The route is a two-lane undivided road running through rural and some developed areas southeast of Scranton.

After the intersection with Thomas Road, the highway progresses eastward for a short distance, turning northeastward into a small resident segment near Maple Lake.

After I-380, PA 690 makes a short curve to the northeast before entering the borough of Moscow, where it gains the name of Church Street.

[2] Heading through Moscow, PA 690 is primarily residential, passing the local high school and into downtown, where commercial businesses begin to appear.

After the intersection with Reservoir Road, the highway turns from the northeast and curves into the hamlet of Aberdeen.

From there, PA 690 heads northeast away from I-84 in rural settings until entering the hamlet of Hollisterville.

At this time, the entire length of the route was paved between PA 502 and the border of Lackawanna and Wayne counties.