When the highway was first opened in 1964, it only went as far north from the border as Rossland.

The route north of Rossland was given to Highway 22 in 1979.

The number of the highway is derived from then-Washington State Route 22 (renumbered to Route 25 in 1964), which Highway 22 meets at the border.

The total distance covered by Highway 22 is 47 km (29 mi).

Highway 22 then follows the Columbia River north for 26 km (16 mi) to where it meets the Crowsnest Highway at Castlegar.