Every autumn, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers a Harvest Run and a mid-October fall foliage ride. They’re both beautiful and fun, but if you love Halloween, wait until the end of the month. The Headless Horseman Halloween Train is always on the last weekend of October, and it’s as spooky as it sounds.
There is no age limit for passengers on this train.
This year's Headless Horseman Halloween Trains depart on October 28th and 29th at 9:30 AM, Noon & 2:30 PM.
You can reserve a seat on the Headless Horseman Halloween Train online. And if you’d rather have a tamer experience on the tracks, here are some other Washington train rides.
What's more quintessentially summer than a weekend road trip through Washington? This short getaway combines some of the best things about our beautiful state. Pack your favorite snacks and belongings for an adventure full of ferries, beaches, hikes, and history!
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Start bright and early and dive into travel the right way— on a Washington state ferry. You'll be hitching a ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, 35 minutes away. Remember your camera so you can snap pictures of beautiful Elliot Bay.
A road trip is doomed without the proper fuel. When you disembark at the island's terminal, drive five minutes to my favorite local coffee shop, Pegasus Coffee House. If you take your beverages to go, there's a beautiful boardwalk just down the street where I like to sip and stroll.
From idyllic Bainbridge, it's 30 minutes to Poulsbo, another charming small town on Washington's peninsula. Stretch your legs along the narrow streets and pop into the oddball shops. It might be button-sized but there's plenty to love about the Poulsbo community.
Next on your itinerary is Port Gamble. Its incredibly preserved downtown is a worthwhile destination, harboring the storybook appeal of sets like Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow.
The final leg of your journey is to Port Townsend. Much has been made of this small town's beauty, but all the hype is worth it. Between its Victorian architecture and vibrant arts community, there's an undercurrent here unlike anywhere else.
If you can get reservations, I recommend staying at Fort Worden, a stunning base built in 1898. Fort Worden Hospitality allows travelers to sleep in former military housing, promising guests an utterly unique experience. There are also several delicious restaurants on the property that are worth exploring.
Feeling famished? Pop by Hama Hama Oyster Saloon. This delicious restaurant celebrates local Puget Sound ingredients, serving mouth-watering shellfish and dazzling water views.
From there, it's only 15 minutes to Hoodsport, where road trippers can squeeze in a quick walk and a well-deserved scoop of ice cream. If you want to extend your adventure, this is also an excellent opportunity to head west for a night at Lake Cushman.
Your final stop before returning to Seattle is my beloved hometown, Olympia. Brimming with great dining and the off-beat quirk that makes Washington so unique, it's the perfect stopover for dinner.
If you're anything like me, in-state road trips are an essential feature of your summers. That said, planning where you want to explore and how you ought to get there can be a real headache, even with packing lists to help you streamline your prep. Are you stumped for ideas? Check out this route from Mukilteo to Bellingham, a gorgeous scenic road trip in Washington!
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Sure, you could hop on I-5 and ride the bumper-to-bumper wave from the Seattle area north to Bellingham, but getting from "A" to "B" this way isn't likely to leave you with lasting memories, even if you opt to take breaks along the way.
That's why I recommend starting your trip in stunning Mukilteo and taking one of our state's ferries. Small-town Mukilteo is a worthwhile destination in its own right, boasting some excellent coffee shops, fabulous water views, and even a lighthouse!
Ferries from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island depart every thirty minutes, so you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot onboard. That said, I usually make reservations in advance to save myself the stress of waiting.
Drink in the bracing breeze on the ferry before arriving at the Clinton terminal. From there, you'll take WA-525 — which becomes State Route 20 — until you hit the exit for Coupeville, the next pull-off you'll want to explore. This adorable community is frequently listed among Washington's prettiest small towns and it won't take you long to see why!
After stretching your legs in Coupeville, dive back in the car for thirty minutes until you reach Deception Pass State Park, home to the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. One of our state's most iconic places, it's worth pulling over to take in the spectacular view.
When you're ready to continue your trip, follow State Route 20 until it merges briefly with I-5 North. I promise you'll only stay on the freeway for a few miles before exiting onto WA-11 — or Chuckanut Drive — at Chucknut Junction. Keep following this bucolic highway north.
At this point, drivers can either head straight to Bellingham or stop for a few more parks and trailheads. One of my favorite hikes off Chuckanut is Oyster Dome just outside Samish.
From Larrabee, it's just 20 minutes to downtown Bellingham, your final destination. With a reputation for eccentricity, this college town makes for a terrific weekend getaway.
For its size, Bellingham is a cultural hot spot. If you're visiting from out of town, I recommend diving right in and exploring the food, local tours, and outdoor excursions that make it a perennial favorite among travelers.
Tired of the interstate and looking for a scenic road trip in Washington? Check out this route from Mukilteo to Bellingham, designed to pass some of our state's most incredible hikes and views.
