The 8 Best Backroads In Washington For A Long Scenic Drive
Anytime’s really an ideal time for a long, peaceful drive down a quiet, scenic road. Unfortunately, those quiet roads aren’t always easy to come by in Washington. There are still some backroads where you can cruise comfortably without being surrounded by tons of other cars. Here are eight of the best scenic drives in Washington that are definitely worth checking out.
Put on your favorite playlist, find a quiet route, and hit the road.
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Nothing beats a leisurely drive out in the country, especially at sunset. The Palouse Scenic Byway is a 208-mile network between seven local highways. The beautiful byway passes by such memorable spots as Palouse Falls State Park, Elberton Ghost Town, and The Junk Castle. Cruise through beautiful Eastern Washington until you reach the state line.
This 21-mile winding road takes you down Highway 11 past several beautiful farming towns, starting just north of Burlington. You'll have plenty to check out during your drive, too, including Larrabee State Park, Washington's first official state park. The state park sits at mile 14 and is definitely worth spending a few hours visiting before getting back into the car (if you have the time). Chuckanut Drive ends in the enchanting Historic Fairhaven District. There, you can browse the shops and sit down to a delicious meal at one of the charming restaurants.
This secluded highway is located in Kittitas County, traveling southeast along the Yakima River from SR 970 in Teanaway to US 97 northwest of Ellensburg. SR 10 follows the route of the Roslyn branch of the Northern Pacific Railway, built in the Yakima River valley by the late 1890s.
4. Highway 2 from Sultan to Wallace Falls State Park
US-2 begins in Everett at an intersection with State Route 529. Once you reach the Sultan area, you'll see roadside attractions like the World's Tiniest Chapel. Eventually, you'll come to the beautiful Wallace Falls State Park outside of Gold Bar. Just turn onto 1st Street in Gold Bar to reach the park.
State Route 821, also known as the Canyon Road, runs from a junction with I-82 south of Ellensburg to another junction north of Selah. The route follows the Yakima River through a deep canyon surrounded by sagebrush hills.
Often called the Mount Spokane Park Drive, State Route 206 takes you through Mead to the entrance of Mount Spokane State Park. Keep an eye out for moose crossing the road and other wildlife along your scenic drive to the state park. If you have the time, explore a bit of Mount Spokane State Park, where you can set off on a hiking trail, go geocaching, or head out on the water for a bit of boating.
Located on the northern shore of the Olympic Peninsula, this byway begins near Port Angeles and takes you past cliffs and old growth forest to the Makah Indian Reservation by Neah Bay. Along the scenic drive, you'll also pass such beautiful towns as Challam Bay and Joyce. If you've got free time in September, set off on the byway for the epic one-day Great Strait Sale, a massive garage sale where you're sure to find hidden treasures.
Take State Route 155 from Coulee City to the Grand Coulee Dam, and you'll get a glimpse into one of the most fascinating events in our geologic history. When floodwaters poured through our region at the end of the last ice age, they caused permanent changes to our landscape.
These are just a few of the “roads less traveled by” in Washington State. What are your favorite scenic drives in Washington? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, check out 12 of the most beautiful byways in Washington.
Address: 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA
Address: Canyon Rd E, Puyallup, WA, USA
Address: N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Washington 99021, USA
Address: E Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA, USA
Address: Olympic Peninsula, Washington 98331, USA
Address: Visitors Access Route, Coulee Dam, WA 99116, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in washington
April 04, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best roadside attractions in Washington?
If you like quirky roadside attractions in Washington, you’ll definitely want to get a glimpse of The World’s Largest Egg. You’ll find that massive egg in the small town of Winlock. The World’s Largest Egg sometimes remains a pristine white, although it’s also sported the Seahawks logo. It also remembered those lost on 9/11 with an American flag. You won’t have to look too far to also see some oversized roosters and chickens hanging around town.
Fan of the arts? You’ll definitely want to check out Gospodor Monument Park, a unique sculpture park that cost $1 million to build and that pays tribute to Mother Theresa, victims of the Holocaust, and Native Americans.
Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in Washington?
On the hunt for some more scenic backgrounds in Washington? Definitely set off on the Chinook Scenic Byway, which meanders through Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Be sure to take your time and really drink in the sheer natural beauty along the drive. (Don’t forget your camera.)
You’ll definitely also want to take a drive along the highest road in Washington. However, make sure you’re not afraid of heights, because you’ll traverse a thin gravel and sand road that makes passing precarious. The highest road in Washington has an elevation of 6,100 feet.
Are there other similar things to do in Washington when you have a free afternoon?
Still looking for more things to do in Washington when you have a free afternoon? How about taking a leisurely one-mile hike that will lead to the turquoise Spirit Falls? The gushing waterfall drops a stunning 33 feet into a pool of water.
When the weather turns warm, you might also want to set off on the Moulton Fall Trails, an out and back trail that leads to a jaw-dropping swimming hole. The predominately flat trail is ideal for hikers of all ages and of all skill levels. Admire the waterfall before taking a dip in the cool water.
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
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