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#thatNWbus is a roadside icon in the middle of Washington state. It has been in the area for decades but gained major popularity through Instagram the past few years. It’s a fantastic photo spot and a fun piece of art to watch evolve.
We’ve detailed the history of this bus, how to find it and photography tips for this spot below!
#thatNWbus History
The bus has been in Washtucna, Washington since the 1970’s. Back then a local crop duster used the old school bus to store his supplies. Before it was the #thatNWbus social media icon that it is today, this bus was just an abandoned bus in the middle of nowhere.
However, in recent years it became a popular Instagram spot on the drive between Pullman and the Tri-Cities. Iconic shots like jumping and leaping on top of the bus became a trend and this insta-icon became a thing for people all over the state.
In 2017, though, the Department of Natural Resources became concerned about having the bus on its land and planned to move the bus to a scrapyard. However, the Washtucna Historical Museum decided to keep #thatNWbus alive and move it 8 miles down the road right off highway 261.
Now the bus is a bit more accessible right next to the small town of Washtucna, and can hopefully be visited for years to come.
Graffiti on #thatNWbus
Over the years the bus has been painted and graffitied over too many times to count. The Washtucna Historical Museum, who now owns #thatNWbus, wants the bus to remain as a canvas for Washingtonians’ artistic expression. Whether people go to make a political or humanitarian statement with their graffiti, or declare their love, the hope is that this artistic outlet will remain a force for positive expression.
For example, when we were there the bus was covered in important odes to BLM, “no justice no peace” messages, and of course the usual hearts with couples’ names in them. The biggest fear, of course, is if this becomes vulgar or covered in profanities. But thus far it seems like the ability to paint over this landmark is a fun tradition that will continue!
Where is #thatNWbus?
#thatNWbus is literally in the middle of nowhere in a very rural area of Washington state, right off highway 261. Technically it is in the town of Washtucna, which has a population of about 200 people and is located in the south-eastern part of the state.
How to get to #thatNWbus
#thatNWbus is off of Highway 261, conveniently on the drive from Kennewick to Spokane and Kennewick to Pullman. It’s less than 90 minutes from Spokane, Pullman and the Tri-Cities. From Seattle it’s much more of a trek, so you’ll likely want to combo it with a trip to Palouse Falls, Spokane or Coeur d’Alene to make it worth your while.
From Spokane
To get to the bus from Spokane it’s a quick 1 hour and 20 minute drive. Just take the 90 west to the 261 and you can’t miss it. It’s also right on the way to Palouse Falls, so it makes a great pit stop to rest your legs!
From Pullman
The bus is just over 1 hour away from Pullman. Just take US-195N to WA-26 W to WA 261 N and you’re there! This is also on the direct route to Palouse Falls State Park from Pullman.
From Kennewick
From Kennewick it’s also just over an hour to reach the bus. The route is simple – just take US-395 N to WA-26 E until the junction with WA 261. The bus is a little out of the way if you’re wanting to visit the state falls from the Tri-Cities, but still worth the detour!
From Seattle
From Seattle it’s an easy drive to the bus taking I-90 E to WA-26 E until the junction with WA-261. While the drive is easy, it is over 3 hours. To make it worth your while I’d suggest visiting Palouse Falls, Walla Walla, Spokane and/or Coeur d’Alene while you’re in the area.
Parking at #thatNWbus
While there isn’t an official parking lot (this is just a bus on the side of the road, after all), there is plenty of space to park at the turn-in for the bus. Just grab a spot on the dirt and make sure you don’t drive too far in, or else the car will be in your photo.
Local’s review
This bus was definitely worth a stop. It’s so neat to see something like this in the middle of these back-country roads! The art is super powerful and it is such a fun place to photograph. That said, since it’s far from Seattle I’m glad we made a weekend out of it while exploring Spokane, Ceour d’Alene and Palouse Falls.
Photography tips for #thatNWbus
- Bring a mid-range or wide-angle lens. There is not a lot of space to back up and use lens compression with a zoom lens so it’s not necessary to bring. Check out the photography gear we use!
- There are many angles to photograph, but the most popular insta-shot is standing on top of the bus. We accessed this by going through the emergency exit rooftop opening. Scott boosted me up and then muscled himself up – I definitely couldn’t have done it by myself! PS – be careful walking up there. There are indents from many people jumping/walking over the years so make sure you’re staying safe.
- There may be other photographers there. Be respectful, take turns, etc. Everyone will get their shot and leave happy this way. But during the pandemic, I don’t recommend taking photos for each other/touching each other’s cameras.
- If you want to up your photography game before you go, check out our online photography course! Currently 60% off!
Psst.. Did you know? All of the photos in this article are edited with our Lightroom Presets that we use to edit our photos! Check them out!
COVID requirements and precautions
As of June 26th 2020, masks are required in Washington in all indoor public spaces and all outdoor spaces where you can’t keep 6 feet of distance. While there may not be anyone here, I’d recommend having a mask on hand just in case. Also, make sure to pack hand sanitizer if you plan to climb on the bus!
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Enjoy your adventure!
Kylie & Scott
(If you liked this article or have any questions, please comment below! And make sure to follow along on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften)
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