Plan Your Seattle to Portland Road Trip With Kids
The Seattle to Portland drive is a manageable 175-mile journey through the beautiful Pacific Northwest. This shorter route is perfect for families, with several excellent playground stops along I-5. SmartStops helps you find the best parks to break up the drive and keep kids happy.
Route Stats
175 miles
Total Distance
3 hours driving
Drive Time
1-2 stops
Recommended Stops
4-5 hours (with stops)
Total Trip Time
Year-round (summer best)
Best Season
Recommended Stops with Playgrounds
Stop 1: Tacoma, WA
35 miles from Seattle • 45 minutes from start
Point Defiance Park - Massive park with multiple playgrounds
ARCO, Shell along I-5
Bluebeard Coffee, Starbucks
Perfect early stop if you didn't leave early. Point Defiance is one of the best urban parks in the PNW.
Stop 2: Olympia, WA
60 miles from Seattle • 1 hour from start
Watershed Park - Nature trails with play areas
Costco, Shell near downtown
Batdorf & Bronson, Starbucks
State capital with nice downtown area. Good breakfast or coffee stop with kid-friendly options.
Stop 3: Centralia/Chehalis, WA
85 miles from Seattle • 1.5 hours from start
Recreation Park - Community playground near downtown
Multiple options at exit
Local cafes, fast food
Convenient midway stop with easy highway access. Great Clips antique mall nearby for a break.
Stop 4: Longview/Kelso, WA
130 miles from Seattle • 2 hours from start
Lake Sacajawea Park - Beautiful lake setting with playground
Shell, Chevron near I-5
Local coffee shops, Starbucks
Gorgeous park with a lake walk. Kids can feed ducks and play before the final push to Portland.
Tips for This Route
Best Time to Leave Seattle
Avoid Seattle rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Weekend mornings are ideal for this trip. Tacoma traffic can also backup.
Weather Considerations
Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable - always bring rain gear. Summer is best but can still be cloudy. Winter may bring ice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
This route is short - don't over-plan stops. One good playground break is usually enough. Portland traffic can add significant time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Seattle to Portland take with kids?
The drive takes about 3 hours without stops. With one playground stop, plan for 4-5 hours total. This is one of the easier family road trips on the West Coast.
Where should I stop between Seattle and Portland?
For a single stop, we recommend Olympia (1 hr) or Centralia (1.5 hrs). If you want a longer break, Lake Sacajawea in Longview is excellent.
Is I-5 the only route from Seattle to Portland?
I-5 is the most direct route. Highway 101 via Astoria is scenic but adds several hours. For families, I-5 with playground stops is the best choice.
Plan This Route in SmartStops
Get turn-by-turn directions to every playground and family stop along your Seattle to Portland journey.