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

Seattle – Where It All Begins

My I-90 adventures always start in Seattle, watching the skyline fade as I head east. The freeway shoots across Lake Washington on the floating bridges—driving across the water never gets old. On a clear day, you’ll see Mount Rainier looming to the south, and it’s one of those views that makes me feel lucky to call Washington home.

Favorite stop: Mercer Island Lid Park offers a green oasis right above the freeway, featuring trails and lakefront viewpoints.

Snoqualmie Pass – Into the Cascades

Heading out of the city, I-90 climbs into the Cascade Mountains. I love stopping near North Bend for coffee and a break at Snoqualmie Falls, a stunning 268-foot waterfall. Definitely a stop to add to your bucket list. Continuing east, the drive through Snoqualmie Pass is gorgeous—alpine lakes, thick forests, and snowy peaks in winter.

RV & Camping, Lake Easton State Park just off I-90 is one of my favorite places to camp, with lakeside sites and easy freeway access. The park has bathrooms with showers and several RV options, including dump stations. Also great for tent camping.

Ellensburg and the Yakima River Canyon

Dropping down from the mountains, the scenery changes quickly to open fields and rolling hills. If you get hungry and want some fantastic truck stop-style food, stop in Cle Elum at the Cottage Café. I always plan on stopping here for a meal and highly recommend the corned beef and hash breakfast. Ellensburg is one of those small towns I always enjoy—it’s got a historic downtown, a lively rodeo in late summer, and great local diners. I would advise gassing up here before continuing your trip.

If I have the time, I detour onto the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway—towering basalt cliffs, a winding river, and bighorn sheep grazing along the hillsides. I'm a rock lover, so I love traveling this way to see the rock cliffs—a beautiful drive.

The Columbia River and Vantage

Crossing the Columbia River at Vantage always takes my breath away. The bridge soars above the wide river, and just beyond, the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is worth exploring. The cliffs, petrified wood, and sweeping views of the Gorge make it one of my favorite quick stops. I always have to stop at the Ginkgo Gem Shop, a friendly family-owned rock shop full of beautiful treasures.

Camping: Vantage Riverside Park offers simple RV and tent camping right by the river.

Moses Lake to Spokane – Lakes and Wheat Fields

East of Vantage, I-90 rolls through the Columbia Basin. The drive between Moses Lake and Ritzville feels wide open, with endless fields of wheat under big skies. It’s quiet, calming, and a reminder of how much farmland shapes this part of the state.

Near Moses Lake, summer travelers can cool off at the lake, fish, or camp at Moses Lake RV Resort.

Spokane – Eastern Washington’s Gem

By the time I reach Spokane, I feel like I’ve crossed an entire state of changing scenery. Spokane is full of surprises—Riverfront Park with its waterfalls and gondola ride, historic neighborhoods, and great food.

RV & Camping: Riverside State Park is conveniently located near town but feels like a wilderness escape, offering hiking trails, campsites, and dramatic basalt formations along the Spokane River.

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.