse Steakhouse – Local favorite for steaks and comfort food.
Rock Top Burgers & Brew – Casual dining and craft beverages.
Chico's Pizza Parlor – A longtime Moses Lake tradition.
Mom & Pop's Diner – Classic road trip comfort food.

Campgrounds

Blue Heron Park – Camping and lakeside recreation.
Potholes State Park – Popular for boating, fishing, and camping.
Mardon Resort – Great access to the Potholes Reservoir.
Several public and private campgrounds can be found throughout the Moses Lake area.

RV Parks With Hookups

Lakeshore RV Park – Full-hookup sites near the lake.
Blue Heron RV Campground – Convenient access to waterfront recreation.
Mardon Resort RV Park – Popular among anglers and boaters.
Sage N Sun RV Park – Easy access from I-90 and downtown amenities.

Road Trip Tip: Moses Lake is an excellent overnight stop on an I-90 adventure. The combination of waterfront parks, excellent fishing, boating opportunities, family attractions, and plentiful RV accommodations makes it one of the most convenient and enjoyable road trip bases in Central Washington. If possible, plan your visit around sunset—the reflections across the lake can be spectacular and often surprise travelers who weren't expecting such a beautiful oasis in the middle of Eastern Washington.

Spokane – Eastern Washington’s Gem

As the largest city in Eastern Washington, Spokane offers the perfect grand finale to an I-90 road trip across the state. Blending urban attractions with outdoor beauty, Spokane is known for its stunning riverfront, historic architecture, vibrant food scene, and easy access to recreation. Whether you're looking for waterfalls, museums, parks, restaurants, or a comfortable RV stop, Spokane has enough attractions to fill an entire weekend.

Must-See Attractions

Riverfront Park
Spokane Falls
Numerica SkyRide
Manito Park
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Mobius Discovery Center
Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Scenic Viewpoints

Spokane Falls Overlook – One of the most spectacular urban waterfall views in the Pacific Northwest.
Riverfront Park Bridges – Incredible views of the Spokane River and downtown skyline.
Manito Park – Beautiful gardens and elevated city views.
Mount Spokane State Park – Panoramic views stretching across Eastern Washington and Idaho.

Waterfalls

Spokane Falls – The city's signature attraction and one of the largest urban waterfalls in the United States.
Upper Spokane Falls
Lower Spokane Falls
The falls are especially impressive during spring runoff when water thunders through the heart of downtown.

Historic Landmarks

The Davenport Hotel – Spokane's most famous historic hotel.
Steam Plant Square – A former power plant transformed into a unique downtown destination.
Bing Crosby House Museum – Celebrating one of Spokane's most famous residents.
Historic Browne's Addition – One of the largest historic districts in the western United States.

Small-Town Stops Nearby

Medical Lake – Scenic lake and quiet community just west of Spokane.
Liberty Lake – Outdoor recreation, golf, and waterfront scenery.
Cheney – Home to Eastern Washington University.
Airway Heights – Entertainment, dining, and casino options.

Local Restaurants

Frank's Diner – Spokane icon located inside a historic railcar.
Clinkerdagger – Riverside dining overlooking Spokane Falls.
Wild Sage Bistro – Locally sourced Northwest cuisine.
The Old Spaghetti Factory – Family-friendly dining near Riverfront Park.
Bruncheonette – One of Spokane's most popular breakfast and brunch spots.

Campgrounds

Riverside State Park – Washington's second-largest state park with hiking, biking, camping, and river access.
Mount Spokane State Park – Forest camping and mountain recreation.
Liberty Lake Regional Park – Camping near the Idaho border.
Fishtrap Recreation Area – Popular public camping west of Spokane.

RV Parks With Hookups

Spokane KOA Journey – Full-hookup sites and family amenities.
North Spokane RV Campground – Convenient location with pull-through sites.
Alderwood RV Express – Easy access to I-90 and downtown Spokane.
Liberty Lake RV Campground – Great base for exploring Spokane Valley and eastern Washington.

Road Trip Tip: Don't just drive through Spokane. Park the car and spend a few hours exploring Riverfront Park, riding the SkyRide over Spokane Falls, and wandering the historic downtown district. If you're ending your I-90 journey here, Spokane's mix of outdoor recreation, great restaurants, historic landmarks, and waterfront scenery makes it a fitting finale to one of Washington State's most memorable road trips.

My Tips for Driving I-90 Across Washington

- Start early: Seattle traffic can be tough—leave before rush hour if you can.
- Pack layers: You’ll go from rainy coast to snowy mountains to dry desert, often in a single day.
- Stop often: Snoqualmie Falls, Vantage, and Spokane are just a few highlights—don’t rush past them.
- Bring snacks: Roadside fruit stands, especially near Ellensburg, are some of the best.

Final Thoughts

Driving I-90 across Washington is more than just a way to get from Seattle to Spokane—it’s a road trip in itself. From city skylines and alpine passes to river gorges and wheat country, this highway shows you nearly every side of the Evergreen State in one trip.

Every time I make the drive, I find something new: a hidden trailhead, a cozy diner, or just a view that makes me pull over to take it all in. For anyone who loves the open road, I-90 is Washington’s ultimate east-to-west adventure.