Oak Harbor, WA → Seattle, WA
51 mi · 1h (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Coastal Flood Advisory in effect along your route
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Oak Harbor
51°
Seattle
53°
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 51 mi · 1h 1m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
51°F, wind 10 mph
Incidents
1
1 critical
Rest Stops
3
Truck svc, water, Restrooms
Cameras
12 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Pilot Travel Center
- ● Smokey Point Southbound Rest Area 🚻 🪑
- ● Silver Lake Rest Area (closed) 🚻 🪑
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via SR-20 → SR-536 → I-5 South
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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SR 20 at MP 32.6: NE 7th Ave
WA ·
SR 20 at MP 47.3: Gibralter Rd
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SR 20 at MP 47.8: Sharpes Corner (SR 20 Spur)
WA ·
SR 20 at MP 54.5: Best Rd / Farm to Market Rd
WA ·
I-5 at MP 228.8: George Hopper Rd
WA ·
I-5 at MP 212.7: SR 532 Interchange
WA · SB
I-5 at MP 210.3: 236th St NE
WA ·
I-5 at MP 204.2: 144th St NE
WA ·
I-5 at MP 196: 12th St NE
WA ·
I-5 at MP 186.4: 128th St SW
WA ·
I-5 at MP 180.6: 44th Ave W
WA ·
I-5 at MP 173.3: NE 120th St
WA ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
3 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 51-mile short drive from Oak Harbor to Seattle stays within WA and takes about 1h without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 3 rest areas, 1 reported incident and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
58° / 50°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
54° / 51°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
57° / 51°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 47°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
49° / 44°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
48° / 44°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
47° / 42°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Slight rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Oak Harbor, WA
51°F
Wind: 10 mph
Seattle, WA
53°F
Wind: 14 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Oak Harbor, WA to Seattle, WA
The 51-mile drive from Oak Harbor, Washington to Seattle, Washington takes approximately 1h under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This short route stays within Washington, connecting Oak Harbor and Seattle. At under 100 miles, it's a manageable day trip, but weather conditions can still change between your origin and destination — especially across elevation changes or near large bodies of water.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.
Best Time to Drive Oak Harbor to Seattle
For shorter trips like this 51-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 51 miles, the Oak Harbor to Seattle drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Oak Harbor to Seattle?
The drive is approximately 51 miles and takes about 1h under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Nov 17 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Oak Harbor to Seattle today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Oak Harbor to Seattle route?
Yes, there are 3 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses SR-20, I-5 South. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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