Redmond, OR → Seattle, WA

Your journey from Redmond to Seattle covers approximately 237 miles and takes around four hours and forty-four minutes, traversing some of Oregon and Washington's most varied terrain. You'll primarily follow US Route 97 north out of Redmond before connecting to Interstate 90, which carries you through the Cascade Range and across Washington's central landscape. This corridor takes you from the high desert of central Oregon, over mountain passes, and down into the Puget Sound lowlands, offering dramatic shifts in elevation and scenery that make this drive particularly engaging for those paying attention to the landscape.

Leaving Redmond, you'll climb steadily northward through increasingly forested terrain as US 97 carries you toward the Cascade crest. Near Chemult, you'll notice the landscape opening briefly into volcanic plateau country, with distant views of snow-capped peaks defining the horizon. Once you merge onto I-90 near the Washington border, the real climbing begins—you'll ascend Snoqualmie Pass, one of the Pacific Northwest's major mountain crossings at 3,022 feet. The drive across this pass rewards attentive drivers with sweeping views of evergreen forests and, on clear days, glimpses of Mount Rainier dominating the landscape to the south.

As you descend the western slope of the Cascades, the terrain transforms from dense conifer forest into the more developed corridor approaching the Seattle metropolitan area. You'll pass through communities like North Bend and Issaquah before I-90 merges into the urban sprawl surrounding Washington's largest city. This final stretch transitions from rural mountain driving to busier interstate conditions, particularly as you approach downtown Seattle, so plan for heavier traffic, especially during morning and evening commute hours.

The best time to tackle this drive is late spring through early autumn, when mountain passes remain reliably clear and weather is stable. Winter driving can prove treacherous, particularly over Snoqualmie Pass, where snow and ice frequently impact road conditions and visibility. Whether you're making this journey for business or pleasure, you'll find the 237-mile route offers enough scenic variety to keep the drive interesting while remaining straightforward to navigate.

The 237-mile drive from Redmond, Oregon to Seattle, Washington takes approximately 4h 44m 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.

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 Redmond to Seattle

For medium-distance drives like this 237-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.

Driving Strategy

A 237-mile drive from Redmond to Seattle takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.

Frequently Asked Questions