From the rainy Pacific Northwest down to sunny Southern California, we searched for the best truck stops in the western United States. We weighed all the usual factors, including their amenities, available parking, cleanliness, food ratings and quirky features that set them apart from the mundane truck stops in the region.
Below, we list our personal favorites based on our completely unscientific research protocols.
The Boise Stage Shop in Idaho
Incredibly, the Boise Stage Shop at 23801 South Orchard Access Road has been operating at some capacity since 1891. As part of the original Oregon Trail, its sequential management and employees have been meeting western travelers’ needs for 131 years. That alone was sufficient to earn it a spot on our list.
But the truck stop has aged quite well by remaining relevant with its modern technology and amenities, like the following:
- Clean showers
- Laundry facilities
- Free satellite TV
- Movie theater
- Fine leather goods and silver jewelry for sale
- Widely varied restaurant menu
- Dog runs
- Horse corrals
If you are driving a truck through Boise, take a quick detour to check out this gem of a truck stop.
Jubitz Travel Center in Portland, Oregon
For truckers on Interstate 5, consider taking Exit 307 and heading to Jubitz near the city’s international airport. Since 1952, when it was operating as a fueling station for locals, the company has transformed itself into an iconic stop for truckers passing through Portland.
Truckers can use the ParkMobile website to reserve a spot in one of the 18 paid and reserved spots for semitrucks. If those fill up too quickly, no worries. With its 15 acres of truck parking lots, Jubitz holds the honor of having the Pacific Northwest’s largest parking area. At least 250 of those spots are free for truckers to use, and all are paved, striped and well-lit.
Trucker amenities include:
- Deluxe self-serve dog-washing station with all supplies provided for only $10.
- Eleven sanitary and private showers, plus Jacuzzis for long soaks.
- Free Wi-Fi even in the parking lot.
- Trucker scales open 24/7.
- On-site CMEs.
- Multiple dining options.
- Laundromat, massage station, barber and PDX postal services.
Interested? Stop by for a relaxing HOS break at Jubitz!
Castaic Truck Stop in Castaic, California
Take Exit 176-A off I-5 to 31611 Castaic Road in Southern California when you are ready for a great meal. Choose between BBQ, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines or opt for lighter fare like salad or vegetarian meals.
It’s a small truck stop with only 28 parking slots, of which 18 are reserved for a fee. They have all the typical amenities and a few extras as well.
We think it deserves a mention for its meal selections alone.
Sources: boisestagestop.com, jubitz.com, onlyinyourstate.com
Are you kidding me Castiac Truckstop you obviously have never been to Soo Cal you must be some armchair writer.
So your list is a bunch of BS
It’s the best!