There are so many hidden gems in Washington, that one could spend days, weeks, months, -- even years! -- discovering them all. And while the Evergreen State might not be the largest of the 50 United States of America, its 71,300 square miles of land is home to so much glorious wonder. Take Washington's Olympic Peninsula, for example. This area is an enchanting, mystical, and often mysterious place. From the forest trails to the otherworldly beaches, exploring Washington's Olympic Peninsula is never a dull experience.
The truth is, you could drive the peninsula a dozen times and have a dozen different experiences. There are also dozens of hidden gems that even the locals tend to miss. This single-day road trip highlights a few of those hidden gems in Washington that are worth seeking out -- that is, if you can manage to find them.
Start your adventure in Port Angeles and seek out the lovely Madison Falls. A short, paved 0.2-mile trail will take you straight to the viewpoint. This horsetail-shaped waterfall plunges about 50 feet by the Elwha River, just west of Port Angeles. Luckily, the path out to the cascade is short, paved, and wheelchair accessible, making it a must-visit when seeking easy-access waterfalls near me in Washington.
Next, head 15 miles west of Port Angeles and check out the stunning Salt Creek Recreation Area . If you’ve never been on the Olympic Peninsula, you may not know about Salt Creek Recreation Area. This unique county park is just west of Port Angeles, along US Route 101 not far from Joyce. But it isn’t like most other parks in Washington. Salt Creek was previously a former defense military base during World War II, known as Camp Hayden. It now just serves as one of the most scenic places to camp, explore tide pools, old military bunkers, and relax on the beach with extraordinary views.
A hidden gem within the wondrous Salt Creek Recreation Area, Striped Peak Falls is a vision. Perhaps the most popular route is Striped Peak, which kicks off near the park's entrance booth and winds through forest until ascending to a viewpoint. From the top, you'll be rewarded with vistas of the Strait, Vancouver Island in B.C., and even the Cascades.
Another of the trail's highlights is the eponymous Striped Peak Falls, a marvelous cascade sure to take your breath away. The trail itself is five miles in length, so you won't have time to hike the entire thing and stay on track. However, Striped Peak Falls is visible after about a mile.
Stock up on snacks and drinks at the Joyce General Store. The general store first opened in 1911, making it the longest continually operating general store in Washington. Back then, it was common for the town general store to also serve as the post office, which this place continues to do to this day. From groceries to housewares to gifts, you never know what you'll find on these shelves! Winsome and charming (the store even has its own shop kitty, named, appropriately, Kitty!), this historic establishment is always worth paying a visit.
Located near Clallam Bay, this Washington waterfall is actually a series of very small cascades located along the Hoko River. They drop about five feet at the head of a narrow gorge. The GPS coordinates are not easy to find, so this might be a tricky spot to discover... which makes it all the more thrilling to find, we say!
One of Washington's most fascinating hidden gems, the Ozette Indian Village Archeological Site is the site of an archaeological excavation, but it was once a village occupied by the Ozette Makah people. This historical landmark is often used by people hiking the 9.5-mile long Ozette Loop.
Do you have any favorite little-known spots on the Olympic Peninsula? What are your favorite hidden gems in Washington? Share them with us in the comments below... we always love discovering new places!
We're so lucky to live in such a geographically diverse state. Washington boasts everything from ocean beaches to rolling wheat fields, with plenty of mountain ranges and glacial lakes in between. And nothing makes us appreciate our diverse beauty more than a good old-fashioned scenic drive on the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway. The Evergreen State is a road trip lover's paradise. You're bound to find lots to love on this amazing trip.
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This part of Highway 530 in Washington is a drive that can easily be accomplished in a day, as long as you live a few hours from Darrington. This underrated stretch of highway will make you fall in love with this state all over again. It's bound to become one of your favorite Washington road trips. If you are wondering what to bring with you, check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide.
At 53 miles, you can certainly do this scenic drive in a day. Here is a Mountain Loop Highway map you can use for directions.
This pretty road is truly one of the best scenic drives in Washington. But because it's not easily accessible to most, it's extremely underrated. We love a good hidden gem! It's nice to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery along the road.
The name suggests that this is a full loop. It isn't, but you'll love it anyway.
So many hiking trails, including the Big Four Ice Caves trail, which is pictured here, originate from this area. You'll love all the lovely outdoor adventures you will have.
In spite of the route's location, you won't see a lot of sweeping mountain views.
What you’ll find instead is a plethora of lush green trees, and they only get more abundant if you leave Mountain Loop Highway and decide to stretch your legs. Majestic views await you wherever you go..
Eventually, you'll reach the charming little city of Granite Falls.
It's even more beautiful in person. Just wait until you see it!
The Mountain Loop Highway isn't a true loop, so it doesn't really have an ending... but if you start in Darrington, you'll end up in the small community of Verlot.
Verlot is near the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, surrounded by lush green trees. This forest is the perfect place to take beautiful photos that you will want to frame and look at for years to come.
Have you gotten the chance to take the fun and pretty Mountain Loop Scenic Byway? We would love to hear all about your experience in the comments section. Do you have a favorite scenic road trip route? What are your other favorite road trips in Washington?
It is no secret that the Pacific Northwest is a truly breathtaking region of the U.S., and Washington in particular is one of the most beautiful states in the country. If you love setting out on the open road, you might agree that a scenic road trip is the best way to explore many places over a relatively short time period. Even if you only have a weekend to explore, there is so much to see and do in Washington, that you'll have no shortage of travel opportunities. We've compiled a list of Washington road trip ideas that each offer plenty of options for incredible scenery, delicious food, comfortable lodging, and some of the most beautiful drives you'll ever embark on. Are you ready for some of the best road trips in Washington?
Route: Meadowdale Beach Park > Maltby Cafe > Snohomish > Larrabee State Park > Bellingham
Distance: 95 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour 50 minutes driving time
Even if you're pressed for time, there is still plenty of beauty and adventure that can be enjoyed in the Evergreen State. If you are looking for quick road trips in Washington this route takes you through some of the prettiest places in Washington along the fringes of Puget Sound. Begin by watching a peaceful sunrise at Meadowdale Beach Park in Edmonds, then enjoy a delightful breakfast at Maltby Cafe. Be sure to try their delicious (and world-renowned) cinnamon rolls! Enjoy some window shopping in the charming town of Snohomish before you head to Larrabee State Park for some incredibly picturesque views of Samish Bay. You'll then head to Bellingham where you'll enjoy a lovely sunset dinner at Lighthouse Bar & Grill. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more scenic day trip in Washington that you can complete with less than a 2-hour drive!
Route: Deception Pass State Park > Camano Island State Park > Saint Edward State Park
Distance: 109 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 21 minutes driving time
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If you're looking to indulge in a weekend filled with travel and adventure, this 3-day road trip will have you spending time at three different state parks that are each amazing in their own ways. You'll begin your journey at Deception Pass State Park, one of the most iconic and breathtaking state parks in Washington which includes the whimsical Whidbey Island. Next, you'll journey down south to Camano Island State Park, where you'll find ample outdoor recreation and cozy cabins for lodging. You'll wrap up your final day of adventure at Saint Edward State Park, which offers a plethora of lush and beautiful hiking trails, a playground, and close access to beautiful Lake Washington. Stay the night at The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park for a luxurious end to one of the most incredible weekend road trips in Washington imaginable. Doesn't this sound like one of the best road trips in Washington?
Route: Union > Brinnon > Sequim > Port Angeles > Forks > La Push > Moclips > Ocean Shores > Union
Distance: 374 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours 51 minutes driving time
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Western Washington's coastline is among the most pristine and breathtaking coastlines you'll ever witness. This coastal road trip around the Olympic Peninsula will steal your breath at every turn. You'll begin your journey in the Hood Canal town of Union, then make your way to Brinnon, which offers an entrance to Olympic National Park (well worth a detour to explore Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, and Mt. Olympus) and temperate rainforests). Continue around the Olympic Peninsula to Sequim, one of the most picturesque towns in Washington. You might even get lucky to spot orcas and whales off the coast. Next, you'll journey through charming towns like Port Angeles, Forks, and La Push, the last of which offers some of the most stunning coastal beauty (and even a beachside campground) in the state. Continue along the US-101 through the charming town of Moclips before ending your journey in Ocean Shores, which offers even more stunning coastal beauty. Pro tip: head to the North Jetty and watch the big waves crash to shore. It's a stunning place to spend a few extra hours (or days) if you can carve out the extra time.
Route: Cascade Falls, Moran State Park > Wallace Falls State Park > Franklin Falls > Guler Ice Caves > Ape Cave Interpretive Site
Distance: 465 miles
Trip Time: 11 hours 16 minutes driving time
Washington is known for its spectacular mountains and sweeping coastlines, but this scenic road trip takes you on a path less explored through some of the Evergreen State's most beautiful waterfalls and impressive caves. You'll begin your journey by visiting Cascade Falls in Moran State Park on the picturesque San Juan Islands. You'll then take an easy hike to visit the stunning Wallace Falls in Wallace Falls State Park. You'll next visit Franklin Falls in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest before heading to the Guler Ice Caves (with ice found inside year-round!) in Trout Lake. You'll wrap up your journey at Ape Cave Interpretive Site, which is a cave system comprised of old lava tubes. Geology and volcano lovers will find this stretch of adventure quite fascinating.
Route: Maris Farms > Knutson Farms Inc > Garden Rosalyn > Roozengaarde > Skagit Tulip Farm > Tulip Town
Distance: 110 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 2 minutes driving time
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Spring is a magical time of year in the Evergreen State. Embark on this spring road trip through some of the most beautiful springtime destinations in Washington. These tulip fields are truly breathtaking and highly sought-after destinations for travelers especially photographers who are enamored by these fields with their endless rows of flowers. Enjoy the annual Baby Animals & Blooms Days at Maris Farms in Buckley, enjoy the charmingly urban Knutson Farms, Garden Rosalyn in Skagit County, followed by the beloved Roozengaarde and its wildflower fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Wrap up this incredible flower-filled adventure with a visit to Tulip Town in Mount Vernon, and you'll truly feel invigorated by the scents and sights of Spring.
Route: Alki Point Lighthouse > Browns Point Lighthouse > Marrowstone Point Lighthouse > Point Wilson Lighthouse > New Dungeness Lighthouse > Cape Flattery Lighthouse > Grays Harbor Lighthouse > Cape Disappointment State Park > Seattle
Distance: 716 miles
Trip Time: 15 hours 46 minutes driving time
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If you're looking for a unique road trip to take through Washington in the summer, this is the one for you. This is the ultimate lighthouse road trip in Washington as it takes you to some of the most beautiful coastal scenes in the entire state. The beautiful Alki Point Lighthouse in Seattle will be your first stop. Next on your list is Browns Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, then you'll visit the historic Point Wilson Lighthouse in Port Townsend. Continue along US-101 where you'll stop by a few lesser-known lighthouses before coming to Cape Flattery Light, which sits on the northwesternmost point in the contiguous United States. It is a storybook scene with a sweeping coastal landscape that will leave you speechless. Next, you'll visit Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Washington before wrapping up your lighthouse adventure with a stop at the iconic Cape Disappointment State Park. Watch the waves crash to shore with the lighthouse perched on the cliff just above and you'll be content to enjoy this scene for the remainder of your journey.
Route: Skagit Valley > North Cascades National Park > Winthrop > Chelan > Leavenworth > Snohomish > Burlington
Distance: 505 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours 48 minutes driving time
Autumn is without a doubt the most spectacular time of year to visit the Evergreen State. This fall colors road trip takes you through some of the most beautiful locations in the state for viewing the fall colors. From Skagit Valley, you'll fall in love with the otherworldly beauty of North Cascades National Park. You may want to spend the whole day exploring the Cascade Mountains, and we wouldn't blame you! It's one of the most beautiful places in all of Washington with plenty of hiking trails with views (be sure to visit Diablo Lake!) that will steal your breath away. Continue along the North Cascades Highway toward the charming small town of Winthrop, then Lake Chelan offers a peaceful respite for weary road travelers. Next, you'll visit one of the most beautiful towns in Washington. Leavenworth is stunning in the fall with vibrant autumn hues everywhere you look. Lastly, explore the town of Snohomish and its pumpkin patches and sunflower fields, and you'll find no shortage of beauty and charm on this fall-themed road trip.
Route: Maytown > Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium > Garden d’Lights > Woodland Park Zoo > Stanwood
Distance: 151 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
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If you're in search of the best winter road trip to take in Washington, this holiday lights road trip is as magical as they come. Start off your journey by visiting Maytown’s Christmas Island in Olympia, which has a long-standing reputation for being one of the best Christmas displays in Washington. Next, the whole family will love the spectacular light display at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, followed by the mesmerizing Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Enjoy even more zoo lights at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, then wrap up your holiday lights road trip by exploring The Lights of Christmas at Stanwood’s Warm Beach. Grab a tasty, hot donut and enjoy the holiday carols to cap off your spirited adventure.
Route: Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in > Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant > Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium > Rhein Haus Tacoma > Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Grand Mound
Distance: 101 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 9 minutes driving time
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Road trips can be even more fun with children in tow, so pack up the car and take your whole family on the ultimate family road trip through some truly unique and fun places in Washington. Begin your journey by dining at Issaquah's XXX Rootbeer Drive-In for a sense of nostalgia for times long past. Their rootbeer floats are to die for! Next, you'll want to spend some time at Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant where you'll find endless games, rides, bowling lanes, and other attractions for family members of all ages to enjoy. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is next on the agenda, and you'll love seeing the variety of aquatic animals found here. Lastly, relax and unwind at Great Wolf Lodge while the kids play in their grand indoor waterpark. And a tip: you can order food and drinks to your cabana for added convenience and relaxation.
Road Trip to Washington Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: Mount Rainier National Park > Lake Chelan State Park > Palouse Falls State Park > Mount St Helens
Distance: 698 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours 37 minutes driving time
This Washington natural wonders road trip may be the single most picturesque and awe-inspiring road trip you'll ever embark upon. You'll want to spend your first full day exploring Mt. Rainier National Park and its many spectacular vistas, hiking trails, and waterfalls. No matter what season you visit this park, the views are truly remarkable (but as always, if you're traveling in the winter be sure to check road conditions prior to visiting the park). Next, you'll stop by one of the deepest lakes in the world, Lake Chelan, and marvel at the mountains that surround it. Next, you'll visit what is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in the state: Palouse Falls in eastern Washington. From there, journey along the unparalleled Columbia River Gorge toward the iconic Mount St. Helens where your journey will conclude by admiring the most active volcano in the Cascade Range. This scenic drive is a slice of paradise with so many memorable viewpoints along the way. It truly is one of the best road trips in Washington.
Route: Chelan > Leavenworth > Gold Bar > Snohomish > La Connor > Sedro-Woolley > Winthrop
Distance: 337 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours 55 minutes driving time
There are many small towns in Washington State that are full of charm, character, and history. This small town road trip takes you through scenic little towns such as Chelan where you can stroll a peaceful riverwalk. Next, you'll head to the beloved Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth where you'll find adorable shops, restaurants, and alpine-style lodging. Make your way to the quaint mountain town of Gold Bar, which is surrounded by the Cascades and quite picturesque. Be sure to stop by the beautiful Wallace Falls State Park while you're there. The historic town of Snohomish is next, and after a few more stops, you'll wrap up your journey in Winthrop, which will transport you back to the Old West with its rustic charm. You'll find something to love about each of these charming small towns in Washington.
Which of these destinations are you most excited to add to your Washington road trip itinerary? What do you consider the best road trips in Washington? Tag a friend you'd love to go road-tripping with in the comments section.
If you're searching for more Washington road trip ideas, check out our travel hub for a variety of options that'll suit any travel desires you can dream up.
