So you’re looking for things to do in Washington state? Washington road trips are a great way to find your bliss. This amazing state is full of some pretty diverse offerings. From the ocean to the mountains and from the big city to the small town, everyone will find something of amazement in Washington state. So pack your car and head out on one of these great Washington road trips!
We’ve put these in order (somewhat) by location and given you suggestions for linking them together. So whether you have one day or one week, we’re sure we’ve found great Washington road trips for you.
Olympic Peninsula Loop – Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
This 400 mile Washington Road Trip winds its way through the greenery of the Olympic Peninsula. Visit Olympic National Park, rain forests, beaches and small towns. There is so much to see and do on this trip that you shouldn’t fit it all in to one day. The start of this loop is only a few hours from Seattle making it an easy to access this natural area for a long weekend.
Pacific Coast Highway
Highway 101 stretches along the Pacific Coast through Washington state and beyond. If you’re exploring the Olympic Peninsula Loop, you’ll be driving along some of this famous road. If you’d like to extend your trip, just continue to drive south to explore more beaches and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Snoqualmie Mountains Loop
This Washington road trip makes for an excellent day trip from Seattle. Drive along highway 90 through the Snoqualmie pass, then north on highway 97 and finally loop back to Seattle along highway 2. This loop will take you along numerous state parks, waterfalls and through charming mountain towns. You can speed your way through this road trip in one leisurely car ride or you can spend a night in the charming town of Leavenworth and take a slower pace to stop at more of the State parks that offer great hiking trails, waterfalls and sight seeing.
White Pass to Chinook Pass Loop
With two ways to start this loop, you can enter from the Mount Rainier Loop or the Snoqualmie Mountains Loop. Either way, this road trip makes for a great add on to another road trip or a standalone trip from Seattle. This loop will take you through more mountains and along even more lakes. This Washington road trip makes for a great day trip. But with all of the different natural features to explore, this also makes for a great camping destination just hours from the city to spend a few days exploring.
Mt. Ranier Loop
Enjoy this single day looping road trip through the heart of Mt. Rainier National Park. This loop will take you out of town and into the mountains in no time. Explore the National Forests on your way into Mt. Rainier National Park. Drive through the Chinook Pass and on to Paradise as you explore the pristine wonder of the mountain. But careful, lots of these roads are closed in winter as the weather makes them inaccessible.
If you’d like to add an extra day to this road trip, the Mt. St. Helens Drive is only a short distance south.
Mt. Saint Helens Drive
Of all the Washington Road trips, none is more surreal than the drive along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. This road drives you straight through the Mt. Saint Helens blast zone. See the remnants of the destruction as you make your way to Spirit Lake. Don’t forget to stop of the Mt. Saint Helens Visitors Center to learn all about the still active volcano and the famous blast.
Whidbey Scenic Isle Way
This Washington road trip occurs solely on one island in the Puget sound. It is a short drive and even shorter ferry ride from Seattle. This amazing road trip makes for a great day trip to explore the relaxing vibe of island life off the coast of mainland Washington. Explore charming fishing towns and artists galleries. Check out whale watching or explore a local brewery. Whatever you decide to do, this relaxing road trip will leave you refreshed.
Barlow Pass Loop
The Barlow Pass Loop is one of the mountainous Washington road trips you’ll find in this state. This drive winds its way along the base of several mountain peaks and gives you breathtaking views of this impressive state. You can even stop to visit the ghost town of Monte Cristo along the way.
If you’re heading north from Seattle, this loop is on the way to the North Cascades Scenic Highway and makes for a short scenic detour.
North Cascades Highway
The North Cascades Scenic Highway winds its way in and out of many mountain peaks in the northern most region of the Cascade Mountains. This Washington road trip makes for a great wilderness weekend away from the bustling city. Enjoy plenty of hiking, sightseeing and connecting with the outdoors on this road trip. This mountainous road can be treacherous in inclement weather and closes in the winter.
This road trip begins and ends in Burlington so if you would like to add another day to your travels, the Chuckanut Drive also begins in Burlington.
Chuckanut Drive
This scenic bypass is a short and sweet detour from the highway. Between Burlington and Bellingham, this Washington road trip takes you along the coast, stopping at lots of scenic towns. Don’t miss a stop for a fresh seafood lunch. This is a great detour to take for those on their way to Vancouver and it also makes a great day trip from Seattle.
At the end of this bypass, is the beginning of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway. Connect your trips for even more fun.
Mt. Baker Scenic Byway
This short Drive along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway will take you through some of the beautiful scenery in Washington. The road winds its way along the base of Mt. Baker and ends at the beautiful Picture Lake. Be careful as some of these roads are not open in the winter or inclement weather.
Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway
Explore Highway 155 as it follows the banks of the Grand Coulee and end your trip at the Grand Coulee Dam. This road trip is a bit farther afield from any major towns but with its remote location and wondrous natural feathers, it makes for a great relaxing weekend or wilderness retreat.
Sherman Pass and Crystal Falls
This short drive through Northeast Washington is a natural and historical treat. Though no major city lies nearby, the drive is worth it. Enjoy your drive through Colville National forest, a mountain pass and to a beautiful waterfall.
You’ll end up very near to the Pend Oreille River so you can easily add that Washington road trip to you travel plans.
Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
The Pend Oreille River lies in the northeastern most corner of Washington. Enjoy a drive down this river and stop at the variety of fun actives you’ll find along the way. Visit a dam, a natural area or two and wander through Gardner Cave. If you enjoy your time on this trek, the scenic drive continues into Idaho as well.
Columbia River Gorge Road Trip Following the Lewis & Clark Trail
You could follow the Lewis and Clark Trail along all of southern Washington and it is one of the most popular Washington road trips. However, one of the most scenic portions of this stretch is along the Columbia River Gorge. This portion of the trail has some beautiful views of the river. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at several state parks or historical sites along the way. You can even cross the river and loop your way back along the Oregon side of the river for extra fun.
