If you're planning a trip to the United States and want to see some of the country's most famous landmarks, Seattle is a great place to begin your journey. It's also a wonderful starting point for exploring the Pacific Northwest, which runs from the west coast through Eastern Washington through sections of Idaho and south through most of Oregon to the California border.
Nearly all the state has to offer is within an easy drive of Seattle's downtown, including a plethora of breathtaking natural attractions including majestic mountains, stunning lakes, charming villages, rolling farms, quirky attractions, lush state parks, and excellent restaurants along the way to get your munchies on. Read on to discover 5 of the best driving roads near Seattle:
Chuckanut Drive
Distance: 25 miles | Driving time: 40 minutes
Chuckanut Drive is a 25-mile, one-way scenic route through a region of Washington state recognized for its natural beauty and food producers. Also known as WA State Highway 11, the north-south highway runs between Burlington and Bellingham, Washington. It is one of the most picturesque drives in Washington because it provides something for everyone, from adventure to shopping. This two-lane road hugs the cliffs of Samish Bay and offers stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Maple trees, with their vivid golden, orange, and red leaves, line the roadside in the autumn. Many hiking trails and easy-to-follow paths lead visitors through woodlands, beaches, and tidal pools at Larrabee State Park. Edison, a tiny town in New Jersey, has a charming main street lined with shops and galleries selling the wares of regional artisans.
As you near the end of Chuckanut Drive, swing by historic Fairhaven, which is recognized for its Victorian-style buildings and small businesses. Finally, as you reach Skagit Valley, you can visit one of the roughly 15 breweries, several of which derive their malt from inside the county. The ideal times to visit are in the late spring and autumn but we recommend visiting in April, as that is when the famed Skagit Valley Tulip Festival takes place.
Whidbey Scenic Isle Way
Distance: 65 miles | Driving time: 1 hour
From whale-watching to hiking, Whidbey Island has it all when it comes to picturesque drives near Seattle. The gorgeous 15-minute ferry trip across the river may be enjoyed from Seattle by driving north to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. The Whidbey Scenic Isle Way, a stunning national byway that covers the length of Whidbey Island, is a great way to see the island. Make time to see Coupeville's Price Sculpture Forest while you're there. You may take a short trek to Ebey's Landing nearby for stunning water views. Fort Casey is a must-see for history aficionados, who may like to tour the abandoned bunkers of this once-active fort. From Coupeville, go north across the island until you reach the Deception Pass Bridge, which is a must-see sight. On Fidalgo Island, you may go east towards Burlington by crossing it.
To get back to Seattle, it's a one-hour journey south on the I-5, so take advantage of the lovely scenery. Even though driving the length of the island only takes approximately an hour, you may extend your trip by stopping at several locations along the route. The best season to come is between spring and fall, when you'll be able to see the most beautiful hues on your journey.
Mountain Loop Highway
Distance: 173 miles | Driving time: 3 hours
If you're looking for a picturesque highway to drive in Washington, the Mountain Loop Highway is an excellent choice. Granite Falls and Darrington are both typical starting points for the route, which links Highway 530 with Mountain Loop Highway. If you start from Granite Falls, you pass through Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, where you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the adjacent mountain ranges. Cascades Mountain Range vistas are short-lived on the Mountain Loop Highway, which meanders through the Cascades. Barlow Pass and other Washington hiking paths including Mount Pilchuck, Heather Lake, Lake Twenty-Two, the Big Four Ice Caves, and Gothic Basin provide lush greenery and the opportunity to hike.
After passing Granite Falls, take a break at Verlot to stretch your legs and relax. Before continuing on the byway, stop for photographs and road trip munchies at a campsite along the Stillaguamish River. You may reach Arlington by taking Highway 530 west from Darrington, where the byway ends. To return to Seattle from Arlington, take the Interstate-5 south for 50 minutes via Everett. Late spring or early summer is a good time of year for a road trip. During the winter, the unpaved portion of the route is closed.
Olympic Peninsula Loop
Distance: 349 miles | Driving time: 10 hours
The Olympic Peninsula Loop, also known as Highway 101, is a fantastic opportunity to take in the natural splendor of Washington state. Over 300 miles of mountains, rainforests, animals, waterfalls, and stunning vistas await you on your journey around Olympic National Park's border. Take the Edmonds ferry to Kingston, and then drive down the coast of the Salish Sea to get to your starting point for a road trip. If you depart early in the morning, you should have enough time to do the circle journey back to Seattle and forth in around 12 hours. Port Townsend, a charming seaside town where you can go hiking, kayaking, or sailing, is a great place to take a break and relax.
Before returning to Seattle, make a stop at Ruby Beach on the west coast. Incredible sea stacks and a stunning coastline await you. A brief trek at Olympic National Park is possible before you return home. Lake Crescent, one of Washington's best-known deep lakes, is also a must-see on your road trip. Summer is the best time of year to traverse Washington's Highway 101. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Rialto Beach!
Palouse Scenic Byway
Distance: 208 miles | Driving time: 6 hours
The Palouse Scenic Byway is one of Washington state's most stunning roads to drive on. It stretches from Spokane (Washington) to Colfax (Idaho) and is a great way to see the Pacific Northwest. Featuring rolling hills and farms, quaint villages, and small mom-and-pop businesses, this route travels via US Highways 27 and 95, as well as 195. To travel to Spokane from Seattle, you may climb the Snoqualmie Pass and make a pit break at the Columbia River along the route.
Countless farms provide u-pick harvests of apples, pears, pumpkins, and other seasonal produce throughout the autumn. As you head towards Lewiston, Idaho, consider using the notorious Spiral Highway for a more exhilarating experience. Make a pit break at Steptoe Butte State Park before heading back to your lodgings. You might picture the breathtaking view of the farmlands from this viewing site, which has a top elevation of almost 3,000 feet. Return to Seattle over Snoqualmie Pass on Highway 90 west from Steptoe. When you return to town, you'll drive via Othello and Ellensburg, both of which are charming little towns.