How far is Three Lakes, WA from Vancouver, WA?
The driving distance from Three Lakes, WA to Vancouver, WA is about 197.2 miles (317.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 162.3 miles (261.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 29m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Thurston County, Washington, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Three Lakes and Vancouver.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Three Lakes and Vancouver.
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1
Start on 163rd Avenue Southeast
1.1 km · 3 min · 163rd Avenue Southeast
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2
Turn right onto Three Lakes Road
3 mi · 7 min · Three Lakes Road
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Machias Road
2361 ft · 47 sec · Machias Road
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4
Continue on Maple Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Maple Avenue
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5
Turn right onto 2nd Street
1 mi · 3 min · 2nd Street
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6
Turn left onto WA 9
848 ft · 31 sec
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7
Turn straight onto State Route 9
3.8 mi · 5 min · State Route 9
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8
Continue on State Route 9
5.6 mi · 10 min · State Route 9
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9
Take the ramp right toward WA 522 West: Seattle
1595 ft · 39 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto State Route 522
2.3 mi · 3 min · State Route 522
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 405 South: Bellevue
1.3 km · 59 sec
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12
Turn slight left
23.5 mi · 29 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 South: Portland
1446 ft · 49 sec
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14
Merge slight left
20.3 mi · 25 min
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15
Keep slight right
126.2 mi · 2 hr 23 min
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16
Keep slight left
6.2 mi · 8 min
-
17
Take the exit slight right toward 4th Plain Boulevard
955 ft · 23 sec
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18
Keep slight left to continue on 4th Plain Boulevard East
74 m · 13 sec
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19
Turn left onto East Fourth Plain Boulevard
810 ft · 23 sec · East Fourth Plain Boulevard
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Fourth Plain Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Three Lakes and Vancouver.
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 South
Keep slight right
126 mi · 02h 23m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Three Lakes and Sunny near Vancouver.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Three Lakes to Vancouver?
The road trip is about 197.2 miles (317.4 km) and usually takes 03h 29m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Tumwater is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98 miles from Three Lakes and 99.2 miles from Vancouver.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 162.3 miles (261.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:02 AM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.83 one way or $75.66 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Three Lakes and Sunny near Vancouver.
Stop Ideas Near Tumwater
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City of Lacey - City Hall Parking
Olympia Urban Forestry
Olympia City Hall
Lacey Community Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Tumwater.
Centennial Station
Centralia station
Tacoma Dome Station
Tukwila station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Three Lakes and Vancouver. Straight-line distance: 162.27 mi (261.15 km).
#1 Three Lakes
Situated within Snohomish County at an elevation of approximately 486 feet, this unincorporated community lies along the western foothills of the Cascade Range.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 47.9448200, -122.0115200 |
| Altitude | 148 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Vancouver
The third most populous city in Washington.
| Population | 186,192 |
| Coordinates | 45.6387300, -122.6614900 |
| Altitude | 52 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Fourth Plain Boulevard (-122.661479, 45.638677)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 317 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.44 | $37.83 | $75.66 |
| Mid-grade | $5.72 | $39.80 | $79.61 |
| Premium | $5.98 | $41.60 | $83.20 |
| Diesel | $7.29 | $50.75 | $101.50 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026