Tue, 05 May 2026 14:46:42 +0000

Portland to Seattle: The Surprising Detour That Can Cut Your Trip by Hours If you're planning a drive from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington, you might expect a direct route along I-5—fast, straightforward, and efficient. But what if I told you there’s a smarter, unexpected detour that adds only minutes to your journey, skips slower stretches, and often reveals stunning scenery? Whether you’re avoiding traffic, enjoying charming detours through small towns, or stopping at hidden gems en route, this surprising shortcut can save you hours over time—especially during peak seasonal travel. ### Why Skip the Autobahn? The Hidden Route That Wins Every Time While I-5 is generally the fastest highway, regional traffic patterns, road construction, and bottlenecks can turn travel into a frustrating experience. Stationed often in congestion near Salem or in slowdown zones during rush hours, drivers frequently overestimate how much time they’ll lose. A well-planned detour—such as taking Forest Park Road toward Venetia Beach and looping through the Columbia River Gorge—can shave 30–60 minutes off your trip without sacrificing sightseeing.