So, you’re itching to discover the Pacific Northwest, huh? Look no additional as a result of we’ve bought the last word Washington State street journeys you gained’t need to miss out on!
Having spent extra time exploring Washington than we’d wish to admit (belief us, we’ve got the espresso stains and flannel shirt assortment to show it), we’ve bought just a few concepts for you.
From the misty, dramatic coastlines and luxurious rainforests to rugged mountain terrains – granny’s street journeys this ain’t!
As frequent U.S. vacationers, it’s secure to say we’ve developed a comfortable spot for the Pacific Northwest.
So for all you adventure-seekers who’re sitting there with a packed suitcase however no concept the place to go, we’ve bought your again.
Belief us; these street journey routes are the true deal – Washington State is not going to disappoint!
13 Finest Washington State Highway Journeys
With out additional ado, brace yourselves for the last word Washington State street journey itinerary.
From sipping world-class wines in Walla Walla to chasing waterfalls in Olympic Nationwide Park, we’ve chalked out essentially the most epic routes to fulfill your wanderlust wants.
1. Olympic Peninsula Loop
Loop: Begin and finish in Seattle
Mileage: 412 miles
Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
The Olympic Peninsula Loop, fondly dubbed as ‘Nature’s Disneyland,’ goes to be your 412-mile-long curler coaster trip, with out the precise curler coaster, after all.
This route combines the town’s thrill with nature’s serenity so seamlessly that even Bob Ross could be impressed!
Beginning in Seattle (a.ok.a., the town the place it rains greater than it shines), you’ll enterprise into the wild yonder of the Olympic Peninsula.
Alongside the best way, put together to lose your breath (and I’m not speaking concerning the heart-stopping espresso costs) as you immerse your self in Sequim’s lavender fields.
Then have your thoughts blown with a inexperienced overdose at Olympic Nationwide Park.
You’ll witness the majestic Hoh Rainforest, the place bushes develop moss as a substitute of leaves (speak about vogue sense!). And let’s not even get began on Ruby Seashore. It’s so beautiful you’ll begin questioning your individual existence.
On the finish of the loop, you’ll cross by Olympia (no, not the one in Greece) and Tacoma, the place you’ll be able to marvel on the metropolis’s bustling waterfront and thriving arts scene.
The Olympic Peninsula Loop isn’t only a drive. It’s a journey. It’s a tour. It’s an emotion. It’s…properly, you get the purpose.
Don’t overlook to wave goodbye to Bigfoot in your means out!
2. Cascade Loop
Loop: Begin and finish in Everett
Mileage: 448 miles
Time: 11 hours plus stops
Prepare for the Cascade Loop; it’s a journey so fascinating it might make a sloth rise up and dance!
Kicking off from Everett (no, not that bizarre cousin of yours), this 448-mile joyride may have your jaw dropping with unbelievable landscapes you’ll be able to’t even fathom until they’re proper in entrance of you.
All of it begins in Leavenworth, the place you’ll really feel such as you’ve been teleported to a picturesque German village within the coronary heart of the Cascades. Right here, you’ll be able to feast on pretzels the scale of your head and prost with beers larger than your ego!
Subsequent, glide into Lake Chelan, the place the water is so clear you’ll be able to see your future in it (or a minimum of the underside of the lake).
Fancy a dip? Or maybe, a wine-tasting tour? They’ve bought all of it.
From there, you’ll swing by the cowboy city of Winthrop. Be at liberty to yee-haw your coronary heart out and expertise the Wild West in all its glory.
And at last, brace your self for North Cascades Nationwide Park. Now, this place is so wild it makes the Amazon appear like a well-manicured backyard.
Anticipate an overload of glacial peaks, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife encounters that’ll have you ever questioning should you’ve stepped right into a Nationwide Geographic episode.
3. Mount Rainier Loop
Loop: Begin and finish in Seattle
Mileage: 300 miles
Time: 7 hours half-hour plus stops
The Mount Rainier Loop isn’t only a drive – it’s an expedition. A 300-mile odyssey that’ll make your GPS query your sanity.
First cease: Paradise. And, no, we’re not being metaphorical. There’s a spot referred to as Paradise on the south slope of Mount Rainier itself.
Subsequent, head as much as Dawn, the best level on Mount Rainier that’s accessible by car.
You’ll discover the identify isn’t solely a time-of-day indication but in addition a life philosophy. The view is so dreamy unicorns may as properly be frolicking within the meadows.
Now, allow us to warn you – there’s an actual hazard of getting drunk on nature throughout this drive.
So, sober up within the rustic city of Enumclaw. Take pleasure in a hearty meal; should you don’t attempt the native cheese, you’re denying your self a slice of heaven.
Prepared for the Mount Rainier Loop? It’s a journey that’ll make you overlook about flat tires, visitors tickets, and that cup of espresso you left on the roof of your automotive final week.
4. San Juan Islands
Loop: Begin and finish in Anacortes
Mileage: 127 miles plus ferry rides
Time: 7 hours plus stops and ferry rides
Venturing off from Anacortes, a captivating maritime city identified for its vibrant murals, you’ll embark on a 127-mile journey that encapsulates the tranquil great thing about the San Juan Islands.
Take pleasure in scenic ferry rides that can whisk you away to 3 islands – Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez.
On Orcas Island, the enchantment begins with Moran State Park.
Right here, between the rustle of the leaves and the distant name of the island’s wildlife, you’ll be able to take a leisurely hike and marvel on the breathtaking views. A imaginative and prescient of lush forests and pristine waters will greet you at each flip.
As your ferry docks at San Juan Island, you’ll be transported into historical past on the San Juan Island Nationwide Historic Park. Tales of yesteryears echo between the park’s preserved buildings, peering into the island’s storied previous.
As you roam round, don’t overlook to soak within the island’s pure allure – it’s a sight for sore eyes!
The ultimate leg of your journey takes you to Lopez Island, a haven of calm and wonder. This place has a sure tranquil rhythm that invitations you to calm down, unwind, and easily be.
The San Juan Islands drive is undoubtedly the most effective drives in Washington. It’s the form of enchanting expedition that leaves you with a coronary heart filled with recollections and a digicam roll full of images.
5. Seattle To Spokane
One Method: Seattle to Spokane
Mileage: 365 miles
Time: 5 hours 50 minutes plus stops
Buckle up and prepare to go away behind the bustling hubbub of Seattle, plunging into landscapes that appear to have been painted by Mom Nature herself.
Your first pitstop? Snoqualmie Move.
This isn’t simply any outdated mountain cross, no sirree! This can be a place the place waterfalls cascade with fervor as if auditioning for a shampoo business.
The Snoqualmie Falls is a sight to behold, a spectacle that’ll have your digicam clicking and your coronary heart racing.
However don’t get too comfortable! You’re not achieved but.
There’s a detour to Lake Coeur d’Alene, a vacation spot that most likely took you three makes an attempt to pronounce appropriately. And was it price it? Oh, you betcha!
The shimmering waters and pine-fringed shores are a sight for sore metropolis eyes. It’s a slice of lakeside heaven that’ll have you ever contemplating a profession as a full-time hermit.
Lastly, you attain Spokane. It’s not simply the tip of your street journey; it’s the start of your love affair with this metropolis.
With its Riverfront Park and the mesmerizing Spokane Falls, it’s a metropolis that doesn’t simply welcome you; it seduces you.
6. Palouse Scenic Byway
One Method: Palouse Falls State Park to Rosalia
Mileage: 196 miles
Time: 4 hours quarter-hour plus stops
Welcome to the Palouse Scenic Byway!
This 196-mile-long path begins from the beautiful Palouse Falls State Park, the place the falling water appears to sing harmonies with the wind.
Bear in mind, should you didn’t get a selfie on the falls, did you even begin the drive?
You’ll then journey by the rolling hills of Palouse, which is as shut as you’ll get to driving on a cloud. It’s just like the Earth placed on a inexperienced velvet costume only for you.
In your means, be sure that to cease by Pullman, the place the eating places serve meals so good you’ll need to write poetry about it.
The drive continues to Colfax. You’ll love this small city’s allure and single visitors gentle. It’s like stepping again in time however with out the horrible vogue sense of the 70s.
The end result of your journey is at Steptoe Butte State Park. Put together to be blown away. The view is so breathtaking even your digicam will gasp!
And at last, Rosalia. A quaint finish to an epic journey.
At this level, should you’re not in love with Washington, examine your pulse. You may be a robotic.
7. Coulee Hall
One Method: Ephrata to Grand Coulee
Mileage: 122 miles
Time: 2 hours 45 minutes plus stops
The Coulee Hall, a 122-mile stretch, is as spellbinding as it’s spine-tingling.
Beginning in Ephrata, you’ll quickly end up within the realm of Dry Falls, a geological marvel that’s something however dry.
Image Niagara Falls, multiply it by 5 – and subtract the water. That’s proper; Dry Falls is a plunge pool social gathering the place the water forgot to point out up.
However don’t fear; the awe-inspiring sight of what was as soon as the world’s largest waterfall is certain to go away you drenched in amazement.
As you journey on, the panorama morphs right into a scene straight out of a Martian postcard – welcome to the Grand Coulee, a big glaciated valley.
Your drive culminates within the small city of the identical identify, Grand Coulee, house to the Grand Coulee Dam.
As soon as the biggest concrete construction on this planet, this colossal dam is now the spine of the area’s energy provide. At nightfall, stick round for the laser gentle present, the place the dam’s huge partitions remodel right into a canvas for a historical past lesson projected in lights.
There you will have it – the Coulee Hall, the place the sights are grand, the historical past is wealthy, and the one visitors jams are attributable to you stopping to snap photographs.
8. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
One Method: Olympia to Westport
Mileage: 317 miles
Time: 6 hours plus stops
Fasten your seatbelts for the last word Washington Coast street journey, as your subsequent journey is the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
This one is just like the Olympic Peninsula loop mentioned in primary above, however a barely shorter route with completely different starting and endpoints. So if you wish to minimize out about 100 miles of the drive, this one is your go-to.
You’ll kick issues off in Olympia, the place it’s all fancy authorities buildings and inexperienced parks for days.
Belief us; the really thrilling a part of this journey is but to come back.
You’ll hit the street and cruise in direction of the Olympic Peninsula coast. However this isn’t your grandma’s Sunday drive.
With the salty sea air in your lungs and the rugged shoreline in your sights, you’ll really feel like a bonafide explorer charting new lands.
Head west in direction of Port Angeles, a city that clearly bought the memo about the entire ‘breathtaking views’ factor.
Savor the vistas of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and, should you’re fortunate, catch a glimpse of the magical Olympic Mountains.
The route continues southwards, down alongside the coast of Olympic Nationwide Park, till you attain Aberdeen. Hey, it’s not only a Kurt Cobain music, alright? This place has a sure allure that’s arduous to place a finger on.
And at last, you’ll land in Westport. It’s a city that delights in simplicity, with a lighthouse, a marina, and sufficient seafood joints to ship any seafood lover right into a blissful meals coma after the lengthy drive.
So, there you will have it, 317 miles of pure coastal amazement. You’ve simply achieved the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway – go forward, brag slightly.
9. Wineries Of Washington
One Method: Yakima to Walla Walla
Mileage: 131 miles
Time: 2 hours plus stops
Embark on a vinous voyage from Yakima to Walla Walla, wandering by Washington’s famed wine nation. This 131-mile route is sort of a wine lover’s yellow brick street, a veritable Napa of the North.
Departing from Yakima, a fertile land of hops and wine grapes, you’ll quickly end up cruising by Prosser, a city small in measurement however massive on varietals.
Right here, you’ll be able to pop right into a boutique vineyard or two and possibly even catch a wine competition should you time it proper.
Subsequent is Benton Metropolis, the place the vineyards rival the scenic great thing about Tuscany, and the wines give Bordeaux a run for his or her cash.
Don’t overlook to swing by the Purple Mountain AVA, Washington’s smallest, warmest wine-grape rising space.
The finale of your oenophile odyssey is Kennewick, the guts of the Tri-Cities wine nation.
It’s a spot the place old-world allure meets new-world wine strategies. Right here, the cellar doorways are all the time open, and the winemakers are simply as engaging because the wines they craft.
Your journey ends in Walla Walla, a reputation so good they named it twice. With over 120 wineries and vibrant downtown, Walla Walla is the cherry on high of your wine nation sundae.
10. Lewis and Clark Path
One Method: Longview to Clarkston
Mileage: 404 miles
Time: 7 hours plus stops
For individuals who crave a style of historical past sprinkled with some spectacular pure views, look no additional than the Lewis and Clark Path, the most effective scenic drives in Washington State.
Stretching over 400 miles, this route is the epitome of a street journey with a historic twist.
Starting in Longview, you’ll get to hint the trail of the legendary explorers Lewis and Clark. Don’t be stunned should you’re tempted to commerce in your automotive for a canoe, as you’ll be following the Columbia River a lot of the best way.
Vancouver is your second cease, the place Fort Vancouver awaits.
This Nationwide Historic Web site takes you again to the Nineteenth-century fur commerce period. The reconstructed fort is so real looking you will have to pinch your self to recollect you’re nonetheless within the twenty first century.
Urgent onwards, you’ll end up in Captain William Clark Park. Right here, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashore, picnic beneath the shade of towering bushes, or gaze out over the waters Lewis and Clark navigated over 200 years in the past.
Sacagawea State Park is subsequent in line. Named after the famed Shoshone girl who enormously assisted the explorers, the park gives a wealth of historical past and a splash of beautiful views.
Your historic journey concludes in Clarkston on the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, a web site that bodes properly for reflection on this memorable street journey.
11. North Cascades Freeway
One Method: Sedro-Woolley to Winthrop through Hwy 20
Mileage: 127 miles
Time: 2 hours half-hour plus stops
The North Cascades Freeway is 127 miles of pure, unadulterated, panoramic eye sweet. Strap in as a result of it’s a 2.5-hour drive, not counting stops, and belief me, you’ll need to cease.
From the second you hit Freeway 20, Washington’s most northern route, you’re thrust into the guts of the Cascades.
The freeway carves by the mountains, treating you to views that make it clear why they name this the ‘American Alps.’ Towering peaks, craggy cliffs, and valleys crammed with lush forests present a visible buffet that places 4K Extremely HD to disgrace.
If that’s not sufficient, put together your self for the emerald great thing about Diablo Lake, a physique of water so stunningly turquoise you’ll swear it’s photoshopped.
The twisty, turny route makes a beeline by the Ross Lake Nationwide Recreation Space into the Okanogan-Wenatchee Nationwide Forest, lastly spitting you out within the charming Previous West city of Winthrop.
And imagine us, all these names are extra than simply sophisticated tongue twisters – they’re your ticket to a scenic smorgasbord.
12. Freeway 2
One Method: Everett to Leavenworth
Mileage: 100 miles
Time: 2 hours plus stops
You’re about to embark on a journey alongside Freeway 2, a street journey that guarantees a superb mix of pure magnificence and cultural intrigue.
It’s a mere 100 miles from Everett to Leavenworth, however don’t let that idiot you. This can be a street journey full of extra sights, historical past, and journey than you’ll be able to shake a stick at.
Beginning in Everett, you’ll alternate the hustle-bustle of the town for the tranquil rhythm of the Cascade mountains.
As you navigate the curves of Stevens Move, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and, should you’re fortunate, a sprinkling of snow that provides a magical contact to the already beautiful surroundings.
Simply look ahead to the second whenever you crest the cross. Breathtaking doesn’t even start to cowl it.
You’ll end up surrounded by an alpine wilderness straight out of a postcard, with snow-capped peaks, glowing water our bodies, and the occasional deer darting throughout the panorama.
Then it’s off to Leavenworth. It’s like slightly piece of Bavaria determined to trip within the Pacific Northwest, with its charming Bavarian-themed buildings and conventional festivals.
Take pleasure in a hearty German meal, stroll across the quaint downtown, or simply sit back with a neighborhood brew.
Two hours on the street, and also you’ll have traversed landscapes, climbed mountains, and visited a slice of Europe, all with out leaving Washington.
Freeway 2, it’s the true MVP of street journeys.
13. Puget Sound
One Method: Seattle to Port Townsend
Mileage: 142 miles
Time: 3 hours plus stops
Our ultimate possibility for one of the best scenic drives in Washington is a street journey from Seattle to Port Townsend that explores the tranquil magnificence that’s Puget Sound.
This 142 mile-route is an absolute deal with on your senses, providing beautiful water views, picturesque islands, and a wholesome dose of maritime vibes.
Setting off from Seattle, you’ll skirt alongside the perimeters of the serene Puget Sound. Hold your eyes peeled for the playful orcas that usually frolic in these waters.
Whereas the view of the Sound is sufficient to occupy your senses, this drive additionally takes you thru a string of charming cities like Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and onto Bainbridge Island – every with its distinctive taste and points of interest.
As you progress, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of the majestic Olympic Mountains.
And on the finish of the drive, Port Townsend gives you a quaint Victorian seaport brimming with historical past, tradition, and a splash of quirkiness. Awash in historic buildings, it additionally gives a vibrant arts scene and a plethora of eateries for meals lovers.
Bonus: Skagit Valley Tulips
One Method: Seattle to Skagit Valley
Mileage: 70 miles
Time: 1 hour half-hour plus stops
As you’ll be able to’t do that any time of 12 months, this can be a bonus…however one you completely ought to do should you time it proper!
Belief us once we say the Skagit Valley Tulip Drive isn’t only a drive – it’s like stepping right into a Claude Monet portray, however with fewer haystacks and extra tulips.
Think about a 70-mile stretch of street, flanked on both aspect with infinite fields of vibrant tulips, all swaying in unison as if welcoming you to their candy-colored paradise.
Ranging from Seattle, it’s a breezy 1.5-hour street journey to the guts of Skagit Valley.
The drive itself is fairly easy, however don’t you dare rush by it! This isn’t a visit to your dentist. Really feel the thrill slowly construct up because the city landscapes give approach to the enduring rural allure of Skagit Valley.
As you attain it, the sheer explosion of colours hits you.
No, this isn’t a psychedelic dream; that is Skagit Valley in April. You’ve bought tulips of each possible coloration, from canary yellows to pinks that might make Barbie jealous and reds that might begin a fireplace.
Annually, the Skagit Valley Tulip Competition attracts flower aficionados from all around the world to bask within the breathtaking magnificence of those floral fields.
In Skagit Valley, ‘stopping to scent the roses’ will get an improve. Right here, you cease to gawk on the tulips as a substitute!
So, put together your picnic baskets and your finest floral print outfits (for these selfies, after all) and benefit from the riot of colours that’s the Skagit Valley Tulip Drive.
Conclusion – Finest Washington State Highway Journeys
And so, my expensive street journey lovers, we’ve reached the tip of our journey – a minimum of for now.
These street journeys may have you driving by the guts of Washington State, traversing peaks and valleys, and marveling on the multicolored spectacle of tulips that might disgrace even essentially the most extravagant rainbow.
Whether or not you’re a nature lover, a historical past buff, or only a passionate wanderer, one thing within the state of Washington will name to you want a siren’s music.
So, pack your baggage, gasoline your automotive, and set your GPS for journey.
Belief us, one of the best Washington State street journeys are on the market, ready so that you can discover simply past the horizon.
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Jenny is an adventurous globetrotter with an insatiable curiosity for exploring the world. From her first worldwide journey on the age of 13 to Australia and New Zealand, she has since traveled to over 30 international locations throughout six continents. With levels in each accounting and images, Jenny combines her love for organized journey planning and her ardour for images to seize beautiful moments and encourage others to embark on their very own extraordinary adventures.
