The Best Scenic Drives in Washington State

I’ve been going on scenic drives in Washington for over 30 years, and I still discover new favorites every season. Some are quick weekend escapes from Seattle, others are full multi-day road trips that take you across the entire state. After years of driving them all, these are the 15 routes I keep coming back to.

You all know I love exploring this state on longer adventures like Seattle road trips, weekend getaways from Seattle, and weekend trips from Vancouver, but sometimes I just want a shorter excursion. This guide covers everything from quick urban drives like Alki Beach to full multi-day road trips along the Columbia River Gorge, including my favorite stops, where to stay, and when each is at its best.

A few quick prep tips before you head out, then we’ll get into the drives.

How to Prepare for a Washington Scenic Drive

Here are a few tips to make your scenic drive in Washington State a bit easier!

What to Know for Scenic Drives Near Seattle

I love going out on a random weekend to go for drives near Seattle, but the traffic is horrible at times. Keep the following in mind:

• Check WSDOT’s site first – This online map provides live traffic updates so you can see if you need to take alternate routes before you even get on the road.
• Use Waze for directions – I’ve been obsessed with the traffic app Waze since it first came out years ago, and it’s usually all I use for Seattle drives. There’s nothing worse than following GPS and missing a turn, only for it to take forever to reroute you. Waze is the quickest app I’ve used for rerouting, and it always offers the fastest route.
• Leave early or late during weekends – There’s always something going on in Seattle, whether it’s an event downtown or everyone wanting to get out. I find it’s busiest on the freeways from about noon to dinnertime, so I recommend avoiding driving during this time if possible.

What to Pack for Scenic Drives in Washington

Having the right gear for a longer Washington scenic drive always makes it easier. Here are a few items I recommend having in addition to checking out my road trips essential post:

• Polarized sunglasses – There’s nothing worse than a harsh glare when you’re driving, so make sure to stock up on quality sunglasses to reduce that.
• Water bottle – I always bring a few water bottles with me during Washington road trips so I’ll stay hydrated, and it’s one less thing to buy.
• Small backpack – Being able to stop and get out during a drive is one of the best parts, so keep a backpack with you that you can wear while you explore.
• Cooler backpack – Having a small cooler with you makes it easy to have snacks all day long and keep drinks cold as well.

15 Scenic Drives in Washington State to Explore

You can see the distance of each Washington State road trip below, which should help you plan accordingly. The distances outlined under each road trip are from Seattle to your destination and back. You can make an excellent day trip out of any of the road trips in this post – except for the last few, which would be ideal over two days. 

1. Alki Beach – West Seattle Scenic Drive

Distance: 5 miles

Even though Seattle is primarily an urban area, there are pretty drives right in the city, and Alki Beach is the best short one. I’ve been coming here for years – in the summer to watch the volleyball games on the sand and stroll along the beach with an ice cream, and any time of year for the cityscape views from across Elliott Bay.

Start at the Alki Point Lighthouse via the West Seattle Bridge. From Alki Beach Park along Alki Avenue SW, you’ll get views of the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Stop along the way at Marination Ma Kai or Cactus (my personal favorite) for lunch, or grab coffee at Alki Coffee Co or Ampersand Cafe. Or just park and walk on the beach. Alki is one of the rare sandy stretches we have in this area, so I always try to take advantage of it during the warmer months.

2. Washington Park Arboretum – Washington Boulevard 

Distance: 11 miles

If you’re looking for a scenic drive without leaving Seattle, this short loop through the Washington Park Arboretum is the one I send people to first. The Arboretum sits on the shores of Lake Washington and is full of oaks, maples, azaleas, and rhododendrons.

I love it most in the two seasons. Seattle in the fall is when the maples turn red and orange, and the light through the canopy is some of the prettiest in the city. Spring is when everything starts to bloom, and the cherry blossoms here rival the more famous ones at UW (and you’ll have a much easier time parking). I always pair this drive with a few other things to do in spring in Seattle when I’m taking visitors around (there are tons of things to do in the spring in Washington).

Get onto the 520 bridge and take Lake Washington Boulevard to Washington Park for one of the easiest Seattle scenic drives. The road winds through overhanging trees for about 8 miles, with views of the Cascades in the distance and Lake Washington along the way. Take the same route back – the lake views never get old, and this loop is worth doing twice in a day.

3. North Cascades National Park – North Cascades Highway

Distance: 164 miles

North Cascades Highway, or State Route 20, boasts incredible meadows, sweeping vistas, and an abundance of photo opportunities when you’re looking for scenic drives from Seattle. The road seems to stretch endlessly across Washington, but for this North Cascades day trip, you’ll see only a piece of the highway.  

From Seattle, drive north through Everett and towards the town of Sedro-Wooley, where the North Cascades Highway begins. Follow the road to North Cascades National Park, and you’ll enjoy a remarkable 55-minute drive replete with farmlands and wide-open wilderness.

You can enjoy one of many North Cascades National Park hikes (or larch hikes in the fall) or visit lookout points like the Gorge Lake Overlook for impeccable panoramic views during one of the best scenic drives in Washington.

When you’re ready to go back to Seattle, you can take the same road home to see that magnificent Washington scenic byway one more time. When it comes to Washington road trips, this route should be high on your bucket list.

If you want to break up the drive across Highway 20, see my guide on where to stay near North Cascades National Park with lodging in Winthrop, Mazama, Marblemount, and Concrete.

4. Whidbey Island – Whidbey Scenic Isle Way

Distance: 165 miles

Whidbey Island is the most underrated Seattle day trip, full stop. I’ve been there dozens of times over the years due to all the things to do on Whidbey Island and keep going back because it feels like you’re really far from the city without actually having to drive that far. From Seattle, drive north to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal and take the 20-minute ferry across (my Washington State ferry guide will help answer any questions you have).

Once you’re on, the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way runs the length of the island. Here’s how I usually do the day:

• Hike Ebey’s Landing Trail – 5.6 miles with views of the Olympics and Puget Sound. Check tides before you go since the loop requires low tide. A Discover Pass is required at the beach trailhead.
• Explore the WWII bunkers at Fort Casey State Park – more interesting than it sounds, especially with kids
• Lunch at Rocket Tacos in Freeland
• Wander through Meerkerk Gardens
• Dinner at Ultra House in Langley
• Walk the Langley beach at low tide
• Post-dinner beer at Thirsty Crab – dogs welcome
• Catch the sunset on the ferry home

If you only want a half-day, Coupeville is the easy choice for a stop on a day trip to Whidbey Island. Visit the Price Sculpture Forest for the mix of nature and outdoor art, or pack a picnic for Fort Ebey State Park. There’s a full guide to things to do on Whidbey Island if you want to make it a longer trip.

If you’re already up there and want to make it a loop, keep driving north across the island until you hit the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, cross onto Fidalgo Island, and head east toward Burlington (or head west to visit Anacortes). From there, it’s a relaxed hour south on I-5 back to Seattle.

5. Bellingham – Chuckanut Drive

Distance: 170 miles

Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11) is the one I’m most biased about. I went to WWU up in Bellingham, and I drove this stretch dozens of times going to and from a weekend home in the area, so it’s tied to a lot of memories for me. It’s also just one of the prettiest short drives in the state, with views of the Chuckanut Mountains, the San Juan Islands, and Samish Bay packed into about 21 miles.

If you want to stretch your legs, the Oyster Dome hiking trail starts right off Chuckanut Drive and rewards you with panoramic views of Samish Bay from the summit. Larrabee State Park is the easier option – just pull over and you’ve got postcard views of the San Juans without doing any work for them.

Once you hit Bellingham, the brewery options are basically endless. Aslan Brewing and Otherlands Beer are two of my favorites, but you really can’t go wrong picking any of them. If you want to extend your trip, you can take a Seattle to Vancouver road trip.

If you’re driving back the same day, leave time to stop in Skagit Valley to refuel – and if you’re going in April, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April 1 – 30) is one of the best Washington spring traditions out there. The fields stretch as far as you can see, and there’s no fall photo dump that beats those tulip rows.

6. Granite Falls – Mountain Loop Highway  

Distance: 173 miles

The Mountain Loop Highway doesn’t get nearly enough hype outside of Washington. Head out on Highway 92 to Granite Falls, where the byway begins, and from there you’re winding through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest with mountain views, river valleys, and trees that close in over the road like a tunnel.

This area is a go-to for my family. We camp at Red Bridge Campground every September when the weather is still warm, but the summer crowds have thinned out. It sits right along the Stillaguamish River, and there’s something about that stretch of Septembers there that always feels like the closing chapter of a Washington summer.

The Big Four Ice Caves trail is my favorite stop if you want to add a hike to the drive. It’s an easy hike that almost anyone can do, and you’ll get up close to a permanent snowfield with ice caves at the base. (Quick safety note – never walk into the caves themselves; the ice can collapse.) Past the Big Four, you’ll keep winding north until the byway ends in Darrington.

If you want even more hiking on this loop, the area is loaded with options – this whole stretch is a hub for both easy hikes near Seattle and waterfall hikes, so it’s hard to go wrong.

From Darrington, take Highway 530 west to Arlington and grab a coffee for the last leg, then it’s a quick 50-minute shot south on I-5 through Everett and back to Seattle.

7. San Juan Island – Anacortes Ferry

Distance: 208 miles

Another scenic destination in Washington, San Juan Island is filled with parks, lookout points, and water sports to keep you entertained. Drive from Seattle to Anacortes to catch the ferry to the island (leave time to check out things to do near Anacortes first). It’s a pleasant trip over the water, which takes just over an hour on this road trip in Washington State.

Once on the island, you’ll want to check out all the things to do in the area, such as whale watching. This seaport town runs at a slower pace than life in the big city, and you’ll be instantly charmed by the small community vibe there. 

Check out the Afterglow Vista (formerly the McMillan Memorial Mausoleum), an enchanting structure if you’re at all inclined towards obscure architecture. After following the forest trail through the woods, you’ll find a huge limestone table encircled by six Roman columns. This intriguing spot in Friday Harbour looks like it comes straight out of a storybook. 

You can also check out the San Juan Island National Historical Park. You can stroll along the beach, explore the park’s many hiking trails, or picnic on the grass. 

When you’re ready to go back to Seattle, you can take the same ferry back to Anacortes, then drive south through Everett. Or you can decide to extend your trip and go on a road trip to Vancouver Island in Canada.

8. Leavenworth – Highway 2

Distance: 238 miles

Highway 2 is one of the most popular Washington scenic byways for a reason – it’s pretty in every season, and the destination at the end is Leavenworth, the closest thing the PNW has to a Bavarian alpine village. I’ve been going for years and have stories from every season at this point.

A decade ago, I ran my first half-marathon here during Oktoberfest, which is still tied for one of my favorite memories in Leavenworth. I’ve brought my kids on Christmas Eve to see the Bavarian-style buildings lit up with thousands of lights and snow falling on the streets – it’s exactly as magical as it sounds.

Last spring I made the drive specifically for Maifest in May, when the town leans into the maypole, traditional dancing, and warmer-weather festivals. There really isn’t a wrong time to make the trip.

A few of my favorite things to do in town (although there are tons of things to do in Leavenworth):

• Waterfront Park for a stroll along the Wenatchee River
• Wine tasting at the dozens of tasting rooms downtown
• The reindeer farm if you have kids (or want to feel like a kid)
• Oktoberfest in the fall, which is back in Leavenworth after a brief stint in Wenatchee
• The Leavenworth Christmas lights from late November through February (just bring chains or AWD if there’s been fresh snow on the pass)

On the drive back to Seattle, stop at Wallace Falls State Park off Highway 2. Wallace Falls Trail is one of the best waterfall hikes near Seattle, and the falls drop over 250 feet through a series of cascades. It’s a perfect way to break up the drive home.

9. Yakima – Interstate 90 & Chinook Scenic Byway

Distance: 290 miles

This drive will take you on I-90 east, crossing the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge for views of Lake Washington and then climbing through Snoqualmie Pass on the way to Yakima.

Yakima is one of my favorite east-of-the-mountains stops in Washington, especially in the warmer months when the wineries are humming. I’ve put together a full guide to visiting Yakima with all my favorite stops and recommendations, but the highlights for a road trip include the local breweries and tasting rooms, whitewater rafting on the Yakima River, and the downtown farmers market for local fruit (Yakima Valley grows a stunning amount of the country’s apples and hops).

To get back to Seattle, take the Chinook Scenic Byway (Highway 410) around Mount Rainier National Park and north through Buckley. This stretch is the real prize of the drive – you’ll get a stunning view of Mount Rainier, plus dense forests, river canyons, and valleys that make Highway 410 one of the prettiest byways in the state.

Looking for another impressive mountain? Here’s how to climb Mt. St. Helens.

10. Olympic Peninsula Loop – Highway 20

Distance: 349 miles

The Olympic Peninsula Loop covers stunning rainforests, alpine highlands, and lakeshores you have to see in person. I’ve done this loop in pieces and as a whole over the years, and there’s a reason it shows up on every Pacific Northwest bucket list.

Start your morning by exploring Edmonds and taking the Edmonds-Kingston ferry with your car. From there, you’ll travel south and west along the Salish Sea coast.

The full loop is about 12 hours of driving from Seattle and back, so I always recommend at least 2-3 days to actually enjoy it. Some of my favorite stops from doing this drive in pieces over the years:

• Port Townsend – a quaint coastal town great for hiking, kayaking, and sailing
• Lake Crescent – one of the deepest lakes in Washington, and a peaceful place to sit by the water. I’ve done Marymere Falls here in the summer, an easy 1.8-mile hike to a 90-foot waterfall.
• Hoh Rain Forest – I went on a rainy fall day, and it might be the most atmospheric experience I’ve had in the state. The Hall of Mosses trail is short and worth every mile of the drive to get there.
• Ruby Beach – sea stacks, driftwood, and dramatic Pacific views on the west coast
• The Ozette Triangle – I’ve backpacked this 9-mile coastal loop, and it’s one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken in Washington. Not for everyone (tides, mud, weather), but if you have the time and gear, do it.

If you want a shorter version, a day trip to Olympic National Park is doable from Seattle, but I’d push for at least a long weekend to really see the peninsula.

11. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway – Highway 101

Distance: 363 miles

State Route 101 runs along Washington’s rugged coastline through ocean views, small towns, and some of my favorite places to escape the city. I love nothing more than a cozy ocean view and a long walk along the Pacific, and I’ve made this drive enough times that I have a mental list of which towns are worth lingering in and which to keep driving past.

From Olympia, head west toward Aberdeen and pick up the Pacific Coast Scenic Highway as it meanders along the coast. The towns I keep coming back to:

• Ocean Shores – my classic family weekend on the coast, with miles of drivable beach
• Long Beach – the longest beach peninsula in the country, kite festivals, and a boardwalk worth walking
• Seabrook – planned beach community with cute architecture, where I love to stay for a more design-y coast trip
• Raymond – smaller stop, good for stretching your legs

From there, continue north through Olympic National Park territory. Don’t miss the dramatic cliffs and sea stacks at Ruby Beach, the calmer Kalaloch Beach for a sandy walk, and the Hoh Rain Forest if you have time to detour inland.

On the way back to Olympia, you can take a detour to explore Port Townsend or the Port Angeles waterfront. This route is one of the most rewarding scenic drives in the state if you go slowly.

If you want a full guide to what to do once you’re in town, I’ve put together my favorite things to do in Seabrook from three family trips there.

12. Mount Rainier National Park – White Pass Scenic Byway

Distance: 394 miles

A day trip to Mount Rainier National Park is one of those classic Washington State scenic drives, thanks to the scenic byway en route. I go here multiple times a year during the summer and never get sick of these views. From Seattle, travel south through Tacoma on your way to Mary’s Corner, which marks the beginning of the White Pass Scenic Byway. 

You can stop at the Capitol State Forest for snacks under the trees. There are also numerous hiking trails for you to explore if you’d like to stretch your legs before reaching Mary’s Corner.

When you get onto the byway, you’ll see striking views of forests, meadows, and rivers. There is also the view of the majestic mountain pass, White Pass, with a 4,500-foot elevation gain. I love this drive so much and highly recommend putting it on your Washington bucket list.

Halfway through the byway, turn onto Morton Road to get to the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, where you’ll have your pick of outdoor activities. 

When heading back to Seattle, you can go back down Morton Road, then east along the rest of the byway you missed on your way to the park. From there, it’s another pretty drive east to Yakima and southwest through Snoqualmie Pass to get back to Seattle. It’s also a beautiful weekend trip from Portland, Oregon to go on, or even a long day trip from Portland.

13. Steptoe Butte State Park – Palouse Scenic Byway

Distance: 614 miles

The Palouse Scenic Byway runs south on Highway 195 from Spokane through Colfax, and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve only driven it once, but it left enough of an impression to earn a spot on this list. The rolling green-and-gold farmland of the Palouse is unlike any other landscape in Washington, and the view from Steptoe Butte at sunrise or sunset is the kind of thing photographers plan whole trips around.

Take Snoqualmie Pass east to Spokane and consider stopping along the Columbia River on your way – the river running through the canyons is a dramatic stop and a good leg-stretcher. Once in Spokane, you can take a break at Riverfront Park or wander downtown.

Then comes the main event. The Palouse Scenic Byway winds through rolling hills and farmland that look almost computer-generated when the light hits right. Steptoe Butte State Park sits over 3,000 feet up and gives you a 360-degree view of those farmlands stretching to the horizon. If you go, time your drive for golden hour – it’s the difference between a pretty drive and a memorable one.

To return to Seattle, take Highway 90 west through Snoqualmie Pass, passing through the towns of Othello and Ellensburg on the way home.

For a longer road trip, check out the road trip from Seattle to Banff.

14. Columbia River Gorge – Historic Columbia River Highway

Distance: Roughly 450 miles round-trip from Seattle

A few years ago, I drove the entire Columbia River Gorge for the first time while researching my guidebook, and I couldn’t believe I had waited so long to see it. The scenery shifts completely as you go – lush green waterfalls in the west, high desert by the time you reach eastern Washington and Oregon. This is one of the most varied drives in the Pacific Northwest and easily earns its place on any Washington scenic drives list.

My recommended route is an overnight in Vancouver, WA, to break up the drive from Seattle, then two full days through the Gorge with as many stops as you can fit in, an overnight in Hood River, then continuing east to Walla Walla. Hood River is one of my favorite small towns in the PNW, which is why I built in two stops there.

Some of my favorite stops on this drive:

• Vista House at Crown Point (Corbett, OR) – one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s free
• Historic Columbia River Highway Waterfalls (Corbett to Mosier, OR) – Latourell, Bridal Veil, Multnomah, and more, all along one short scenic stretch
• Bonneville Dam (Cascade Locks, OR) – walk across the dam and watch salmon climb the fish ladder
• Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks, OR) – where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Columbia, and where the movie Wild ends
• Solstice Pizza or Ferment Brewing (Hood River, OR) – the best pizza in town with mountain views, and craft beer with Columbia River views
• Stonehenge Memorial (Maryhill, WA) – a full-scale WWI memorial replica, completely unexpected on the Washington side
• Fort Dalles Museum (The Dalles, OR) – the only remaining building from an 1856 Army fort on the Oregon Trail
• Woodward Canyon Winery (Walla Walla, WA) – Washington produces world-class wine, and Walla Walla will convince you of that within one tasting

This drive works in every season except deep winter, when Gorge winds and ice can make it dangerous. Spring waterfalls and fall harvest in Walla Walla are my two favorite times to go.

15. Mount Baker Highway (SR 542)

Distance: Roughly 240 miles round-trip from Seattle

I went to college up in Bellingham, so I’ve driven the Mount Baker Highway more times than I can count, and every trip up still feels like the first. I was just up there last week and got reminded all over again why this area is special. Fall is an especially good time to take this drive, with the huckleberry bushes turning red and the larches turning gold.

The highway runs east from Bellingham along the North Fork Nooksack River and ends at Artist Point (elevation 5,100 feet), which offers some of the best mountain views in the state, with direct views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. The road to Artist Point closes with the first heavy snow and typically doesn’t reopen until July, so time this one carefully.

My favorite stops along the way:

• Wake ‘n Bakery – the classic first stop for coffee and pastries before the drive really begins
• Nooksack Falls – a short detour off the highway to a dramatic 88-foot waterfall
• Picture Lake – arguably the most photographed spot in Washington, with Mount Shuksan reflected in the water
• Mt. Baker Ski Area – great in winter for skiing, but also a fun stop off-season
• Yellow Aster Butte – if you want to make it a hiking day, this is one of the best hikes in the area
• Artist Point – the end of the road and the main event, stunning views
• Chair 9 Pizza & Bar – the perfect stop on the way back down for pizza and a beer

Mount Baker Highway is also a great option if you’re looking for fall hikes in Washington – the combination of the drive and a hike makes for a perfect long day trip.

Washington Scenic Drives FAQ

What is the most scenic drive in Washington State?

It’s hard to pick just one, but the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) through North Cascades National Park is my top choice for sheer mountain drama. The Palouse Scenic Byway is my pick if you want something most tourists never see, and Chuckanut Drive is the best short option from Seattle.

How many days do you need for Washington scenic drives?

Most of the drives in this guide can be done in a single day, including Chuckanut Drive, Whidbey Island, and Mountain Loop Highway. The longer ones like the Olympic Peninsula Loop (about 12 hours round-trip) and the Palouse Scenic Byway work better as 2-day trips with an overnight stay. I’ve noted distances under each drive so you can plan accordingly.

When is the best time of year for a Washington scenic drive?

It depends on the drive. The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) closes in winter and typically reopens in late April or early May. Mount Baker Highway closes seasonally too, with Artist Point not opening until July most years. The Olympic Peninsula, Chuckanut Drive, and Whidbey Island routes are beautiful year-round. Fall (late September through mid-October) is my favorite time across all of them.

Are Washington’s scenic drives family-friendly?

Yes. All the drives in this guide are on paved roads with plenty of rest stops, viewpoints, and small towns along the way. My family road trips across Washington have included drives like Chuckanut and Mount Baker Highway with a young kid in the backseat, no problem.

Can you do these scenic drives without a car rental?

Not really. These are road trips, and most of them pass through areas with limited public transportation. If you’re flying into Seattle, renting a car at SeaTac is the simplest option. For the ferry-based routes (Whidbey, San Juan), you can do shorter versions as day trips using Washington State Ferries.

Which scenic drive is best if I only have one day?

Chuckanut Drive is my top pick for a single-day scenic drive from Seattle. It’s under 2 hours each way, packs dramatic coastal views into a short 21-mile stretch, and gives you time to stop in Edison for lunch and explore Bellingham before heading home.

Looking for more Washington travel inspiration? Check out my guides to day trips from Seattle and the Washington State bucket list.

Now the hardest part is picking which one of these scenic drives in Washington to go on first!