Take These 10 Scenic Roads In Washington For An Unforgettable Drive
Washington is a vast state, and there’s no better way to explore it than hitting the road. Fortunately, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful routes in the Evergreen State. From winding backroads to scenic byways, some of the best scenic drives in Washington are listed below. So load up the car and prepare to be impressed by breathtaking scenery at every turn!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The road to Artist Point is about 2.7 miles long and is located at the end of Mount Baker Highway. It features striking 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, as well as access to a number of trails. At 5,000 feet above sea level, it's buried under snow during the winter and closes after the first big snowfall of the year, which is usually around October.
Between Burbank and Waitsburg in Eastern Washington, this enchanting route serves as a bypass for Walla Walla and runs for about 44 miles. In fact, a drive down Highway 124 is one of the activities on our list of ways to have the most Washington day ever.
3. Mountain Loop Highway
Mountain Loop Highway, Mountain Loop Hwy, Granite Falls, WA, USA
This highway will take you on a striking journey from Granite Falls all the way to Darrington. Even though the name may suggest a full loop, it's actually only a small portion of one - but it can be completed on another route like SR-92, 9, or 530! While you're in the area, you can check out the iconic Lake 22 Trail.
Beginning at Maryhill near the Oregon border, this 322-mile road heads all the way north through the central part of our state until it reaches the Canadian border by Oroville. When it comes to the best scenic drives in Washington, U.S. Route 97 definitely belongs on your radar.
This 119-mile byway connects Yakima County and Lewis County over White Pass. It's known as the gateway to recreation in the Central Cascades because there are plenty of opportunities along the way for skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, and more! Learn more about planning a trip down White Pass Scenic Byway.
6. Upper Hoh Road
Upper Hoh Road, Upper Hoh Rd, Washington 98331, USA
This road in the Hoh Rainforest of the Olympic National Park will completely surround you with Evergreen beauty while you're driving through. And if you have some more time to spare, why not drive the entire Olympic Peninsula Loop?
7. Mowich Lake Road
Mowich Lake Road, Mowich Lake Rd, Washington 98323, USA
Located in the Mount Rainier National Park, this 16-mile route is primarily gravel and features incredible views of the mountain until you reach Mowich Lake! While you're there, be sure to check out this magical waterfall trail.
This lesser-known byway is located between Republic and Kettle Falls. The entire trip boasts panoramic views of pristine wilderness! Find out more about driving down Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, one of Washington's loneliest highways.
Out in Mason County, you can drive down this highway for about 20 miles, beginning at the junction of SR-101 near the Skokomish River and along the southern shore of the Hood Canal until it reaches SR-3 south of Belfair. If you have time for it, you might be tempted to plan an entire getaway in Hood Canal.
10. Stevens Canyon Road
Stevens Canyon Road, Stevens Canyon Rd, Washington, USA
This 19-mile route runs from Paradise to the southeastern entrance of Mount Rainier National Park where it intersects with SR-123. While it is open currently, this one also closes seasonally so be sure to grab your keys and hit the road as soon as possible! Need a place to stretch your legs? Check out the Grove of the Patriarchs.
Do you agree that these are some of the best scenic drives in Washington? Did any of your favorite routes miss the list? If so, you might find them in our previous article outlining some more scenic drives in Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in Washington
August 24, 2021
Beth C.
What are some of the most scenic trails in Washington?
Now that you’ve conquered some of the best scenic drives in Washington, it’s time to get out of the car and explore the state’s most scenic trails. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that Washington has an abundance of hiking trails — we’re talking thousands of them — so the options can be somewhat overwhelming. One of our top recommendations would be Sleeping Beauty Trail. It can be found near the town of Stevenson and the Columbia River Gorge. This 2.5-mile trail offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains when you reach the top. The incline is challenging, but rest assured the views will be worth your efforts. Some other beautiful trails in Washington include Tolmie Peak Trail, Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail, Shi Shi Beach Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail, Ape Canyon Trail, Skyline Loop Trail, Hurricane Hill Trail, and Royal Basin Trail.
Where can I go in Washington that only the locals know about?
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Evergreen State or passing through on a trip, you’ll find that experiencing Washington as the locals do can be quite rewarding. Some of the top hidden gems in Washington include Blue Lake Rhino Cave in Coulee City, Stehekin Valley in Chelan, San Juan Island National Historical Park, Port Williams Beach near Sequim, Afterglow Vista in Friday Harbor, Waterfall Garden Park in Seattle, and Beckler Peak in the Central Cascades. Learn more about these hidden gems in Washington.
