11 Best Road Trips To Take In Washington
Washington State is a haven for road trip enthusiasts, with a wide array of scenic byways. From the peaks of the North Cascades to the shores of the San Juan Islands, each route offers a unique journey through the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage. This article explores the best road trips to take in Washington, highlighting specific attractions and points of interest along each route. Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the drive, these road trips should not be missed.
Cascade Loop Scenic Byway
The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway spans 440 miles and showcases some of Washington’s most diverse landscapes. This route, which passes by towns like Leavenworth and Winthrop, offers views of the North Cascades, farmlands, and river valleys. Established to promote tourism and preserve the natural beauty of the region, the byway follows historic trade routes and paths used by Native American tribes, pioneers, and fur trappers.
Visitors can explore the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Stevens Pass, where numerous trails lead to mountain lakes and forests. In Leavenworth, guests can visit the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, which focuses on salmon conservation and has educational tours. The North Cascades National Park Complex has numerous hiking opportunities and vistas of peaks and meadows, accessible from various points along the loop.
Olympic Peninsula Loop
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a 329-mile journey around the Olympic Peninsula, providing access to diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, coastlines, and alpine environments. This route circles the Olympic National Park, which was established in 1938 to protect its landscapes and wildlife. The peninsula's history is rich in Native American culture, with several tribes, such as the Quinault and Makah, still residing in the area.
Visitors can explore the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the world's few temperate rainforests, with its greenery and moss-covered trees, by taking the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail. Hurricane Ridge has views of the Olympic Mountains and access to various hiking trails through subalpine terrain, where guests can spot wildlife such as black-tailed deer and marmots. Rialto Beach, part of the park's coastal section, lets visitors experience tide pools, sea stacks, and the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean for beachcombing and photography.
Mount Baker Highway
Mount Baker Highway, also known as State Route 542, stretches for 58 miles from Bellingham to Artist Point near the summit of Mount Baker. This highway, completed in 1931, provides access to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and offers spectacular views of Mount Baker, one of the most glaciated volcanic peaks in the contiguous United States. The route ascends through dense forests, past alpine meadows, and along river valleys, culminating in high-altitude vistas of snow-covered mountains and rugged terrain.
Visitors can stop at Nooksack Falls, a 100-foot waterfall on the North Fork of the Nooksack River, which is accessible via a short trail from the highway. The Heather Meadows Visitor Center, located near the end of the highway, offers interpretive displays and serves as a starting point for numerous alpine hikes. Artist Point, the terminus of the highway, provides expansive views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan and serves as a gateway to high-altitude hiking trails.
North Cascades Highway
North Cascades Highway, part of State Route 20, spans 120 miles from the Skagit Valley to the Methow Valley. This route, completed in 1972, cuts through the heart of North Cascades National Park, showcasing some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in Washington. The highway traverses forests, through steep mountainsides, and along glacial rivers.
Visitors can hike to Diablo Lake Overlook, which has views of the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, created by a hydroelectric dam on the Skagit River. Washington Pass Overlook has a panoramic vista of Liberty Bell Mountain and the surrounding peaks, with a short, accessible trail leading to the viewpoint. Ross Lake National Recreation Area, adjacent to the highway, has opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring the lake and surrounding wilderness.
San Juan Islands Scenic Byway
The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway includes a network of roads and ferry routes that connect the islands in the Salish Sea. The byway spans the main islands of San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez, each offering landscapes and historical sites. The islands, rich in maritime history, have been shaped by indigenous cultures, European explorers, and American settlers.
Visitors can explore Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island, known for its whale-watching opportunities from the shore. Moran State Park on Orcas Island has hiking trails to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, with views extending to Canada. On Lopez Island, guests can visit Spencer Spit State Park, which has tidal lagoons, sandy beaches, and camping facilities.
Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut Drive, also known as State Route 11, stretches 21 miles between Bellingham and Bow, hugging the edge of the Chuckanut Mountains and offering views of Samish Bay. Completed in 1896, it is Washington's original scenic byway and provides access to a coastal environment that includes rocky shorelines, forests, and vistas. The route winds through a region historically used by Native American tribes for fishing and hunting.
Guests can visit Larrabee State Park, the first state park in Washington, which has trails through coastal forests, access to tide pools, and views of the San Juan Islands. Samish Overlook provides a viewpoint for hang gliding and paragliding, as well as hiking trails that connect to the Pacific Northwest Trail. Oyster Dome, a popular hiking destination, is a challenging ascent with views of Samish Bay and the surrounding islands.
Mount Rainier Loop
The Mount Rainier Loop encompasses a network of roads encircling Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the Cascade Range at 14,411 feet. This loop provides access to Mount Rainier National Park, established in 1899, to protect its diverse ecosystems and landscapes. The route includes dense old-growth forests, subalpine meadows, and active glaciers.
Visitors can explore Paradise, located on the south slope of Mount Rainier, known for its wildflower meadows and the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center. Sunrise, the highest point accessible by car, has views of Mount Rainier and extensive hiking trails through subalpine terrain. The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail takes guests through an old-growth forest with towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, accessible via a suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River.
Palouse Scenic Byway
The Palouse Scenic Byway winds through the rolling hills and fertile farmland of southeastern Washington, known for its unique landscape of loess hills formed by wind-deposited silt. The Palouse region, a major agricultural area, produces wheat, barley, lentils, and other crops. The byway passes through small towns and offers views of the region's distinct topography and agricultural heritage.
Guests can see Steptoe Butte State Park, where a narrow road leads to the summit, offering views of the Palouse hills and patchwork fields. Palouse Falls State Park features a dramatic 198-foot waterfall, the last remaining year-round waterfall along the path of the Ice Age floods. Kamiak Butte County Park has hiking trails through forests and meadows, with a summit providing views of the Palouse landscape.
Stevens Pass Greenway
The Stevens Pass Greenway follows U.S. Route 2 through the Skykomish Valley and over Stevens Pass in the Cascade Range. This route, historically used by Native American tribes and later by railroad builders and loggers, offers access to rivers, forests, and alpine environments. Named after John Stevens, the surveyor who mapped the route for the Great Northern Railway in the late 19th century, the greenway is a testament to the engineering feats of the region.
Visitors can check out Wallace Falls State Park, home to a series of nine waterfalls along the Wallace River, with hiking trails through lush forests. Deception Falls, a short stop along the highway, has a scenic loop trail with views of cascading waterfalls and interpretive signs about the area's natural history. Lake Wenatchee State Park, located near the eastern end of the greenway, has opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking.
Whidbey Scenic Isle Way
The Whidbey Scenic Isle Way traverses the length of Whidbey Island, the largest island in Washington State. Known for its diverse landscapes, including rolling farmlands, coastal bluffs, and dense forests, the island's history includes Native American heritage, European exploration, and early American military presence.
Guests can visit Deception Pass State Park, which spans the northern tip of Whidbey Island and features cliffs, tidal currents, and bridges connecting to Fidalgo Island. Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve preserves the island's agricultural landscape and historic structures, with trails that have views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. South Whidbey State Park, located on the island's southwestern shore, has old-growth forests, hiking trails, and beach access.
Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway
The Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway, also known as State Route 821, follows the Yakima River through a dramatic canyon landscape between Ellensburg and Selah. This route provides access to a unique ecosystem of basalt cliffs, hills, and a meandering river that supports diverse wildlife, including eagles, deer, and bighorn sheep. The byway has been a vital travel corridor for thousands of years.
Visitors can stop at Umtanum Creek Recreation Area, where a suspension bridge over the Yakima River leads to hiking trails through the canyon and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Red's Fly Shop, located along the byway, offers guided fly-fishing trips and equipment rentals, catering to anglers seeking trout in the Yakima River. Roza Recreation Site has river access for boating and fishing, as well as picnic areas with views of the canyon's rugged terrain.
In Summary
Washington's scenic byways offer more than just beautiful drives; they provide immersive experiences into the state's diverse ecosystems and rich history. Each road trip reveals a different facet of Washington's natural and cultural landscape, from the dramatic vistas of the North Cascades Highway to the lush rainforests along the Olympic Peninsula Loop. Whether you're exploring ancient forests, volcanic peaks, or coastal bluffs, these routes offer countless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
