Touring Washington State is something almost all road trip enthusiasts want to tick off their bucket list. Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a shorter trip to see incredible views, there’s a lot to see in Washington. Washington State has a vast area to explore, with 71,300 square miles of land. Known as the Evergreen State, Washington is a US state full of lush forests, breathtaking mountain ranges, and sparkling coastlines. If you want to explore Washington, you need Washington road trip ideas and planning.
Whether you want some adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, there’s just so much more to see in this beautiful city with sweeping views. Talk of beautiful waterfalls, Bavarian-themed towns, and other incredible views. For your convenience, we’ve created this guide to help you plan the perfect road trip itinerary, covering popular routes, must-see attractions, exciting activities suitable for kids and adults, and tips to make your Washington road trip unforgettable.
1. Cascades Highway Loop (SR 20)
You can’t go on a Washington road trip and not go on the infamous SR 20 route. Also known as the North Cascade Highway or Highway 20, it is the longest route in Washington state. This loop is over 440 miles, with different terrain types and scenic views. Aside from being the longest route in Washington state, Highway 20 has alpine mountains and a stunning view surrounding it. The cascade highway loop starts at the US Route 101 at the discovery bay and ends towards Idaho state in the United States.
Exploring this route allows you to explore some parts of America from Boston to Chicago through Cleveland. You can stop at North Cascade National Park to check the popular hiking spots. Additionally, the North Cascade route is filled with emerald-green forests, a Panoramic view, dramatic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and snow lakes. If you have extra time and want to take in the natural scenery, Diablo Lake and Lake Chelan are great places to stop. They are also perfect for kayaking or photography.
Another highlight of the north cascade loop is Methow Valley, which you should not miss out on when going through this loop. The valley offers fantastic spots like the meadows and cozy lodges to stop, relax, and recharge before continuing your adventure. Its rolling meadows and cozy cabins provide the perfect stop to rest and recharge. When making your road trip plans, you should note that this cascade pass is seasonal and usually open from late spring to early fall, making it an ideal summer getaway. Exploring this highway is not a day trip, so you should prepare or make it a weekend getaway.
2. Highway 2
A road trip along Washington Highway 2 is like flipping through the pages of a living postcard leaving you with incredible landscapes and an overwhelming beauty. Starting in Everett on the west coast and winding to Spokane on the east, this route offers a scenic drive with incredible views. From snow-capped mountains, beautiful rainforests, and captivating landscapes to quaint towns and golden farmlands, delivering an epic road trip experience.
The road trip on this highway officially starts from Everett, just north of Seattle, and ends at Spokane. It is one of our biggest road trip recommendations. This path leads to Snohomish, a charming town known for its antique shops and riverside views. You can visit mid-summer while you make a stop at this town, relax, and shop for antiques.
Right after Snohomish, the road ascends to Stevens Pass, which will leave your jaw-dropping with its breathtaking alpine scenery, beautiful waterfalls, and outdoor space. If you get lucky, you can participate in seasonal outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. If you want to explore the highway further, you’ll stumble upon Leavenworth village, nestled in the mountains and the Wenatchee Valley, known for its endless orchards.
Once you’re past the Cascade forests fade, the rolling hills of Eastern Washington state will welcome you, leading you to charming small towns. The Highway 2 road trip finally ends in Spokane, which perfectly blends urban culture with stunning views and natural beauty.
3. Eastern Washington Vineyard
Beyond taking in nature and enjoying beautiful scenery, you can do so much more on your road trip. Exploring vineyards is one of the exciting Washington road trip ideas you should not miss out on. You can begin your journey in Eastern Washington in Seattle while exploring one or two of Washington’s finest vineyards. Adding wine exploration to your road trip itinerary will surely be eventful.
If you want to go beyond wine tasting, you can continue your road trip by visiting the Columbia Valley, where the Columbia River runs. The valley is about 185 miles wide. If you want to start your trip from Seattle to the Yakima Valley, it will be around 145 miles and 190 miles from the Oregon coast. From the Yakima Valley, you can explore further to the Walla Walla region, which is over 130 miles from the Yakima Valley.
These regions boast more than 300 wineries. To enjoy the entire trip, you can explore these wineries, as many feature guided tours. During these tours, you can learn about the winemaking process while soaking in the serene beauty of the countryside.
4. The Beautiful Palouse Byway
The Palouse Scenic Byway is a journey through one of Washington’s most stunning and unexpected landscapes and also one of the washing road trip ideas you should not miss out on. Located in the southeastern part of Washington state, it’s a 208-mile loop that goes through a patchwork of rolling hills, rugged mountains, golden wheat fields, and charming small towns. It’s a great idea if you’re seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The byway starts from Spokane, down to Pullman and beyond. This journey takes you through several old-fashioned yet attractive towns that capture the essence of rural Washington. Another gem on the Palouse Byway is Colfax, a historic town with charming architecture, friendly locals, and incredible food. You can’t go through the Palouse Byway without seeing Palouse Falls State Park, one of the national parks in Washington State with amazing views.
The park’s center of attention is the Palouse waterfall, a 200-foot cascading waterfall, a stunning view that is difficult for photographers to resist. While on your road trip, you can stop to hike at the incredible hiking trails around the park for panoramic views or set up a picnic and bask in the peaceful atmosphere. Viewing sunsets is beautiful on its own, but viewing the sunset at this national park is nothing short of magical, with its golden light and bright color casting over the landscape and painting the falls in hues of orange that are so beautiful to behold.
5. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
Also known as the picturesque Olympic Coast Highway, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is a 350-mile byway and one of the Washington road trip ideas to explore. The Pacific coast scenic byway runs along Washington’s western coastline. This breathtaking route takes you through dense forests, old sea cliffs, and sandy beaches. There’s so much to do on this road trip, as this byway has many highlights.
Your trip on this coastal drive starts at Port Townsend in Washington and ends on California’s Highway 101. Key highlights include Kalaloch Beach, with its iconic Tree of Life, and Ruby Beach, known for its rugged sea stacks and tide pools. Through your journey on this mountain pass, you will go through coastal towns like Aberdeen and Hoquiam. You can stop there to enjoy local seafood and learn one or two things about the towns.
There’s a never-ending experience to this scenic road as each road bend leads to a new version of the Pacific Northwest beauty, making it a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast. Another thing you can do while on this trip is to explore Port Angeles, a gateway to the Olympic National Park. There’s so much to do while exploring the Olympic National Parks, temperate rainforests, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and beautiful waterfalls like the Marymere Falls. Things range from checking the rainforest, turquoise lake, exploring culture-rich communities, and many more activities.
6. The Chuckanut Drive Byway
Even Though the Chuckanut Drive might not be as famous as other byways, that doesn’t make it short of a lifetime experience. Like well-known byways, the Chuckanut coastal drive has a stunning route surrounding Puget Sound’s coast. The byway runs between Burlington and Bellingham. Known as Washington’s original scenic byway, this 22-mile stretch offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands. Due to its short mileage, the Chucakanut drive is perfect for people who want a quick drive with stunning sights that make Washington road trip ideas exciting.
Also, on Chuckanut Drive, you’ll find charming towns like Fairhaven, known for its historic district, cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and food vendors. If you are a seafood lover, you can stop at roadside restaurants serving freshly caught oysters and clams. The Chuckanut trail system is another place to explore, whether on foot or bike, and it is an underrated hiking destination, as this trail will lead you to the Chuckanut tall mountains, and rocky peaks, where you can view old-growth forests, waterfalls, mountain goats and other beautiful landscapes.
7. Rialto Beach Trail
Exploring the Rialto Beach trail is one of the Washington road trip ideas you should have on your list. The journey of this trail takes you from the parking spot to the hole-in-the-wall. Rialto Beach is located within the Olympic Park in Washington state and can make your entire trip eventful. Being one of Washington’s major coastal destinations, it features sea stacks and a rhythmic crash of waves along the shores.
The main trail at Rialto Beach is a shoreline hike that goes from the shoreline to the popular hole-in-the-wall, a natural rock arch carved just by the ocean. Following the trail lasts for about 4 miles, which is a good idea if you don’t want something long-distance. During your hike, you come across many driftwood logs and marine animals such as sea anemones, starfish, and crabs.
8. Long Beach Peninsula
Earning its title as the longest continuous beach in the United States, this state stretches across 28 miles. This is one of the most visited places in the United States, as it attracts visitors and tourists all year round. Whether coming from central Oregon, Seattle, or outside the United States, you’re sure to have a fun and memorable experience. The long beach is a coastal haven perfect for a quick drive and for people who love to stroll along the beach shore.
The Long Beach Boardwalk offers stunning views as it starts where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean and extends to Grey’s Harbor. At the same time, you can explore the Discovery Trail on Long Beach, named in honor of Lewis and Clark. This 8.5-mile trail leads through dunes and coastal forests and provides an immersive experience of the area’s natural beauty. It finally ends at Ilwaco.
9. Blaine to Bellingham
Among the most stunning Washington road trip ideas is the journey from Blaine to Bellingham. This delightful journey along Washington’s northern coast offers stunning views of the Salish Sea and a charming blend of charming towns’ beauty and natural wonder. Starting in Blaine, a peaceful town near the Canadian border, you can visit Peace Arch State Park. The Peace Arch waterfront here offers serene views of the ocean.
As you head south, you can take the beautiful Chuckanut Drive, often called one of Washington’s most beautiful roads. This tour gives you breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands and lush forested hillsides. You can stop at cozy seafood shacks or take a short hike at Larrabee State Park, Washington’s first state park.
Arriving in Bellingham, you’re greeted by a lively waterfront city. You can stroll through Fairhaven, a historic district with boutique shops, art galleries, and local cafes. It’s also a place where you can also explore other outdoor adventures, from kayaking in Bellingham Bay to exploring nearby Mount Baker’s trails. With its natural beauty, panorama points, incredible views, local charm, and rich history, the Blaine to Bellingham road trip offers something for everyone, whether for relaxation or adventure.
10. Bellingham to Mount Baker Highway
If you’re not too tired and plan to explore Bellingham further, you can continue your journey from Blaine onto the Mount Baker Highway or Highway 542. Bellingham is worth exploring, with its waterfront parks, quaint Fairhaven district, and vibrant local eateries.
The highlight of this journey is the Mount Baker Ski Area and Artist Point, where you can see Mount Baker up close. If you have extra time and want to go further, you can explore Orcas Island from Bellingham. Orcas Island is about 64 miles from Bellingham, an over two-hour ride.
If you visit the Mt. Baker highway during the summer months, you can go for a little bit of hiking. This area is a hiker’s paradise and one of the favorite summer getaways for many. Trails like Chain Lakes lead to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and you will surely have a fantastic experience. However, if you visit in winter, this area transforms into a snowy wonderland suitable for skiing and snowboarding.
11. Mount Rainier Loop
Taking a road trip on Mount Rainier is an opportunity to see the stunning view of this majestic 14,411-foot peak, the highest in the state. This 147-mile loop starts and ends in Enumclaw, Washington state. When driving through Mount Rainier, you should not miss out on Mount Rainier National Park because it’s an opportunity to explore its diverse landscapes. You can begin your Mount Rainer road trip from the paradise area, which is mostly visited in the summer months.
Another fantastic spot in Mt. Rainier National Park is the Sunrise point, the highest point in the park accessible by car. The Sunrise has a spectacular view and on clear days, not only will you see Mount Rainier but also the surrounding Cascades. Another place to explore within Mt. Rainier is the Narada Falls, a two-tiered waterfall accessible from the paradise area, and the Comet Falls. The Christine Falls and the Myrtle Falls are perfect additions to your road trip itinerary. It’s just along Mount Rainer Park’s scenic drive, and you can take a short walk to see this stunning sight.
Tips For a Memorable Road Trip
A successful road trip is about more than just reaching your destination. It’s about enjoying the journey and making the most of every moment. Here are some tips to help you along your road trip.
- Pack essentials like a first-aid kit and medications, a map, whether physical or a Google map. Likewise, have the right clothes with you, like a rain jacket for rainy days or thicker clothes for cold weather.
- Starting your road trip early has big perks. The morning light is perfect for stunning photos and making the most of your adventure. Also, starting your trip early will help you navigate road closures without spoiling the fun.
- Long drives can be tiring, so taking breaks to eat and relax is essential. Taking a cup of coffee or stopping at local diners or cafes lets you refuel and relax. Bringing your favorite snacks along will also go a long way.
Conclusion
Washington State is a beautiful city in the United States and a place full of incredible views, natural wonders, and scenic drives. From the serene vineyards of Eastern Washington to the gorgeous landscapes of North Cascade and Olympic National Park, there’s just a lot to explore. You should know that road trips are not just about the destination but about the experience you have on the way. With these Washington road trip ideas and proper planning, we hope you have a memorable road trip adventure.
