In today’s world, finding a place to escape the hustle and bustle can be quite a challenge.
In Washington State, even the vast stretches of landscape often feel inhabited by the remnants of civilization, making it hard to feel truly alone.
However, there are routes within the Evergreen State that allow travelers to experience the feeling of desolation, devoid of frequent towns or significant infrastructure.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the top five most desolate drives in Washington based on their lack of inhabitants or visitors.
### 5. State Route 17 (SR-17) from Soap Lake to Bridgeport
**Distance**: 50.7 miles
**Approximate Drive Time**: 61 minutes
Starting at Soap Lake and concluding at Bridgeport, this 50-mile stretch of SR-17 takes you across the expansive Waterville Plateau.
As you drive north, the terrain starts with rocky escarpments along both Soap Lake and Lenore Lake.
Soon after, the highway rises into flat wheat fields before presenting unique geological features like the white sandstone formations known as The Chalk Hills.
Though the highway runs close to Coulee City, the main roadway passes just west of the town, leaving it untouched by your journey.
The highway’s proximity to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park and various resort homes does not provide the necessary civilization; thus, SR-17 earns its spot on this desolate list.
### 4. U.S. Highway 97 (U.S. 97) from Goldendale to Toppenish
**Distance**: 50.8 miles
**Approximate Drive Time**: 52 minutes
Travelers familiar with U.S. 97 over Satus Pass will recognize this stretch as an area where stops for snacks and fuel are scarce.
Starting in Goldendale, the drive begins through sparse timber, progressively transitioning to denser foliage as Satus Pass approaches.
On the Toppenish side, the landscape takes on a drier aspect, characterized by scalloped hills and sparse vegetation.
While the breathtaking scenery may tempt you to stop, this route offers few opportunities for any breaks.
Signs at either end of the route serve as a warning to drivers about the limited services available ahead, reinforcing the highway’s isolation.
### 3. U.S. Highway 97 (U.S. 97) from Ellensburg to The Big Y (near Peshastin)
**Distance**: 52.4 miles
**Approximate Drive Time**: 56 minutes
Another part of U.S. 97, this segment is marked by stretches of nothingness between major towns.
Initial access to a few eateries with operational gas pumps exists at Blewett Pass, but these services are not readily available throughout the journey.
As you drive, expect landscapes typical of mountain passes featuring scenic pine trees and towering hills adorned with wind turbines.
Though it may not seem desolate at first, this part of U.S. 97 certainly meets the criteria established for this list, demonstrating the vast emptiness that defines this highway.
### 2. State Route 20 (SR-20) from Newhalem to Winthrop
**Distance**: 72 miles
**Approximate Drive Time**: 85 minutes
Being the longest highway in Washington State, SR-20 certainly has stretches that embody desolation convincingly.
While early portions of the route pass through more populated areas, the journey quickly leads into stretches of seclusion as the road moves into the North Cascades.
Starting from Newhalem, drivers will find themselves enveloped by heavy forests and unpopulated mountain terrains shortly into their expedition.
Although Mazama lies further along the drive, the lack of services makes it easy to forget civilization exists.
SR-20 also boasts scenic mountain passes, such as Rainy and Washington Pass, offering picturesque views amidst the desolate environment.
### 1. State Route 24 (SR-24) from Moxee to Othello
**Distance**: 75.2 miles
**Approximate Drive Time**: 75 minutes
Claiming the title of the most desolate drive in Washington is SR-24, stretching a staggering 75.2 miles across three counties.
This lonely road presents an unparalleled view of sandy badlands and gravelly hills devoid of much life aside from the sagebrush waving in the wind.
Beginning just east of Moxee, the highway crosses the Columbia River at Vernita, and continues into the vast, empty expanses that characterize Adams and Franklin Counties.
The landscape here is so barren that any urban dwellers might find humor in labeling a drive this long as desolate.
Yet, in the context of Washington State, this road indeed serves as a fitting representation of isolation, where one can feel fully disconnected from the world.
To recap, these five drives offer travelers the chance to experience stark beauty away from the thrumming presence of civilization.
Whether you’re traversing SR-17’s rolling hills, U.S. 97’s mountain passes, or simply wandering along the vast stretches of SR-24, Washington’s desolation invites exploration and reflection away from the bustling beat of everyday life.
image source from：kpq
