Ah, the Evergreen State: 124 state parks, 850 RV parks, endless gorgeous scenery, and 167,632 miles of road. If you're new to Washington, it might be worth taking a minute to scope out which roads are the most perilous.
Driving in Washington comes with different challenges, from fog-prone highways to landslide risks and new vehicle regulations. This post arms you with insider knowledge on weather patterns, road rules, and wildlife encounters. Read on to protect your journey and travel confidently through one of America's most beautiful states.
TL;DR: Washington State presents RV drivers with distinct challenges, including frequent fog (resulting in over 38,700 accidents annually), hundreds of landslides per year, and strict wildlife crossing zones. New regulations affect diesel RV sales, while specific road rules differ from those in other states. Understanding these hazards and planning accordingly ensures a safer, more enjoyable Pacific Northwest adventure.
The weather in Washington impacts RV driving significantly. You'll face different conditions depending on your route and season.
The Pacific Northwest sees substantial rainfall, especially during fall and winter. Wet roads create hydroplaning risks that become particularly dangerous for RVs due to their size and weight. So you need to maintain slower speeds and increase your following distance to react safely to hazards.
Washington ranks as one of America's cloudiest states, with areas like Quillayute receiving 239 cloudy days annually. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), fog-related crashes cause over 600 deaths, 16,300 injuries, and 38,700 accidents nationwide each year. Dense fog frequently develops in valleys and lowland areas, especially during fall and winter mornings. When you encounter fog, use your fog lights, reduce speed significantly, and increase your reaction time.
Additionally, mountainous regions experience heavy snowfall and icy conditions. You'll need proper winter tires and should carry chains when traveling through mountain passes. Ensure you avoid sudden braking or acceleration on ice to prevent dangerous sliding.
Landslides occur suddenly throughout Washington, often without warning. Washington State Geologist Casey Hanell reported that over 34,683 landslides were mapped in just 14% of the state(Cascade PBS). And many occur in areas with no previous slide history.
Your RV's larger size and slower maneuverability make you more vulnerable if caught near a landslide. Therefore, pay close attention to warning signs along highways and avoid driving on roads marked as susceptible to slides. Heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt are the biggest triggers to landslides, so exercise extra caution during these conditions.
The 2014 Oso landslide demonstrated the devastating potential of these events. Since then, Washington has invested over $13 million in mapping and monitoring efforts, making current hazard information more accessible to travelers.
Wildlife crossings pose significant risks for RV drivers. You have to stay vigilant when traveling through forested regions and watch for signs indicating wildlife areas.
November is when you're most likely to encounter animals on the road in Washington, particularly in forested and mountainous areas. Deers are the most common wildlife sighting, but there are other animals like black bears, cougars, moose, and elk. Hence, slow down in wildlife zones and give animals adequate space. Don't swerve if an animal appears on the road, as this can cause you to lose control of your RV.
Elk and deer crossings require extra caution because they often travel in groups and can appear suddenly from forested areas with no warning. To stay safe, reduce your speed through forested areas to allow enough reaction time for both wildlife crossing and other drivers who may be dealing with animal encounters.
You need to understand Washington's specific driving laws. We’ll cover all of them right away:
Washington State has seen a concerning increase in traffic fatalities. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission stated that 731 people died in traffic crashes in 2024, down from a 33-year high of 809 in 2023. Impaired driving, speeding, distraction, and lack of seatbelt use contribute to over 75% of these fatalities.
In January 2025, Washington adopted California's Advanced Clean Trucks regulations, restricting sales of new diesel and gas-powered motorhomes over 8,500 pounds unless manufacturers meet zero-emission vehicle sales targets first.
These regulations primarily affect Class A and large Class C diesel motorhomes. According to industry sources, manufacturers must sell at least 7% zero-emission vehicles before selling traditional gas or diesel models. Many RV manufacturers have withdrawn from CARB-regulated markets due to the limited availability of zero-emission chassis.
If you're purchasing a new diesel RV, look for models with a 2024 chassis, as restrictions apply only to engines manufactured in 2025 or later. Some buyers prefer to register vehicles in Idaho or Montana (where CARB regulations don't apply), then re-register in Washington after the vehicle has 7,500+ miles.
Washington's spectacular landscapes are calling, but don't let unexpected hazards ruin your adventure. When it comes to RV insurance, we've got you covered. Roamly understands the unique challenges of Pacific Northwest travel because we're passionate RVers ourselves.
Get a free Washington RV insurance quote today and compare comprehensive coverage options designed specifically for your journey. You can even save an average of 35% while getting protection that actually fits your lifestyle.
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