We naturally thrive on adventure here in the PNW, and there really is an endless list of must-visit places in Washington. From majestic mountains to old-growth forests, resplendent lakes to stunning cascades, you’ll get a front-row seat to Washington’s most spectacular wonders — from behind the wheel! We’ve mapped out eight of the very best road trips in Washington, perfect for satisfying — and fueling! — your wanderlust.
- Chinook Pass
Google Maps
Flickr / mytravelphotos You’ll witness unbelievable views of Mt. Rainier along this Scenic Byway on SR-410, a two-lane pass running from west of the Cascades starting in Enumclaw towards the eastern side in Naches Valley. During your trip, you can visit Mud Mountain Dam Park, as well as Federation Forest State Park, Crystal Mountain Resort and more!
- Chuckanut Drive
Google Maps
Flickr / mytravelphotos Also known as State Highway 11, this quest starts on I-5 at Exit 231 in Burlington traveling north past Allen and Bow. You’ll be able to view the remarkable shoreline and plenty of Evergreen beauty during your relaxing drive until you reach the final stop at Larrabee State Park!
- Olympic Peninsula
Google Maps
Flickr / dougtone This 150-mile-trip begins in Port Gamble, heading westbound on WA-104. Continue north onto SR-101/Olympic Highway and enjoy the stunning view of Discovery Bay. The road will loop around into Gardiner, through Blyn, Sequim State Park, Elwha, Maple Grove, Beaver, Forks, and more until you reach the Pacific coastline and come to an end in the charming town of Kalaloch!
- Whidbey Island
Google Maps
Flickr / aribix Begin this exciting venture on the south end of Whidbey Island, heading north on SR-525 which later turns into SR-20 by Coupeville. Be sure to stop and see Fort Casey & Fort Ebey State Park on your way up to the final destination at Deception Pass Park!
- North Cascades Highway
Google Maps
Flickr / mauriceking
Some of our state’s most jaw-dropping natural features can be found near the North Cascades, so it’s no surprise this is a popular scenic route to drive through. Beginning in Sedro-Woolley, head eastbound on SR-20 and observe the amazing landscape in Concrete, Rockport, Marblemount, as well as the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Winthrop, and Twisp until you reach the end in Okanogan.
- Palouse
Google Maps
Flickr / 9021833@N06
This lengthy trip begins in Opportunity near Spokane Valley on WA-27 (Pines Road), heading south. You’ll be mesmerized out your window while you pass through the small towns and warm countryside! It may be tempting to make a detour to visit Steptoe Butte Park where you can enjoy a break and completely take in the radiance of the Palouse hills. Continue south on WA-27 through Tekoa, Garfield, and Palouse. You’ll finally reach Pullman where you can turn back on Route 270 and then onto SR-195 north to head back.
- North Pend Oreille
Google Maps
Wikipedia After a trip on this byway in the northeastern corner of our state, you’ll be reminded there’s always more splendor to be seen in Washington! Start out near the town of Tiger on SR-31, also known as the International Selkirk Loop, and head north passing through Ione, Metaline & Metaline Falls. You’ll finally complete your trip when you hit the Canadian border!
- Grand Coulee Dam
Google Maps
Flickr / wsdot This Central Washington trip is just what you need if you’re up for a scenic adventure! You’ll enjoy traveling through the amazing canyons that were once gouged out from the Missoula floods 13,000+ years ago at Dry Falls Park. Although you may need to re-route in the winter depending on road conditions, this trip is best to begin in Othello, heading north on SR-17 through Moses Lake. When you hit Coulee City, turn eastbound onto SR-2 and then shortly after, turn north onto SR-155/Coulee Blvd. Keep on the same road through Electric City & Coulee Dam on 155 until you reach the wonderful town of Omak!
Which adventure will you tackle first? What do you think are the best road trips in Washington? Share your favorites with us in the comments below!
Google Maps
Flickr / mytravelphotos
You’ll witness unbelievable views of Mt. Rainier along this Scenic Byway on SR-410, a two-lane pass running from west of the Cascades starting in Enumclaw towards the eastern side in Naches Valley. During your trip, you can visit Mud Mountain Dam Park, as well as Federation Forest State Park, Crystal Mountain Resort and more!
Google Maps
Also known as State Highway 11, this quest starts on I-5 at Exit 231 in Burlington traveling north past Allen and Bow. You’ll be able to view the remarkable shoreline and plenty of Evergreen beauty during your relaxing drive until you reach the final stop at Larrabee State Park!
Flickr / dougtone
This 150-mile-trip begins in Port Gamble, heading westbound on WA-104. Continue north onto SR-101/Olympic Highway and enjoy the stunning view of Discovery Bay. The road will loop around into Gardiner, through Blyn, Sequim State Park, Elwha, Maple Grove, Beaver, Forks, and more until you reach the Pacific coastline and come to an end in the charming town of Kalaloch!
Flickr / aribix
Begin this exciting venture on the south end of Whidbey Island, heading north on SR-525 which later turns into SR-20 by Coupeville. Be sure to stop and see Fort Casey & Fort Ebey State Park on your way up to the final destination at Deception Pass Park!
Google Maps
Flickr / mauriceking
Some of our state’s most jaw-dropping natural features can be found near the North Cascades, so it’s no surprise this is a popular scenic route to drive through. Beginning in Sedro-Woolley, head eastbound on SR-20 and observe the amazing landscape in Concrete, Rockport, Marblemount, as well as the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Winthrop, and Twisp until you reach the end in Okanogan.
Flickr / 9021833@N06
This lengthy trip begins in Opportunity near Spokane Valley on WA-27 (Pines Road), heading south. You’ll be mesmerized out your window while you pass through the small towns and warm countryside! It may be tempting to make a detour to visit Steptoe Butte Park where you can enjoy a break and completely take in the radiance of the Palouse hills. Continue south on WA-27 through Tekoa, Garfield, and Palouse. You’ll finally reach Pullman where you can turn back on Route 270 and then onto SR-195 north to head back.
Wikipedia
After a trip on this byway in the northeastern corner of our state, you’ll be reminded there’s always more splendor to be seen in Washington! Start out near the town of Tiger on SR-31, also known as the International Selkirk Loop, and head north passing through Ione, Metaline & Metaline Falls. You’ll finally complete your trip when you hit the Canadian border!
Flickr / wsdot
This Central Washington trip is just what you need if you’re up for a scenic adventure! You’ll enjoy traveling through the amazing canyons that were once gouged out from the Missoula floods 13,000+ years ago at Dry Falls Park. Although you may need to re-route in the winter depending on road conditions, this trip is best to begin in Othello, heading north on SR-17 through Moses Lake. When you hit Coulee City, turn eastbound onto SR-2 and then shortly after, turn north onto SR-155/Coulee Blvd. Keep on the same road through Electric City & Coulee Dam on 155 until you reach the wonderful town of Omak!
And for more epic experiences around The Evergreen State, definitely chec out these bucket-list-level adventures!
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Address: Chinook Pass, Washington 98937, USAAddress: Chuckanut Drive, Chuckanut Dr, Bow, WA, USAAddress: Olympic Peninsula, Washington 98331, USAAddress: Whidbey Island, Washington, USAAddress: WA-20, Oak Harbor, WA, USAAddress: Palouse, WA 99161, USAAddress: N Pend Oreille Hwy, Mead, WA, USAAddress: Grand Coulee Dam, Visitors Access Route, Grand Coulee Dam, Coulee Dam, WA 99116, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In Washington April 30, 2021 Sarah What are some scenic places to visit in Washington? The state of Washington is positively brimming with scenic attractions, from towering mountain peaks to rushing waterfalls, dense forests, and just about everything in between. Some of the most scenic places you can visit in The Evergreen State include Cape Flattery, a sweeping spot on the Olympic Peninsula that’s actually the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. Another scenic spot in the Olympic Peninsula is Hurricane Hill, where you’ll catch some unforgettable vistas of the Elwha Valley and Mount Baker. Perfection Lake is a flawless body of water just outside of Leavenworth that’s very deserving of its name. Learn more about why the Enchantment Lakes are among the most magical destinations in Washington. And of course, in Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest is a rare, temperate rainforest that’s truly bucket list-worthy. Does Washington have any scenic backroads? Do we ever! If you prefer to take in the scenery from behind the wheel, there are some truly beautiful backroads and byways in Washington where you can do just that. The Palouse Scenic Byway is a 208-mile network between seven local highways. The beautiful byway passes by such memorable spots as Palouse Falls State Park, Elberton Ghost Town, and The Junk Castle. Cruise through beautiful Eastern Washington until you reach the state line. If you prefer mountain views, state Route 206 takes you through Mead to the entrance of Mount Spokane State Park. Keep an eye out for moose crossing the road and other wildlife along your scenic drive to the state park! Finally, Chuckanut Drive is a 21-mile winding road that rolls down Highway 11 past several beautiful farming towns and Larrabee State Park, Washington’s first official state park. What are some fun outdoor adventures in Washington? True to its name, the Evergreen State boasts unparalleled natural beauty and endless ways to enjoy it! Into climbing? Chances are you’ve marveled at the giant Douglas Firs in Washington, some of the largest trees in the world, but have you ever dreamed that you could admire the view from the top? Sign up for a guided tour with AdventureTerra and you’ll climb trees up to 300 feet tall with the expertise of instructors and safety equipment! Home to 4,000 acres of ancient forest, 15 miles of saltwater shoreline, a few campgrounds, and over 38 miles of hiking trails, Deception Pass State Park offers unparalleled outdoor recreation. And if you’re into waterfalls, the breathtaking Falls Creek Falls can be found in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s accessible via a five-mile loop trail ranked as moderate in difficulty. This beloved trail will take you over a suspension bridge, past picturesque creeks, and through lovely old-growth forests.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In Washington
April 30, 2021
Sarah
What are some scenic places to visit in Washington? The state of Washington is positively brimming with scenic attractions, from towering mountain peaks to rushing waterfalls, dense forests, and just about everything in between. Some of the most scenic places you can visit in The Evergreen State include Cape Flattery, a sweeping spot on the Olympic Peninsula that’s actually the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. Another scenic spot in the Olympic Peninsula is Hurricane Hill, where you’ll catch some unforgettable vistas of the Elwha Valley and Mount Baker. Perfection Lake is a flawless body of water just outside of Leavenworth that’s very deserving of its name. Learn more about why the Enchantment Lakes are among the most magical destinations in Washington. And of course, in Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest is a rare, temperate rainforest that’s truly bucket list-worthy. Does Washington have any scenic backroads? Do we ever! If you prefer to take in the scenery from behind the wheel, there are some truly beautiful backroads and byways in Washington where you can do just that. The Palouse Scenic Byway is a 208-mile network between seven local highways. The beautiful byway passes by such memorable spots as Palouse Falls State Park, Elberton Ghost Town, and The Junk Castle. Cruise through beautiful Eastern Washington until you reach the state line. If you prefer mountain views, state Route 206 takes you through Mead to the entrance of Mount Spokane State Park. Keep an eye out for moose crossing the road and other wildlife along your scenic drive to the state park! Finally, Chuckanut Drive is a 21-mile winding road that rolls down Highway 11 past several beautiful farming towns and Larrabee State Park, Washington’s first official state park. What are some fun outdoor adventures in Washington? True to its name, the Evergreen State boasts unparalleled natural beauty and endless ways to enjoy it! Into climbing? Chances are you’ve marveled at the giant Douglas Firs in Washington, some of the largest trees in the world, but have you ever dreamed that you could admire the view from the top? Sign up for a guided tour with AdventureTerra and you’ll climb trees up to 300 feet tall with the expertise of instructors and safety equipment! Home to 4,000 acres of ancient forest, 15 miles of saltwater shoreline, a few campgrounds, and over 38 miles of hiking trails, Deception Pass State Park offers unparalleled outdoor recreation. And if you’re into waterfalls, the breathtaking Falls Creek Falls can be found in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s accessible via a five-mile loop trail ranked as moderate in difficulty. This beloved trail will take you over a suspension bridge, past picturesque creeks, and through lovely old-growth forests.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The state of Washington is positively brimming with scenic attractions, from towering mountain peaks to rushing waterfalls, dense forests, and just about everything in between. Some of the most scenic places you can visit in The Evergreen State include Cape Flattery, a sweeping spot on the Olympic Peninsula that’s actually the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. Another scenic spot in the Olympic Peninsula is Hurricane Hill, where you’ll catch some unforgettable vistas of the Elwha Valley and Mount Baker. Perfection Lake is a flawless body of water just outside of Leavenworth that’s very deserving of its name. Learn more about why the Enchantment Lakes are among the most magical destinations in Washington. And of course, in Olympic National Park, Hoh Rainforest is a rare, temperate rainforest that’s truly bucket list-worthy.
Does Washington have any scenic backroads?
Do we ever! If you prefer to take in the scenery from behind the wheel, there are some truly beautiful backroads and byways in Washington where you can do just that. The Palouse Scenic Byway is a 208-mile network between seven local highways. The beautiful byway passes by such memorable spots as Palouse Falls State Park, Elberton Ghost Town, and The Junk Castle. Cruise through beautiful Eastern Washington until you reach the state line. If you prefer mountain views, state Route 206 takes you through Mead to the entrance of Mount Spokane State Park. Keep an eye out for moose crossing the road and other wildlife along your scenic drive to the state park! Finally, Chuckanut Drive is a 21-mile winding road that rolls down Highway 11 past several beautiful farming towns and Larrabee State Park, Washington’s first official state park.
What are some fun outdoor adventures in Washington?
True to its name, the Evergreen State boasts unparalleled natural beauty and endless ways to enjoy it! Into climbing? Chances are you’ve marveled at the giant Douglas Firs in Washington, some of the largest trees in the world, but have you ever dreamed that you could admire the view from the top? Sign up for a guided tour with AdventureTerra and you’ll climb trees up to 300 feet tall with the expertise of instructors and safety equipment! Home to 4,000 acres of ancient forest, 15 miles of saltwater shoreline, a few campgrounds, and over 38 miles of hiking trails, Deception Pass State Park offers unparalleled outdoor recreation. And if you’re into waterfalls, the breathtaking Falls Creek Falls can be found in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s accessible via a five-mile loop trail ranked as moderate in difficulty. This beloved trail will take you over a suspension bridge, past picturesque creeks, and through lovely old-growth forests.
