5 Most Dangerous Roads in Washington State

As you travel through Washington State, you face some of the country’s most hazardous routes.  Phillips Law Firm understands that these conditions can be difficult, and our Seattle car accident lawyer wants to highlight the most dangerous roads in Washington State for your safety.

Washington State is known for its stunning landscapes and scenic drives, but not all roads are as safe as they are beautiful.  Our team has 80 years of combined experience analyzing the most dangerous roads. Read on to learn what the five most dangerous roads are in Washington State and how you can stay safe on them.

1. Interstate 5

Interstate 5 is the lifeline of the Pacific Northwest, running from the Oregon border through Seattle and up to the Canadian border. It’s also one of the most dangerous roads in Washington. This major interstate sees extremely high traffic volumes every day, especially near urban areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. 

The risk factors here are compounded: high speeds, congestion, distracted drivers, and aggressive lane changes all contribute to frequent collisions.

Rear-end crashes are particularly common during rush hour, when stop-and-go traffic conditions frustrate drivers and reduce reaction times. Additionally, I-5 is a major route for commercial trucks, increasing the risk of severe or fatal accidents involving large vehicles. During rain or fog, visibility can drop dramatically, making this already high-risk highway even more dangerous.

2. Stevens Pass Highway in Washington Poses Natural Disasters

US-2 through Stevens Pass is both breathtaking and hazardous. It winds through the Cascade Mountains and offers sharp curves, narrow shoulders, and steep drop-offs that leave very little room for error. In the winter, the danger increases dramatically as snow, ice, and fog can quickly make the road even more unsafe to drive.

Black ice is a frequent and often invisible hazard, catching drivers off guard on seemingly clear pavement. Avalanches and falling rocks are also threats in certain areas of this mountain pass. Many accidents here involve head-on collisions or vehicles sliding out of control on the steep grades. 

For drivers unfamiliar with mountain conditions, the combination of elevation, unpredictable weather, and tight turns makes US-2 one of the deadliest roads in the state. Stevens Pass Highway earns its spot on the list of the five most dangerous roads in Washington State due to the high risk of natural disasters.

3. SR-522 (Bothell to Monroe)

State Route 522 connects the cities of Bothell and Monroe and is notorious for its crash history. While it may not cover a huge distance, it packs in serious risk factors, especially as suburban and rural populations in Snohomish County continue to grow. The highway has a mix of outdated design elements and modern traffic volumes, leading to dangerous conditions.

With limited passing zones, a lack of shoulders in some areas, and only two lanes in key stretches, SR-522 often forces impatient drivers to take risks passing in unsafe spots or tailgating slower vehicles. 

Even though some improvements have been made in recent years, crashes involving high-speed impacts and rollovers are still frequent along this route. It’s especially dangerous during early morning and evening commutes, when visibility is lower and traffic is at its peak.

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4. I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass

Interstate 90 is the primary route across Washington State, and Snoqualmie Pass is its most dangerous section. As it cuts through the Cascade Mountains, I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass deals with intense weather conditions, including snowstorms, thick fog, and black ice, all of which make driving hazardous, especially for people unfamiliar with mountain driving.

This stretch is heavily used by passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, increasing the risk of multi-car pileups during bad weather. In winter, even a single accident can lead to long closures, massive delays, and chain-reaction crashes. 

Snowplows and de-icing efforts help, but conditions can deteriorate quickly, especially at night. The combination of steep grades, slick roads, and poor visibility makes I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass one of the most dangerous places to drive in the state.

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5. North Cascades Highway is Washington’s Riskiest Road

SR-20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, is one of Washington’s most scenic routes and also one of its riskiest. The road winds through remote, mountainous terrain with limited guardrails, frequent wildlife crossings, and tight curves that can catch drivers by surprise. 

It’s especially hazardous for motorcyclists and visitors unfamiliar with the road’s changing elevation and blind corners. Seasonal closures due to snow, rockslides, and avalanches further highlight the road’s vulnerability. During the open months, drivers often underestimate the risk because of the road’s beauty. 

But the long distances between services, sudden weather shifts, and lack of cell reception in many areas make it a high-stakes drive. One mistake, especially at higher speeds, can lead to serious or fatal consequences.

How to Stay Safe on Washington’s Most Dangerous Roads

Driving on Washington’s five most hazardous roads doesn’t have to be risky, as long as you take proper precautions. Whether you’re commuting on I-5 or heading into the mountains on SR-20, staying alert and prepared can make all the difference. Start by knowing the road you’re traveling. 

Always obey posted speed limits and adjust your speed to match road and weather conditions. On mountain roads or winding highways, go slower than the limit when visibility is low or surfaces are slick. Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to give yourself more time to react. This is especially important on roads known for sudden stops, like I-5 and SR-522.

Use your headlights in fog, rain, or low light, and keep both hands on the wheel to stay ready for sudden turns, wildlife crossings, or unexpected lane changes. If you’re unfamiliar with a road, don’t rely entirely on your navigation system. Watch for warning signs and stay in the right lane whenever possible. And if conditions feel unsafe, pull over at a safe turnout and wait for them to improve.

Learn More About the Five Most Dangerous Roads in Washington State

You’ve learned about the most treacherous roads in Washington State, where rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and steep climbs test even the most seasoned drivers. We understand the challenges of driving on these roads, and at Phillips Law Firm, we are committed to helping you and your family stay safe. 

Contact a legal team member today for a free consultation.

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000