Bow Hill Safety Rest Area Northbound – I-5

Looking for a break on I-5 northbound near Bow in Skagit County, Washington? Bow Hill Safety Rest Area is along the way. Reported truck parking: 12 spaces. The next northbound stop is Custer Safety Rest Area – Northbound, 32 mi ahead by the mile markers.

I-5WashingtonNorthbound

Next rest stop on I-5 Northbound

Custer Safety Rest Area – Northbound32 mi ahead by the mile markers · Washington · Mile marker 267.5

Previous northbound stop: Smokey Point Safety Rest Area – Northbound · 28 mi back by the mile markers

Location map

Marker shows recorded coordinates, not an entrance or approved driving route. Follow highway signs.

Open directions

Reported parking capacity

Truck parking12Reported spaces

Reported capacity from the 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law). This is not real-time vacancy information.

Facilities and amenities

✓ Restrooms✓ Accessible facilities✓ Drinking water✓ Picnic tables✓ Pet area

Unknown (not documented in the sources): Family restroom, Vending machines, Public phone, RV dump station, EV charging, Wi-Fi, Playground, Visitor information.

A reported facility does not guarantee current availability.

About this rest area

The Bow Hill Safety Rest Area serves northbound traffic on Interstate 5 near Bow, Washington. Closures are announced by the Washington Department of Transportation and on 511, worth a look before a long drive.

Location and driving direction

The rest area sits on the northbound side of I-5 near Bow in Skagit County. The recorded position is around mile marker 235.14. Once you pass exit 236 northbound, start looking for it; if you reach exit 240, you have passed it. You do not take an exit to get there: the rest area has its own ramp, signed "Rest Area" in advance.

The southbound lanes have their own facility, Bow Hill Safety Rest Area – Southbound; make sure the entrance matches your direction of travel.

If you would rather drive on, Custer Safety Rest Area – Northbound is the next listed stop, around 32 miles ahead by the mile markers.

Parking and amenities

Truck parking: 12 reported spaces (the 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law)).

Facilities reported for this location:

  • Restrooms
  • Accessible facilities
  • Drinking water
  • Picnic tables
  • Pet area

Space counts describe reported capacity, not live parking availability. Individual facilities can be closed temporarily.

Parking rules

Washington allows 8 hours in any 24-hour period; commercial vehicles may stay up to one hour beyond their federally required rest period. Camping is prohibited. Always follow the limit posted on site. Source: RCW 47.38.020 (checked November 2026).

Map and coordinates

Recorded coordinates: 48.582336, -122.344329. Use them as a reference only; follow the posted signs to the entrance.

Report an issue

Frequently asked questions

Is this rest area on I-5 Northbound?

Yes. The WSDOT record identifies it as the northbound facility on Interstate 5 near Bow. The southbound lanes have a separate facility.

Can trucks park here?

The 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law) lists 12 truck parking spaces at this facility. This does not indicate how many are currently free.

Are there restrooms and drinking water?

Yes, both are included in the official amenities listing. Check current conditions before travel.

Can I walk my dog here?

A pet area is listed for this location. Keep pets leashed and follow posted rules.

Can I stay overnight at this rest area?

Washington allows 8 hours in any 24-hour period; commercial vehicles may stay up to one hour beyond their federally required rest period. Camping is prohibited. Posted signs on site apply.

What is the next stop on I-5?

Custer Safety Rest Area – Northbound, about 32 miles further along I-5 by the official mile markers.