9 Most Scenic Drives in Washington
Few states can rival the state of Washington when it comes to raw, unspoiled, and pristine landscapes. In this corner of the Pacific Northwest, everything seems more epic, as if nature were signing off with its most dramatic brushes. There is poetry in the state’s craggy coastline, as there is in the thick forests that cover most of the landscape like a cozy flannel. The best way to experience this kind of grandeur is via a carefully planned road trip, provided the weather gives its yearned-for thumbs-up. Keep reading to discover the 9 most scenic drives in Washington.
Mount Baker Highway
Offering yummy, bite-sized glimpses of the Canadian Rockies, Mount Baker Highway features several attractions to feast your eyes on, including old-growth forest groves, sparkling waterfalls, and the 10,781-foot volcano that lends the drive its name. The drive spans almost 60 miles and begins from Bellingham, the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. It concludes in Artist Point, a high-water mark of alpine beauty where some of the tallest peaks in North America create one of the most photographed landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. There is Silver Lake Park, just 40 minutes east of Bellingham, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip, and Nooksack Falls, a nice little diversion on the way to Artist Point and Mt Baker. Picture Lake Viewpoint, just before Artist Point, features a clear, shimmering lake with reflections of the mountain, and is usually one of the drive’s most trumpeted highlights.
Jordan Road
It may not be a highly publicized highway, but Jordan Road, for its forested stretches and tranquil atmosphere, always leaves a heart-ravishing effect on all kinds of drivers. The picturesque back road starts near Arlington, a relaxed community nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and ends in Granite Falls, the gateway to the scenic Mountain Loop Highway. You will need to stop and stretch your legs at River Meadows County Park, a woodsy place with river access for swimming and fishing (check out Yurt Village), after which you should peel your eyes for Jordan Bridge, which features a nice little beach tucked away from everything. Don't be surprised to chance upon deer and bald eagles. After this, continue to Granite Falls, and bask in the intimacy of a small, laid-back town. Granite Falls Fish Ladder is a simple but intriguing destination that offers a glimpse into the local wildlife conservation efforts and serves as a lovely setting for a quick outdoor adventure.
Mountain Loop Highway
The good thing with Jordan Road, aside from providing peaceful and pastoral views, is that it brings you to the starting point and western terminus of the phenomenal Mountain Loop Highway, one of the best ways to see the Western Cascades. Mountain Loop Highway is horseshoe-shaped and starts from Granite Falls, then winds its way for about 55 miles while skirting the perimeter of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, before dancing its way back to Darrington, just northeast of Granite Falls. You will discover the unsurpassed beauty of the Pacific Northwest, on an eye candy, whose highlights include the majestic Big Four Mountain, a fantastic place for an unforgettable photo-op, and Big Four Ice Caves, an astounding natural wonder with incredible ice formations. From the caves, hop back in the car and head to Monte Cristo, an old mining town with a time-kissed feel, before aiming for the White Chuck Overlook, which has awesome picnic areas with panoramic views.
Olympic Peninsula Loop
Olympic Peninsula Loop is among the best drives in the world, but it can take forever. If you don't have the time, but still want to max out your experience, you will want to focus on the portion that is bookended by Sequim on one side and Forks on the other. The 73-mile beauty is the picture definition of “hypnotic.” Sequim is widely known for lavender, and the swoon-worthy Carrie Blake Park, which often hosts the town's popular lavender festival, can be a fantastic starting point. At Port Angeles, you will want to visit the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, which has well-designed exhibits focused on the park and a gift shop with a wonderful selection of souvenirs. Proceed to Lake Crescent, a heart-melting water wonder with clear-water views to 60-foot depths. There is a gas station in Beaver, where you can fuel, then proceed to Forks, home to the weird and quirky John's Beachcombing Museum.
Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge
There aren't many spots in the Pacific Northwest that are as painfully beautiful as Hurricane Ridge and the surrounding areas. At over 5,200 feet, Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessible alpine area in Olympic National Park. But first things first. Plop yourself in Port Angeles, an underrated location that boasts sparkling waterfront views and majestic mountain backdrops. Check out the outdoor sculpture exhibits at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, then spend some time walking around Webster's Woods.
After this, hop in your car and start a trip that will forever remain etched in your memory. Stop at the Heart O' the Hills Campground, a serene, forested haven that serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring Hurricane Ridge and the greater Olympic National Park. From here, peel your eyes for the Morse Creek Overlook, from where, on a clear day, you can enjoy views that extend all the way to Canada. On arrival at Hurricane Ridge, enjoy your packed lunch at one of the various viewpoints that are accessible by foot, then explore the many trails that bring nature right into your soul. The trick is to check the road status before coming.
North Cascades Scenic Highway
Also known as Highway 20, the phenomenal North Cascades Scenic Highway, with its lily-white glaciers and jagged peaks, cannot be missed from a list of the most scenic drives in Washington. It is part of the Cascades Loop, one of the most famous drives in the Pacific Northwest. Start your trip at Sedro-Woolley, a laid-back town known for a remarkable collection of chain-saw art. After checking out the history of the area at the Sedro-Woolley Museum, embark on the memorable trip to Twisp, a distance of about 140 miles. You will pass the lovely town of Concrete, which looks like a wonderfully preserved time capsule, Rockport, and Newhalem, which plays host to the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center. Peel your eyes for Diablo Lake Overlook and Ross Lake Overlook, places that should never be visited without a decent camera. On reaching Twisp, reward yourself with a hearty meal at Tappi, which serves the best Italian food for miles.
State Route 27 from Pullman To Tekoa
The Palouse Scenic Byway is among the most spectacular drives that an American tripper can ever hope to experience. It winds through the heart of the Palouse farmland, where dramatic rolling hills tantalize your eyes for most of the journey. One of the most beautiful segments of Palouse Scenic Byway is the stretch on State Route 27 between Pullman and Tekoa. Start with a tasty burger at The Land, then jump behind the wheel for Kamiak Butte County Park, a quiet place with therapeutic views on almost every side. From here, head to the cute little town of Palouse and check out the Newspaper & Printing Museum, a fun place to learn about the history of printing in Palouse and the surrounding areas. Now aim for Oaksdale, where you will fuel, then snap a pic of the historic J. C. Barron's Mill.
White Pass Scenic Byway
Welcome to the Central Cascades, whose sheer beauty and grandeur are unrivalled by almost everything you have previously set your eyes on. White Pass Scenic Byway winds through some of the most photogenic areas in the Central Cascades, starting from I-5 (between Chehalis and Castle Rock) to Naches, a tiny community near the banks of the Naches River with a bounty of fruit orchards. After revving your car’s engine, keep tabs on the Lewis and Clark State Park, where an old-growth forest shadows miles of peaceful hiking trails. Proceed to Ike Kinswa State Park, a secret gem on a glittering lake with peacefully shaded campsites. Other worthy mentions include Palisades Viewpoint, a safe pull-off with informational plaques, and Rimrock Lake, one of the best and most popular kokanee-fishing destinations in this corner of the United States. You should work around 125 miles.
Chuckanut Drive
When driving from Burlington to Bellingham, it is often easy to find yourself on Interstate 5, the major freeway between the two towns. You will need to skip it for the Chukanut Drive, officially State Route 11 (SR 11). This drive is incredible, especially because it skirts the edge of the Chuckanut Mountains and provides scintillating views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. Chuckanut Drive starts in Burlington and ends in Fairhaven, which, although technically part of Bellingham, is a charming place with beautiful historic buildings and a feel of being its own town. From Burlington, stop for a quick bite at cob + cork in Bow or decadent cinnamon rolls at Farm To Market Bakery, a hidden gem with an adorable, homey atmosphere. Oyster Dome should be the next stop, especially if you want to dabble in some walking, hiking, or running. The full loop takes you to a shimmering lake with a fireplace and camping facilities. Meanwhile, keep tabs on View Point Bow, one of the best places in the region to see amazing sunsets. Larrabee State Park is unmissable, as is Teddy Bear Cove, a fantastic spot with a rocky but magical beach.
We all love cobblestoned streets, Cowboy-era storefronts, and quirky, offbeat museums. But some highways will dissolve your heart like a lover’s gaze. You will cruise through places that feel like secret backdoors into paradise and discover landscapes that are utterly spellbinding. Whether you love quiet, pastoral landscapes with fields of wildflowers or showy vistas with color and drama, the Evergreen State has something for you. You only need steady hands, enough gas, and an above-average camera.
