Cannon Beach to Seattle: A Scenic Drive

Looking to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest coast? A road trip from Cannon Beach, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, is the perfect adventure. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend getaway or a tourist exploring the area, the drive offers stunning views of Oregon and Washington.

Fastest Route: Highway 101 to I-5

The fastest route from Cannon Beach to Seattle takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Take Highway 101 northbound until you reach Olympia, then hop on I-5 northbound to Seattle. This route covers approximately 200 miles. During peak traffic, it may take an additional 30-45 minutes.

Scenic Route: Highway 26 to US-30 to I-5

If you have some extra time, take a more scenic route from Cannon Beach to Seattle. Take Highway 26 East from Cannon Beach to Portland, then take US-30 westbound to Astoria. From there, take US-101 northbound through the Olympic National Forest to I-5. This route covers approximately 250 miles and takes about 5 hours. Be sure to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the coastal towns and forests.

Slowest Route: Pacific Coast Route

If you have a full day to spare and want to soak in the coastal scenery, take the slowest route from Cannon Beach to Seattle. Take Highway 101 northbound through the scenic coastal towns of Seaside, Tillamook, and Astoria. From Astoria, take US-101 northbound until you reach Aberdeen, Washington. From there, take Highway 109 southbound along the coast until you reach Highway 101. Take Highway 101 northbound until you reach I-5. This route covers approximately 300 miles and takes about 8 hours. The many stops and winding roads make this route the slowest but the most rewarding.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic can vary throughout the day, so it's important to plan your route accordingly. During peak rush hour times, expect longer drive times. If you're taking the fastest route, avoid rush hour in Seattle by arriving before 7:30 a.m. and leaving after 9:00 a.m. during the week. For the scenic and slow routes, traffic shouldn't be an issue, but plan to arrive in Seattle before rush hour times.

Overall, the drive from Cannon Beach to Seattle offers a range of routes with varying scenic views and drive times. Whether you're taking the fastest or slowest route, be sure to plan ahead and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest.