Are you looking for beautiful drives in Washington state? You've come to the right place! Washington is an incredibly gorgeous place, but it’s easy to get so wrapped up in our daily lives that we forget to appreciate it fully. If the spark between you and the Evergreen State has faded over the years, go on as many of these scenic drives as you can over the next year! The diversity, attractions, and sheer beauty you’ll see along the way will reignite your love for our great state. Hold on to your hats, because here are our picks for seven of the best scenic drives in Washington:
1. Hood Canal Loop
The 124-mile-long Hood Canal Loop takes you from Bremerton to Bainbridge Island via Belfair, Hoodsport, Brinnon, and Quilcene. Every mile of this route is very scenic, and there are plenty of places to stop for food and photos along the way.
2. Spokane River Loop
This 72-mile loop may begin in urban Spokane traffic, but soon you’ll be running alongside the Spokane River and Long Lake before driving through the plains of the Inland Empire.
3. The Olympic Peninsula Loop
This counter-clockwise, 454-mile loop takes you through the wild and mystical Olympic Peninsula. You’ll see rainforest, farmlands and sandy beaches; it’s definitely the most diverse drive on the list, and is without a doubt one of the best scenic drives in Washington. See it to believe it!
4. North Cascades Highway
This part of the state is known for its harsh winter weather, so you may want to save this drive for warmer months. From Seattle to Winthrop and back, the North Cascades Highway loop is 400 miles in length and is considered one of the most stunning drives in the country.
5. Sherman Pass Scenic Byway
Take Highway 20 from Republic to Kettle Falls to see the beauty of the northeastern part of Washington. At an elevation of an impressive 5,575 feet, Sherman Pass is our state's highest-elevation maintained pass.
6. Palouse Country
Take a relaxing drive through Palouse Country, winding over and around gently rolling farmlands and rural towns. This is a 98-mile drive that borders Idaho.
7. Horseshoe Highway on Orcas Island
This 20-mile drive highlights some of the incredible beauty of the San Juan Islands. You'll see everything from rural communities to scenic shoreline.
So, what do you think? What are your picks for the best scenic drives in Washington? Tell us about them in the comments! And don't forget to check out even more inspiration for awesome road trips in Washington. (And our ultimate road trip essentials list!)
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