A lot can happen in a year. And it's been just over a year since we learned that Southern California's popular In-N-Out Burger chain was inching closer to us in Vancouver with a location in the Washington town of Ridgefield.
What's changed in a year? Chiefly, Canadians' willingness to cross the border has diminished markedly since early 2025, which means the news that the In-N-Out Burger location in question is getting ready to open soon might come as bittersweet.
The first In-N-Out in Washington is near the Oregon border
Located at 5801 Pioneer Canyon Dr in Ridgefield, the new In-N-Out is part of the city's Union Ridge Town Center development, located just off Interstate 5 (I-5) on the west side. Already open at the site are a Costco, Chipotle, and Starbucks.
The location marks the first foray into Washington for In-N-Out Burger; previously the chain's northernmost point was just north of Salem, Oregon. This restaurant location is about 15 miles north of the Oregon border.
The Ridgefield location is about 475 kilometres from downtown Vancouver (Canada), or about a five-hour drive, depending on traffic and border wait times. And, of course, if you are willing to spend time and money in the United States.
A Facebook fan page for the first-ever In-N-Out Burger in Washington sees constant updates about the site, down to when the chairs were installed and which sides of the building have tiles. There is a pole sign bearing the burger chain's logo clearly visible from I-5, though it remains literally under wraps.
Last week, the Ridgefield In-N-Out was added to the company's website under locations opening soon, though an official opening date has not been set. The location is currently hiring staff.
In-N-Out is known for its simple - but adaptable - menu of burgers, fries, and drinks, as well as its drive-through service, old fashioned stylings, and religious roots (check the bottom of the cups, cartons, and sleeves for Biblical chapter/verse references).
Slow expansion tied to access to distribution centres
The chain, marking 76 years in business this year, has expanded outside of SoCal slowly, and predominantly in the last 10 to 15 years.
One primary reason for the slow geographic expansion is that In-N-Out does not freeze their burger patties, so they have to secure distribution to any new location to maintain the product's integrity. The Ridgefield In-N-Out will use the Medford, Oregon distribution centre.
In-N-Out in Ridgefield is expected to open this summer.
Those in the Metro Vancouver area who (for whatever reason) aren't planning on heading down into Washington still have one option to enjoy In-N-Out Burgers locally. The annual Langley Cruise-In always features In-N-Out's portable trailer, which serves burgers (but not fries, they offer bagged potato chips). The event is taking place September 6, 2025.
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