Washington’s longest highway has no state rest areas. Where to stop instead

Whether you’re driving just a few towns over or across Washington state, road trips are a classic summer travel experience.

However, traveling by car is only comfortable so long. At some point, you’ll need to stop, stretch, fill up on gas, find a bathroom or get food or drinks — especially if you’re traveling with children.

Rest stops are a handy solution.

Managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation, rest stops in the Evergreen State are located along major highways to offer travelers a safe location to stop.

Many of these rest areas are part of the state agency’s free coffee program, intended to decrease drowsy drivers.

“Safety rest areas, including WSDOT’s, serve a vital safety purpose of preventing drowsy driving by giving drivers a place to stop, rest and stretch their legs,” Barbara LaBoe with WSDOT Communications told McClatchy Media in 2024.

Where are rest stops on roads in Washington state?

According to LaBoe, state-run rest areas service 24 million users each year.

This map pinpoints each of WSDOT’s rest stops.

Some are multidirectional, while the rest have separate locations for drivers in either direction.

Some of these locations have seasonal schedules. Always check your route and rest stops online before hitting the road.

How are rest area locations chosen in Washington?

Despite the many travel routes in Washington state, some highways and interstates have little to no rest areas available.

So how are rest stop locations determined?

There are multiple factors at play, according to information from LaBoe.

Rest stop locations were all determined between 1967 and 2011. Modern funding does not allow for new rest stop construction, just upkeep and maintenance, LaBoe said.

Decisions about rest stop locations have always followed the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Guide for the Development of New Rest Areas.

Its guidelines include:

• Service locations with effective stopping opportunities every 60 miles on state routes and interstates
• Safety benefit analyses, based on average annual traffic volume, collision data and associated costs
• Effectiveness of location based on additional information on the area
• Feasibility analysis on whether the location could handle the traffic volume

Given these guidelines, WSDOT may pass up on building rest areas in locations including larger urban areas with multiple stopping points along the route, less popular scenic byways and camping areas with accommodations through other departments.

How long is State Route 20?

Washington’s State Route 20 connects to US 101 near Uncas, traveling through Port Townsend.

The roadway, which includes the North Cascades Scenic Highway, travels in an east-west direction.

A ferry route reconnects SR 20 near Keystone, then travels north through San de Fuca and to the Fidalgo Bay.

From there, SR 20 splits, offering a route through Anacortes and to a ferry route to Canada, or a route east toward Burlington.

The eastbound route continues through northeastern Washington. Near Okanogan, it connects with US 97 through Tonasket, before breaking off and continuing east up through the Washington-Idaho state line.

Despite being the longest highway in Washington state, SR 20 has no WSDOT rest areas.

It does have one rest stop: the Kalispel Rest Stop around Cusick, managed by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.

Where should I stop for gas and food on State Route 20?

What happens if you’re driving in an area without many rest stops? What if you passed the only one you could’ve used for a significant stretch, and need to find an alternate option?

McClatchy Media’s guide showcases Washington state routes with long stretches between rest stops, offering potential stops for gas, food, stretching or bathrooms.

Here are recommended stopping points on SR 20:

Uncas to Canadian border (Anacortes Ferry Terminal) or Burlington

• Safeway Fuel Station: 2611 East Sims Way
• Midway Carwash Chevron: 960 Northeast Midway Blvd.
• Bayview Restaurant: 1539 Water St.
• Callen’s Restaurant: 12981 State Route 20

Burlington to Diablo

• Sedro Woolley Food Mart and Chevron: 1075 Stillwater Drive
• Lorenzo’s Mexican Restaurant: 221 Central St.
• Birdsview Diner: 39974 State Route 20
• Mondo Restaurant: 60102 State Route 20

Diablo to Omak

• The Mazama Store: 50 Lost River Road
• Winthrop Store: 228 Riverside Ave.
• Methow Valley Ciderhouse: 28 State Route 20
• East 20 Pizza: 720 State Route 20

Omak to Republic

• Tonasket Food Mart: 589-501 South Tonasket Ave.
• El Torito Bar and Grill: 914 Koala Drive
• Appaloosa: 202 Second St.
• Omak Travel Plaza and China Express: 800 Riverside Drive

Republic to Colville

• The Knotty Pine Restaurant and Lounge: 645 South Clark Ave.
• Pine Grove Junction: 16267 State Route 21
• Sandy’s Drive Inn: 1045 US 395
• Maverick’s Restaurant: 153 West Second Ave.

Colville to Washington-Idaho border

• Usk Bar and Grill: 112 Fifth St.
• Tiger Historical Center and Museum: 390372 SR 20
• Kalispel Rest Stop: 418452 State Route 20
• Mi Pueblo II: 311 North Washington Ave.

This article contains information from a previous story originally published in August 2024.