Washington Truck Parking: Real-Time Availability, Rest Areas & Expansion Plans

The Problem

75% of truck drivers in Washington report trouble finding safe parking at least once per week. Only about 530 rest area spaces exist statewide — far below demand.

Real-Time Parking Data

WSDOT provides real-time truck parking availability at select I-5 locations with predictive availability up to 4 hours in advance:

WSDOT is expanding real-time data to additional locations in 2026. Washington DOT has confirmed API access for dynamic parking data.

I-5 Parking Options

• Gee Creek: Near Oregon border. Often full by evening.
• Fort Lewis: Military area. Limited but available.
• Harbor Island: Overnight parking near Port of Seattle. Best for drayage operators.
• Smokey Point: Near Arlington. Good I-5 midpoint.

I-90 Parking Options

• Ellensburg: Several truck stops at the eastern end of the Snoqualmie chain zone
• Liberty Lake (MP 297): Near Idaho border

WSDOT Expansion Plans

WSDOT is evaluating expansion at 24 rest areas and 18 inspection sites. NWSA publishes truck parking facility maps for I-5 and I-90/I-82/I-182 corridors.

Planning Tips

• Plan HOS to stop at known locations, not wherever you run out of hours
• Check WSDOT real-time data before committing to a stop
• Use predictive availability (up to 4 hours ahead) to decide early
• Compare with Nevada truck parking crisis — both states face severe shortages