8 Most Scenic Drives in The Northern United States
The open road calls, promising vistas stretching beyond the horizon. The Northern United States holds a treasure trove of highways that cut through some of the nation's most striking landscapes. Forget the daily grind; these journeys are all about discovery and making memories. From the rugged peaks of Montana's Beartooth Highway to the coastal grandeur of the Pacific Coast Highway, these routes showcase the diverse terrain and natural grandeur of the upper states.
This guide outlines eight routes that promise unforgettable travel. Get ready to navigate winding mountain passes, hug dramatic coastlines, and witness raw wilderness from the comfort of your vehicle. These drives are more than just transit; they are destinations in themselves, providing remarkable views.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Montana’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is a crown jewel within Glacier National Park, stretching 50 miles from West Glacier to St. Mary. This engineering marvel is a gateway to the park's alpine interior, typically open fully only from July to mid-October. The road winds through glaciers, cedar forests, and past shimmering lakes, providing an unforgettable journey through a World Heritage Site.
At its highest elevation, Logan Pass marks the Continental Divide and provides access to renowned hiking trails like the Hidden Lake Overlook trail. Lower down, Lake McDonald presents classic glacier-carved lake vistas, with its historic lodge providing a worthwhile stop. The Trail of the Cedars offers an accessible boardwalk walk through an old-growth forest, displaying giant ancient trees. For photography enthusiasts, the Wild Goose Island Overlook on St. Mary Lake is a well-known viewpoint, capturing a tiny island against a mountainous backdrop. A short hike leads to St. Mary Falls, a multi-tiered cascade that plunges into clear pools. The entire route is a testament to natural wonder and careful preservation, allowing access to some of America's wildest territories.
Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway, designated an All-American Road, traverses parts of Montana and Wyoming. Starting in Red Lodge, Montana, this high-altitude route ascends to dizzying elevations before concluding in Cooke City, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park. This roadway is typically only open from late May to mid-October due to heavy snowfall. Drivers will encounter dramatic alpine tundra and sweeping mountain views throughout the 68-mile stretch.
Key stops along the way include the summit of Beartooth Pass, which provides panoramic outlooks of jagged peaks and deep valleys. Further along, the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area offers a rare chance for summer skiing, making it a distinct attraction. The Vista Point Rest Area is another stop, providing expansive views that compel travelers to pause and absorb the vastness. Island Lake and Beartooth Lake are two pristine bodies of water that reflect the surrounding wilderness, making for serene pauses. The drive itself is a testament to natural grandeur, with every turn revealing another breathtaking scene.
Pacific Coast Highway (Northern Portion)
The northern stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway delivers a raw, dramatic coastal drive through Washington, Oregon, and into Northern California. This journey begins near Olympic National Park in Washington, where temperate rainforest meets rugged coastline. Continuing south, travelers reach Cape Disappointment in Washington, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, marked by historic lighthouses and formidable waves.
Crossing into Oregon, the route follows Highway 101, leading to Cannon Beach, an iconic spot with its towering Haystack Rock formations. The drive then enters Northern California, shifting inland slightly for the majestic Avenue of the Giants, a parallel highway through ancient redwood groves—a truly humbling segment. Further south on the coast, Point Reyes National Seashore offers windswept headlands, a historic lighthouse, and wildlife viewing opportunities, including tule elk and migrating whales. This segment of the PCH is less about sandy beaches and more about immense forests, rocky shores, and the powerful embrace of the Pacific, making for a compelling trip through varied coastal ecosystems.
The Great Northern Road Trip
This expansive Great Northern Road Trip connects some of the top destinations across the upper states. It commences in Seattle, Washington, a dynamic city known for its vibrant arts scene, tech industry, and proximity to water and mountains. This combination provides a distinct urban and natural blend. From there, the route heads west to Montana with Glacier National Park, a place of immense glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine forests, providing a wealth of natural engagement.
The journey then shifts eastward, reaching the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, along Lake Superior. Here, twenty-one islands and a 12-mile stretch of mainland shore feature sandstone sea caves and historic lighthouses. Finally, the trip culminates at Mackinac Island, Michigan, a truly unique destination where motorized vehicles are prohibited. Transportation is by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or foot, fostering a step back in time. This long-distance expedition offers a comprehensive view of the diverse geography and cultural aspects of the northern U.S.
Scenic Byway 12
Scenic Byway 12 in Utah is a designated All-American Road, spanning 123 miles between Panguitch and Torrey. This route is a journey through a geological wonderland, often called "A Journey Through Time" due to its varied landscapes that include high plateaus, canyons, and red rock formations. It provides access to two national parks and a vast national monument.
The drive immediately captivates with proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its amphitheaters filled with crimson-colored hoodoos. Further along, the highway traverses Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, an immense and relatively untouched wilderness. A side trip leads to Kodachrome Basin State Park, recognized for its towering sedimentary pipes. A short, rewarding hike off the byway takes one to Lower Calf Creek Falls, a 126-foot cascade amidst desert greenery. The road itself is an engineering feat, carved into cliffs, providing unparalleled views of a landscape shaped by millions of years of natural processes. This drive serves as a premier showcase of southern Utah's striking formations.
Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway, or "The Kanc," is a 34.5-mile stretch of U.S. Route 112 through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. This roadway runs from Lincoln to Conway, and it is particularly recognized for its autumn foliage displays, though it provides compelling views year-round. It follows the Swift River and traverses the Kancamagus Pass.
Along this route, travelers can stop at Sabbaday Falls, reached via a short walk to a multi-tiered waterfall and gorge. Further along, Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond present a dramatic river gorge with a calm pond nearby, a site of considerable natural appeal. The Albany Covered Bridge provides a historical photo opportunity, representing classic New England architecture. Lower Falls is a popular spot for its cascading water over smooth rocks, and during warmer months, it’s a place for refreshing dips. Finally, the Pemigewasset Overlook presents expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Kancamagus Highway delivers concentrated natural splendor and forest vistas in the heart of New Hampshire.
Olympic Peninsula Loop
The Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington is a circular driving route that encapsulates a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to glaciated peaks and rugged coastlines. This approximately 300-mile journey typically begins and ends near cities like Seattle or Olympia, circling the entire Olympic National Park.
A primary stop is the Hoh Rain Forest, known for its ancient, moss-draped trees and verdant undergrowth—a truly special ecosystem. Higher up, Hurricane Ridge provides sweeping, accessible outlooks of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Lake Crescent is a deep, glacier-carved lake with incredibly clear water, providing a tranquil break. The wild Pacific coast is represented by Ruby Beach, noted for its sea stacks and driftwood-strewn shore. A short forest walk leads to Sol Duc Falls, a powerful waterfall within a lush valley. This circuit highlights the dramatic contrasts of Washington's western frontier, making for a truly comprehensive natural tour.
North Shore Scenic Drive
Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61) follows the shoreline of Lake Superior for approximately 150 miles, from Duluth to Grand Portage. This route is celebrated for its dramatic cliffside vistas, rocky beaches, and dense forests bordering the greatest of the Great Lakes. It’s an immersion into Minnesota’s natural grandeur.
First, Gooseberry Falls State Park presents a series of accessible waterfalls that cascade over ancient lava flows. Further along, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park stands sentinel atop a 130-foot cliff, a historic landmark with expansive views of the lake. Palisade Head, a towering rock formation, provides a high-point outlook over the vast expanse of Lake Superior. Tettegouche State Park provides rugged cliffs, cascading rivers, and several waterfalls, including the High Falls of the Baptism River. The drive concludes in Grand Marais, a small harbor town with a thriving arts community and a relaxed atmosphere. This drive truly highlights the untamed side of the Midwest.
A Road Trip In The Northern United States
The Northern United States truly presents a diverse tapestry of driving routes, each one revealing a distinct aspect of the country's natural heritage. From the towering peaks and alpine lakes of Montana's Going-to-the-Sun Road to the dense rainforests and dramatic coastlines encountered on the Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington, these journeys promise more than just a drive. They are opportunities to connect with the raw power of nature and witness landscapes that inspire awe.
Whether you seek the challenge of mountain passes or the tranquility of coastal vistas, these highways deliver. Planning a trip along any of these routes means preparing for unforgettable sights and lasting memories. The roads await, ready to unveil their compelling stories.
