Here’s an expanded description of each of the best drives in Washington State:
1. North Cascades Highway (State Route 20)
The North Cascades Highway, part of Washington’s State Route 20, is often hailed as one of the most beautiful drives in the entire state. It runs through the North Cascades National Park, offering some of the most stunning mountain views in the Pacific Northwest. The road twists and turns through high mountain passes, with snow-capped peaks, dense evergreen forests, and dramatic river valleys.
Highlights: Diablo Lake is a stunning turquoise reservoir, and the Washington Pass Overlook offers panoramic views of jagged peaks. The highway also passes through charming small towns like Winthrop, known for its old-west theme.
Best Time to Visit: The North Cascades Highway is typically closed in winter due to snow but reopens in spring, making late spring through early fall the ideal time for this drive. Autumn brings vibrant fall foliage, while the summer offers wildflowers and clear skies.
2. Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11)
This scenic coastal route follows the curve of the Puget Sound from Bellingham down to Bow. Chuckanut Drive is a narrow, winding road that hugs the cliffside and offers magnificent views of the San Juan Islands and the sea below. It’s a shorter drive but packed with natural beauty and stops for local attractions.
Highlights: Larrabee State Park, Washington’s first state park, is located along this drive and offers great hiking and picnicking opportunities. You can also stop at Taylor Shellfish Farms to sample fresh seafood or visit the quaint towns like Fairhaven for local artisan shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit: This drive is lovely year-round, but spring and summer are ideal when the greenery is lush and the skies are often clearer. Fall also brings beautiful golden foliage to the area.
3. Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise Loop
Mount Rainier is an iconic symbol of Washington State, and driving through the national park offers a close-up experience with this towering glacier-covered volcano. The Paradise Loop is the most popular drive in the park, winding through forests, rivers, and up to Paradise, one of the main visitor areas that offers spectacular views of the mountain.
Highlights: As you drive, you’ll pass through ancient forests, scenic meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer, and waterfalls like Narada Falls. At Paradise, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of Mount Rainier, and you can explore trails for hiking or visit the historic Paradise Inn.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall are the best times to visit since the higher elevations can still be snow-covered well into the spring. During the summer, the wildflower meadows at Paradise are in full bloom, and the weather is generally clear.
4. Olympic Peninsula Loop (U.S. 101)
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a legendary drive that circumnavigates the Olympic Peninsula along U.S. 101, providing diverse views of the Pacific coastline, lush temperate rainforests, and rugged mountains. This drive is a perfect way to see many of the wonders of Olympic National Park.
Highlights: Major stops include Hurricane Ridge, where you can take in panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains; the Hoh Rain Forest, which is one of the most famous temperate rainforests in the world; and Ruby Beach, known for its striking sea stacks and dramatic coastline. You can also explore the charming towns of Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks (made famous by the Twilight series).
Best Time to Visit: The Olympic Peninsula can be visited year-round, but summer and early fall offer the best weather, with warmer temperatures and fewer rainy days. The region is famous for its frequent rainfall, especially in the rainforest areas, so come prepared for wet weather.
5. Stevens Pass (U.S. 2)
Stevens Pass is a scenic drive along U.S. Route 2, taking travelers from the Puget Sound region into the heart of the Cascade Mountains. The road crosses over the Stevens Pass summit and follows the Skykomish River valley, offering striking views of alpine terrain, especially in winter when the mountains are covered in snow.
Highlights: Along the way, you can stop at scenic spots like Wallace Falls State Park for a hike to a stunning waterfall or enjoy Stevens Pass Ski Resort in the winter. In the fall, the hillsides are ablaze with autumn colors, making this one of the best fall drives in the state.
Best Time to Visit: While this drive can be taken year-round, winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing, while the warmer months are perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping along the route.
6. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway
This scenic drive follows the mighty Columbia River as it carves through a dramatic gorge that forms the border between Washington and Oregon. The Columbia River Gorge is known for its stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
Highlights: There are numerous waterfalls along the route, such as Multnomah Falls (on the Oregon side) and Beacon Rock on the Washington side. The vistas from various lookout points offer sweeping views of the gorge, with Mount Hood visible in the distance. For outdoor enthusiasts, this area is also popular for windsurfing, hiking, and even wine tasting at local vineyards.
Best Time to Visit: The Columbia River Gorge is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer offers warm weather ideal for outdoor activities. Fall is also stunning as the foliage changes, and winter brings misty, atmospheric views of the waterfalls.
7. San Juan Islands Scenic Byway
The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway is a unique drive because it involves ferry travel between the islands in the Puget Sound. This drive takes you through charming island communities, farmland, and along coastlines with views of the water and wildlife.
Highlights: On Orcas Island, the drive up to Mount Constitution offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the mainland. San Juan Island is home to Lime Kiln Point State Park, a famous spot for whale watching. The island towns of Friday Harbor and Eastsound offer delightful restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
Best Time to Visit: The islands are a popular summer destination when the weather is warm and the chance to spot orcas is higher. However, the fall offers quieter roads and accommodations with beautiful autumn colors.
8. Palouse Scenic Byway
The Palouse Scenic Byway takes you through the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, a region known for its distinctive topography and expansive agricultural lands. This area is one of the most unique landscapes in the state, offering sweeping views of golden wheat fields, undulating hills, and striking skies.
Highlights: The landscape is particularly photogenic, especially around sunrise and sunset when the shadows play off the hills. Photographers flock to spots like Steptoe Butte State Park, which provides panoramic views of the Palouse. During the growing season, the fields are a lush green, turning to vibrant gold as harvest approaches.
Best Time to Visit: The Palouse is best visited in late spring to early summer when the fields are green, or in late summer and early fall when the crops have ripened to golden hues. It’s also a great drive in autumn when the colors of the harvested fields create striking contrasts in the landscape.
Each of these drives offers a unique way to explore the beauty of Washington State, from its coastal edges to its mountainous interior, and from its rainforests to its expansive agricultural plains. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful coastal drive or a thrilling mountain pass, Washington has something for every type of traveler.
