9 Cute Small Town Drives In Washington
From the waterfront charm of Poulsbo to the river and mountain scenery found along US Highway 2, Washington’s small-town drives are packed with character. Forks offers easy access to lush forests and the dramatic shoreline at nearby Ruby Beach. Meanwhile, Bainbridge Island brings together boutiques, waterfront views, and an easygoing island atmosphere. If you're looking for some of the best drives in the PNW, the 9 cute trips below deliver just that.
Liberty Bay in Poulsbo
Poulsbo is known for its Scandinavian-inspired architecture, much of which reflects the town’s Norwegian heritage. This town is known for the 15-minute drive around Liberty Bay in Poulsbo is the quintessential Washington drive. Starting on the south end of Viking Way North West, you will be driving near the water. When you turn right onto North West Lindvig Way, it puts you right between Liberty Bay to the south and the Poulsbo Fish Park Nature Preserve to the north.
As the road curves to the right, you will find yourself driving along Front Street North East. This passes by American Legion Park and then will bring you to Liberty Bay Waterfront Park, which is right in the heart of downtown Poulsbo. There is the marina to one side and book shops, art galleries and classic Norwegian architecture all around. As you drive along, you will end up on Fjord Street where you will pass by Net Shed Park and Lion’s Park if you would like to stop and have a peaceful picnic.
US Route 2 (Everett to Leavenworth)
The 100-mile stretch of US Route 2 between Everett and Leavenworth starts right off Interstate 5 near the Salish Sea. It passes through Snohomish, a vibrant, small town known for antique shops and boutiques. From there the highway goes through Monroe, which features the Highway 2 Fusion Diner, and then Sultan, among other towns. This stretch of US Route 2 is part of the Stevens Pass Greenway. You begin to ascend into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The highway winds along the Skykomish River and continues southeast through Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
This area is known for beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls if you feel like stretching your legs. Wallace Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Heybrook Lookout are all popular options. Heading east, the highway turns into Stevens Pass; this stretch can have icy roads any time from fall through spring, so check the road conditions. On the other side of the pass is the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, a popular getaway among Washingtonians looking to unwind and have some fun.
Forks to Ruby Beach (Highway 101)
If you are a fan of the the "Twilight" saga, you probably already know the story is set in Forks. This cute little town is surrounded by lush forests filled with conifers and ferns. From here it is a 45-minute drive through the verdant foliage of the Olympic National Park. Highway 101 heads south and then veers west toward the Pacific Ocean where you will find yourself at Ruby Beach. This iconic Pacific Northwest coastline is famous for the striking sea stacks. If you feel like a stroll, the tide pools on this beach are excellent to explore.
Hidden Coast Scenic Byway
Driving along State Route 109 (SR 109) toward the coast as you steer to the right at Hogans Corner you will find yourself on a 25-mile stretch of road that showcases some of the most majestic views in all of the Pacific Northwest. This is the Hidden Coast Scenic Byway. You will drive through Ocean City, which is known for its stretches of wide, flat, sandy beaches. As you drive up the coast, this beautiful, pristine coastline, the Olympic rainforest is to one side and the Pacific Ocean is to the other.
As you drive north, you will find yourself in Seabrook with its charming shops, such as Joie Des Livres Book Shop, and family eateries, including Frontager’s Pizza. Just up the road is Pacific Beach; the town touts itself as the home of the westernmost Main Street in the contiguous United States. Beyond that, there is Moclips and its spectacular ocean bluffs. The route ends in the village of Taholah on the Quinault Reservation.
Deception Pass Drive
Deception pass drive is a picturesque excursion along Washington State Route 20. This 20-mile drive begins in the quaint town of Oak Harbor. At the northern tip of Whidbey Island, you’ll find Deception Pass State Park, which stretches across to neighboring Fidalgo Island. Deception Pass is a narrow strait that separates the two islands. Deception Pass is famous for the breathtaking views that can be had from the Deception Pass Bridge. The route passes along the Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve before reaching Anacortes. If you do not want to stop there, you can drive your car onto one of the ferries and take in the splendor of the Salish Sea.
State Route 106 (SR 106)
This 20-mile long route begins as you turn off Highway 101 as it passes through Skokomish not far from Olympic National Forest. The drive starts off surrounded by a lush, green forest. Off to the north you will start to see glimpses of the Skokomish River through the trees. The river will become an estuary as it joins the Puget Sound. SR 106 will curve to the right and follow along the dazzling coastline as it makes its way through the pleasant, little town of Union. You will pass resorts like the Blue Heron and the Alderbrook. Drive 10-15 minutes east, and you'll reach Twanoh State Park, a popular place to swim in the summer. East State Route 106 ends in Belfaire where it meets State Route 3.
Point Defiance to Gig Harbor (Tacoma Narrows Bridge)
The views from Point Defiance are absolutely amazing. This 15-mile drive begins at Five-Mile Drive at Point Defiance, but if you have an extra minute, you are right next to Dune Peninsula, which has breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. It is worth it to take a moment to stretch your legs and catch a glimpse of Washington’s majestic active volcano. Five-Mile Drive also has numerous viewpoints along the drive, so if you would like to check out the view of the Narrows Bridge and Gig Harbor from this vantage point as you drive around the park, you can park your car and even snap a few pictures.
From there it is on to Vassault Street, which will take you to North Narrows Drive; subsequently North Jackson Avenue will take you south to Highway 16 West and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The views from the bridge never fail to dazzle as the glistening Puget Sound surrounds you. After the bridge, take exit 10 for Olympic Drive Northwest which will take you to Soundview Drive which is the more scenic route to take into Gig Harbor. This maritime town is known for having unique boutiques and shops in the historic downtown area.
Tumwater to Tenino (US Route 99)
The rural parts of Washington state are picturesque. Driving past farms and seeing the sheep and the goats and the cows just gives a sense of well-being. If you start at Lattins Cider Mill on Rich Road in East Olympia, you could stop in for a doughnut, cider or pie. From there, head south on Rich Road until you get to US Route 99, what many still call "Old Highway 99"; you'll turn left here. The highway will pass through farms and forests and alongside rock formations before this 12-mile journey puts you at Sussex Avenue where you will veer to the right. You will find yourself in what feels like a time capsule in downtown Tenino with its quaint shops and restaurants.
Poulsbo to Bainbridge Island (Washington State Route 305)
The heart of downtown Poulsbo is Liberty Bay Waterfront Park. From here, take Front Street Northeast south and it will curve onto Northeast Hostmark Street which will take you to Washington State Route 305 (SR 305) South. This 23-mile drive will take you across Agate Pass Bridge and onto the island and eventually deposit you right in the heart of downtown at the ferry landing. Bainbridge Island is frequented by travelers from all over the world. The waterfront is gorgeous. The shops and boutiques are fancy. The dining is delectable. And if you are up for even more of an adventure, you can take the ferry over to Seattle. The views from the deck are spectacular.
From sipping coffee in a waterside café on Bainbridge Island to hiking near Wallace Falls or watching sea stacks at Ruby Beach, Washington’s small towns and scenic routes offer endless discoveries. Whether you’re winding through Poulsbo’s historic streets, exploring the Cascade foothills, or taking in the views from Deception Pass Bridge, every drive brings a mix of natural beauty and local charm waiting to be explored.
