7 Great Road Trips to Take in Washington

Are you ready to discover the breathtaking landscapes of Washington State? From the delightful Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth to the crystal clear turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, Washington presents a variety of unforgettable treasures. All you need is four wheels and a willingness to adventure to access them.

Whether you're eager to tackle the challenging trails of Mount Rainier for sweeping mountain views or take a leisurely drive along the picturesque Pacific Coast, each of these seven road trips brings distinct experiences and gorgeous scenery. So buckle up and get ready for a remarkable escape.

Stevens Pass Greenway to Leavenworth

Stevens Pass Greenway is a ~80-mile journey from Sultan, Washington (just 50 minutes outside of Seattle) to Leavenworth through the Cascade Mountains. On the road, you'll pass through delightful small towns and breathtaking mountainscapes, with rivers, waterfalls, and wildflowers to keep you company.

Begin your excursion with a coffee and pastry at Sultan Bakery before revving your engine and cruising north to Startup, a historic logging town along the Wallace River. After dropping a line and hopefully catching a salmon or two, continue to Gold Bar, where a detour to Wallace Falls State Park reveals an awe-inspiring 265-foot waterfall and many miles of hiking trails to investigate. In Index, check out Index Town Wall, a popular rock climbing spot.

Time to tackle Stevens Pass! The pass takes you up over 4,000 feet into the Cascade Mountains. Here, you'll find spectacular trails for activities like skiing and snowshoeing in winter or hiking and mountain biking in summer. The scenic pass takes travelers out into the Tumwater Canyon below, where the Wenatchee River beckons kayakers and white-water rafters during warmer months.

Last stop, Leavenworth, a picturesque Bavarian-style village filled with quaint, traditional shops and restaurants. Savor authentic German cuisine at Rhein Haus as you reminisce on the highlights of your trip.

North Cascades Highway

The best part of the North Cascades Highway takes you on a breathtaking 73-mile drive through North Cascades National Park. Just over two hours northeast of Seattle, you'll find your starting point at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, a small town located on the banks of the Skagit River. Their impressive relief map is a fun way to get acquainted with the upcoming route.

Before leaving Newhalem, check out Gorge Powerhouse, an impressive hydroelectric powerhouse that generates electricity for Seattle. Just down the road, stretch your legs with a short walk to the viewpoint at Gorge Creek Falls. The sight of the falls cascading into Gorge Lake makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

Speaking of breathtaking views, head to the Diablo Lake Overlook, where you can take in views of incredible turquoise waters surrounded by rugged mountains. Then, there's Ross Lake. With several overlooks along the scenic highway, it's a sight to behold. If you have a couple of days to spare, ditch your car and hike a mile into Ross Lake Resort. This remote getaway features floating cabins for a one-of-a-kind stay.

Spending a night or two in a floating cabin is a great way to wrap things up, but if you'd like to continue (and if road conditions allow), carry on through the mountains to Washington Pass Overlook. Here, you'll find fabulous hiking trails and jaw-dropping views of Liberty Bell Mountain. End your trip in the historic old Western town of Winthrop, where you can get some R&R and some good food and/or venture into Okanogan National Forest for hiking or snowshoeing, depending on the season.

Coastal Drive From Cape Flattery to Seabrook

Take a break from the mountains and head to Washington's spectacular Pacific Coast. Begin at Cape Flattery, just outside of Neah Bay and at the northwesternmost point in the continental United States. A short hike will lead you to awe-inspiring views where the Pacific Ocean meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Next, carve out some time for Olympic National Park, which envelopes a diverse array of ecosystems and landscapes, including Ruby Beach and, further south, Kalaloch. From striking sea stacks to pristine sandy beaches and verdant coastal forests, these areas are perfect for beach walks, wildlife viewing, and epic sunsets. Don't miss the unique "Tree Root Cave" at Kalaloch, where a giant spruce tree creates a natural cave by spanning the distance between two coastal cliffs.

Next up, stop by Pacific Beach State Park. The park boasts excellent camping facilities and expansive stretches of beach. Keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales in the spring.

Finally, follow the road to the adorable town of Seabrook. Known for its picturesque streets and inviting cottages, Seabrook has delightful shops, cozy cafes, and a warm community atmosphere. After ~150 miles on the road, it's the perfect place to relax, savor local treats, and soak in coastal allure.

Lewis and Clark Highway

Just east of Vancouver, Washington, your ~70-mile adventure on the Lewis and Clark Highway begins at Beacon Rock State Park. If you have it in you to hike to the top of Beacon Rock itself, do it. It's a short but challenging switchback hike that rewards visitors with incredible 360° views of the park below and a glimpse at your upcoming route along the meandering Columbia River.

Refuel in Stevenson with a delicious meal and fantastic views at Big River Grill and/or a refreshing brew at Walking Man Brewing. Next, prepare for an exhilarating hike up Dog Mountain, where you'll ascend just under 3,000 feet in elevation. This trail is renowned for its colorful wildflowers and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.

Continue on a hike to Spirit Falls is challenging and steep, but the trek isn't particularly long, and the gushing falls are more than worth the effort.

When you've had your fill of Spirit Falls, head to White Salmon to witness some world-class kiteboarding, an exhilarating spectacle against the backdrop of the Columbia River. Conclude your journey with a dramatic visit to Maryhill Stonehenge, a full-scale replica of the original monument and the nation's first memorial dedicated to World War I.

San Juan Island Scenic Byway

A roughly 120-mile cruise around the San Juan Islands is a glorious way to experience San Juan and Orcas in the Salish Sea.

Start with a ferry ride from the delightful waterfront town of Anacortes (just about an hour and a half north of Seattle) to Orcas Village on Orcas Island. Grab a coffee with a view on the patio at The Orcas Cafe before continuing to Eastsound Village. Here, Orcas Island Historical Museum provides insight into the island's past, and the village's proximity to Moran State Park makes it the perfect launching point for climbing up Mt. Constitution. This steep hike presents somewhat of a challenge, but the sweeping view of the San Juan Islands from the top makes it well worth it.

Catch a ferry to San Juan's Friday Harbor. Here, you can visit the Whale Museum to discover more about these magnificent creatures and their role within the broader marine ecosystems of the Salish Sea. Next, make your way to Roche Harbor, a historical resort community. Stroll along the marina, admire yachts, and check out the San Juan Island Sculpture Park.

Lastly, visit Lime Kiln Point State Park, known for its outstanding orca-watching opportunities and pretty lighthouse. History enthusiasts should consider visiting English Camp and American Camp, which are key sites from the Pig War—a conflict stemming from both the U.S. and British claims to ownership of the islands.

Mount Rainier Loop

Mount Rainier Loop is a captivating 78-mile road trip that showcases the breathtaking beauty of one of Washington's most iconic national parks. Kick things off in Packwood, two and a half hours southeast of Seattle. Here, you can fuel up and traverse along Skate Creek. Keep your eyes peeled for gushing waterfalls and, if the season's right, vibrant fall foliage.

Enter Mount Rainier National Park through the historic Nisqually Entrance, which is marked by a grand wooden arch. Your first stop is Kautz Creek Bridge, where you can stretch your legs and view the impact of the 1947 mudflow that buried the area under 20 feet of debris. Next, visit Longmire Museum to learn about the park's fascinating history and catch your first glimpse of the majestic Mount Rainier.

Continue on to Christine Falls, where a charming stone bridge arches over the cascading water, then head to Narada Falls, which requires a short hike of less than a quarter of a mile to appreciate its 168-foot grandeur. Next, check out the Glacier Vista Exhibit, which provides insights into the park's glaciers, including the Nisqually Glacier, which moves at a rate of ~one foot per day!

Stop in Paradise to take in sweeping views of Mount Rainier and explore delightful shops and dining options. As you descend to lower elevations, visit Reflection Lake for striking views of the mountain's reflection. Finally, take a stroll through the Grove of the Patriarchs. The short loop trail takes you through ancient, towering trees and is the perfect way to cap things off.

Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway

Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway is a bit shorter than the other journeys mentioned above, but this captivating 24-mile route where the Chuckanut Mountains meet Samish Bay is not to be missed.

Start in Bellingham, where you can grab a brew at Chuckanut Bay Distillery and wander through the Fairhaven Historic District, known for its 19th-century brick buildings and cobblestone streets. Next, take some time to hike or bike in the North Chuckanut Trail System, where lakes, waterfalls, and old-growth forests are sure to fill the souls of nature lovers.

Speaking of getting out in nature, make a stop at Larrabee State Park, Washington's first state park, where you can soak in breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands from Samish Bay. Consider a kayak tour with Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures, and don't miss a hike out to Clayton Beach for some incredible tide-pooling.

Next on the agenda is Bow, the charming farming town that concludes the trip. Grab a loaf from Breadfarm and a hunk of cheese from Samish Bay Cheese, throw them in your backpack, and hike on up Oyster Dome. The views of the bay from the top create a fantastic backdrop for a picnic. Back in town, learn to shuck oysters and savor delicious grilled seafood at the century-old, family-owned Taylor Shellfish Farm.

Discovering the natural beauty and fascinating history of Washington State on four wheels provides an unforgettable experience for travelers. From island hopping in the San Juan Islands to witnessing breathtaking waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge and sweeping coastal views from Chuckanut Drive, each of these road trips presents unique opportunities to delve deep into the state's remarkable landscapes.

So pack up! It's time to hike to stunning viewpoints, relish local cuisine, soak in the region's past, and make cherished memories.