If you’re wondering how far Idaho is from Seattle, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about the distance between these two states. In this blog post, we will answer that question and provide some other interesting facts about both Idaho and Seattle.
If you are looking for the shortest driveable distance from Seattle to the Idaho border, that distance is 300 miles or 4 hours and 29 minutes.
Below we’ve also laid out some distances and driving times to popular destinations in the state of Idaho, as well as included some tips for your drive, so keep on reading!
Distances from Seattle to popular places in Idaho
Chances are if you’re planning a trip from Seattle to Idaho, you probably don’t want to just end up somewhere random on the border. So we’ve compiled a few different distances from Seattle to popular destinations in Idaho:
- Seattle to Boise: If you’re wanting to head to Idaho’s capital (Boise), you are looking at 7 hours and 39 minutes (or 494 miles).
- Seattle to Coeur d’Alene: Pretty much a straight shot on I-90, this drive takes 4 hours and 44 minutes (or 311 miles).
- Seattle to McCall: 7 hours and 48 minutes (470 miles)
- Seattle to Idaho Falls: 11 hours and 31 minutes (771 miles)
- Seattle to Twin Falls: 9 hours and 28 minutes (619 miles)
- Seattle to Sandpoint: 5 hours and 31 minutes (347 miles)
- Seattle to Moscow: 4 hours and 49 minutes (294 miles)
- Seattle to Caldwell: 7 hours and 15 minutes (468 miles)
- Seattle to Nampa: 7 hours and 24 minutes (477 miles)
Next, we’ll talk a little bit about what the drive is like from Seattle to Idaho, so you know what to plan for.
What is the drive like from Seattle to Idaho?
If you are looking to drive from Seattle to Idaho, you will get to experience a beautiful drive, no matter where in Idaho you may be headed. Of course the road conditions, surroundings and roads will depend on exactly where you’re headed, but here are a few things to consider if you’re heading eastward from Seattle to the State of Idaho.
Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass is about 51 minutes (or 54 miles) from Seattle. This pass is The Washington State Department of Transportation has a pass report that includes things like road restrictions, and real-time traffic alerts. Especially if you’re traveling during the colder months where there’s snow, this is a very handy report to check before your travel, so you can calculate in any delays due to weather.
Columbia River
Chances are, no matter which way you’re heading, you will cross the Columbia River. The largest river in the Pacific Northwest, this river is over 1,200 miles long! While it shouldn’t have an impact on your travel, it certainly is a stunning site to see!
The Cascade Mountain Range
This beautiful mountain range stretches all the way from British Columbia to Northern California, passing through Washington and Oregon states as well. As you’re driving, keep an eye out for Mount Rainier. At over 14,000 feet elevation, this mountain can often be seen for a long time on this beautiful drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state is more scenic – Idaho or Washington?
This is a difficult question to answer, as both states offer stunning scenery. If you’re looking for mountains, forests and rivers, you’ll find all of that in Idaho and Washington. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a scenic drive!
Is the drive from Seattle to Idaho an easy one?
The drive from Seattle to Idaho is a relatively easy one. There are a few things to be aware of, like the Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascade Mountain Range, but overall it is a straight shot East on I-90.
What is the best time of year to drive to Idaho from Seattle?
Since you will likely be going across Snoqualmie Pass, it is certainly an easier drive in the summer months, since there’s a very low chance of snow. In the winter, it’s not uncommon for travel to be quite slow across the pass due to extreme snow conditions.
But if you plan ahead and have the right car/tires, you can make the drive anytime of year. Just check the weather report for the pass to ensure there’s no closures.
What are some must-see sights in Idaho?
Some must-see sights in Idaho include Boise (the capital), the Sawtooth National Forest, City of Rocks National Reserve and Craters of the Moon National Monument, or one of the phenomenal ski resorts that Idaho has to offer (such as Schweitzer Mountain). Keep in mind that this is just a small taste of all that Idaho has to offer – be sure to do your research before you go!
Why would you want to go to Idaho from Seattle?
There are many reasons why you might want to go to Idaho from Seattle. Some people might want to explore the mountains and forests, while others might be interested in visiting Boise (the capital) or one of Idaho’s many national parks.
Many people also like to go to Idaho to escape the large cities. The entire State of Idaho had a population of 1.75 million in the 2020 census, whereas Seattle itself already had over 740,000. The entire State of Washington had 7.5 million.
No matter what your reason is, you’re sure to find something that interests you in Idaho!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – everything you need to know about driving from Seattle to Idaho. If you decide to make the drive, we’re sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the many wonderful sights you’ll see along the way!
