How far is Tacoma, WA from Lake Forest Park, WA?
The driving distance from Tacoma, WA to Lake Forest Park, WA is about 46 miles (74.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.7 miles (57.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 07m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 03m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Washington
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Light Rain Likely
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Tacoma and Lake Forest Park.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Tacoma and Lake Forest Park.
-
1
Start on South 11th Street
686 ft · 29 sec · South 11th Street
-
2
Turn right onto Market Street
759 ft · 31 sec · Market Street
-
3
Turn left onto South 13th Street
920 ft · 36 sec · South 13th Street
-
4
Turn right onto I 705 SB Ramp
65 m · 11 sec · I 705 SB Ramp
-
5
Take the ramp straight toward Port of Tacoma
869 ft · 21 sec
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6
Merge slight right
1.3 km · 1 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 North: Seattle
1819 ft · 44 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 North: Seattle
1395 ft · 34 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
40.2 mi · 50 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward WA 523: Northeast 145th Street
1282 ft · 37 sec
-
11
Continue on 5th Avenue Northeast
116 m · 11 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
-
12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward 5th Avenue Northeast
11 m · 1 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
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13
Exit the roundabout onto 5th Avenue Northeast
14 m · 1 sec · 5th Avenue Northeast
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14
Turn straight onto Northeast 145th Street
1.4 mi · 4 min · Northeast 145th Street
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15
Turn left onto Bothell Way Northeast
1.6 mi · 4 min · Bothell Way Northeast
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16
Turn left onto Ballinger Way Northeast
1626 ft · 50 sec · Ballinger Way Northeast
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ballinger Way Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Tacoma and Lake Forest Park.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 5 North
Merge slight left
40.2 mi · 00h 50m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Light Rain Likely leaving Tacoma and Chance Light Rain near Lake Forest Park.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Tacoma to Lake Forest Park?
The road trip is about 46 miles (74.1 km) and usually takes 01h 03m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Tukwila is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23 miles from Tacoma and 23.1 miles from Lake Forest Park.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.7 miles (57.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:22 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.48 one way or $16.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Light Rain Likely around Tacoma and Chance Light Rain near Lake Forest Park.
Stop Ideas Near Tukwila
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Tukwila Community Center
Auburn Building Permits
City of Auburn
Auburn Community & Event Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tukwila.
Tukwila station
King Street Station
Seattle (Ferry - Pier 69), Washington
Tacoma Dome Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Tacoma and Lake Forest Park. Straight-line distance: 35.64 mi (57.36 km).
#1 Tacoma
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 219,945 |
| Coordinates | 47.2528800, -122.4442900 |
| Altitude | 74 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Forest Park
City in King County, Washington, United States
| Population | 13,432 |
| Coordinates | 47.7567600, -122.2809600 |
| Altitude | 23 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Forest Park (-122.28096, 47.75676)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 74 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.23 | $8.48 | $16.95 |
| Mid-grade | $5.57 | $9.02 | $18.04 |
| Premium | $5.77 | $9.35 | $18.70 |
| Diesel | $5.47 | $8.86 | $17.71 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Washington · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.