Seattle, WA → Port Townsend, WA
40 mi · 48m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Fog expected
Seattle
65°
Port Townsend
62°
Trip Briefing
1 segment · 40 mi · 49 min
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
65°F, wind 4 mph
Incidents
1
1 critical
Cameras
9 live
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 6 construction zones on route
6 Construction Zones on Route
The express lanes are northbound-only 24 hours a day through the end of 2026 due to lane reductions for construction on the northbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge.
The Harvard Avenue on-ramp to northbound I-5 is closed until mid-October for the Revive I-5 Ship Canal Bridge construction project.
The express lanes will operate northbound-only 24 hours a day until the end of the year, to support Revive I-5 northbound construction.
Westbound SR 524/196th Street SW has been reduced to one lane and eastbound SR 524/196th Street SW has been reduced to two lanes, 24 hours a day, near the I-5 interchange for a city of Lynnwood construction project.
The northbound I-405 off-ramp to SR 527 will be closed nightly from 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 to 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14 and from 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
At 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, SR 116 will close to all travelers between Shotwell Place and Chimacum Creek Drive. The highway will remain closed around the clock through the end of October. Detour via Rhody Drive (State Route 19), Irondale Road and Chimacum Road. Expect alternating traffic leading up to the closure. Work is for a <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/us-101-sr-116-north-olympic-peninsula-remove-fish-barriers">fish passage project</a>.
Traffic Cameras
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Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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SR 104 at MP 29.8: 15th Ave NE
WA ·
SR 104 at MP 31.3: 35th Ave NE
WA ·
SR 104 at MP 28.8: Meridian Ave
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SR 104 at MP 28.7: N 205th St
WA ·
SR 104 at MP 15.9: Wheeler St Looking West
WA · WB
SR 104 at MP 14.7: Hood Canal Bridge Looking West
WA · WB
SR 104 at MP 13.1: Climbing Hill Looking West
WA · WB
SR 104 at MP 12.1: W of Hood Canal Bridge VMS East
WA · NB
SR 104 at MP 12.1: W of Hood Canal Bridge VMS West
WA · WB
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌫️Aug 8: Dense fog warning for morning departures - visibility below 1/4 mile
Don't miss the next alert →
The 40-mile short drive from Seattle to Port Townsend stays within WA and takes about 48m without stops. We track 9 live traffic cameras and 1 reported incident 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
Aug 13
80° / 65°
No precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
80° / 59°
No precip
Sat
Aug 15
81° / 59°
No precip
Sun
Aug 16
79° / 60°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
77° / 60°
No precip
Tue
Aug 18
77° / 60°
No precip
Wed
Aug 19
76° / 60°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, 🌫️ Fog at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌫️ Fog at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Seattle, WA
65°F
Wind: 4 mph
Port Townsend, WA
62°F
Wind: 6 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Seattle, WA to Port Townsend, WA
The 40-mile drive from Seattle, Washington to Port Townsend, Washington takes approximately 48m 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 Seattle and Port Townsend. 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 Seattle to Port Townsend
For shorter trips like this 40-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 40 miles, the Seattle to Port Townsend 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 Seattle to Port Townsend?
The drive is approximately 40 miles and takes about 48m 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, Aug 18 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Seattle to Port Townsend today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 9 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 WA 104. 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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