Whether you’re looking for a two-person getaway, a family-friendly day trip or a more ambitious multi-day excursion, the Pacific Northwest has plenty of options to get away from the city and enjoy nature. With so many fantastic places within driving distance from Seattle, you are sure to find something your entire road crew will love.
Drive to Seattle
This makes it a great excuse to have a car throughout your entire journey, because there’s nothing better than a Washington State road trip. Whether you’re coming from the Portland area, from Vancouver to Seattle, or any other direction, you’re going to have some killer views along the way.
Scenic Drives Washington – Snoqualmie Pass
There are plenty of things to do in Snoqualmie Pass, including hiking, fishing, and visiting the iconic Twin Peaks location.
If you’re a fan of the outdoors, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is home to more than 100 miles of trails that wind through old growth forests and open meadows. It’s also home to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, a popular destination for hiking and biking.
On a clear day, you can even spot the Cascades and snow-capped mountains from this area of Snoqualmie Pass. The views are truly remarkable, and it’s worth the short drive from North Bend to reach the top of the mountain.
For those who love to hike, there are several trails in the Snoqualmie Pass area that will take you to breathtaking waterfalls. You’ll also find a range of activities for both children and adults.
Another great way to see the mountains is to take the Sound Greenway, a scenic byway that connects Seattle and Puget Sound to Ellensburg in east-central Washington. This route is packed with natural beauty and outdoor recreation, as well as a wealth of history and culture.
Hiking Olympic National Park
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Olympic National Park is a mecca for scenic drives, waterfalls, and wildlife. It is also home to one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world.
The park is also known for its many hiking trails and a vast variety of wildflower meadows. It is also the habitat of black bears, marmots, and elk. In addition, there are numerous rivers and lakes that offer world-class fishing and whitewater rafting.
Read about my big adventures at this iconic National Park here and here.
If you are interested in hiking, the best time to visit is summer as trails are open and there are less crowds. However, it is important to check trail conditions before heading out in the rain.
You can also try your luck at whale watching, which is a popular activity in the area. You can rent binoculars at the ranger station on Kalaloch Beach and take a trip on a whale-watching boat tour.
Another thing to do in Olympic National Park is to hike along the rocky coastline. It is very scenic and you can see sea stacks jutting out of the water as well as sea caves. If you are lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle.
Alternatively, you can drive through the park and explore the rainforest by going on a loop of Highway 101. This route allows you to experience the park and the forest in one trip, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery as you go.
If you are looking for a more adventurous experience, you can try your hand at hiking the Hurricane Ridge Trail. This is a great trail for all levels of hikers and can be done in about an hour. There is a wooden bridge, a cute log cabin near the end of the hike, and more marvels to keep you busy during your walk.
Skagit Valley
A quick drive north from Seattle will take you to the tulip fields of Skagit Valley, a place that’s become synonymous with springtime. But the fertile farmland is much more than just a place to snap photos of bright flowers. It’s also a rich agricultural hot spot that’s responsible for supplying many of Washington’s crops and other products.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or an entire week, the Skagit Valley has plenty to offer. From the tulip gardens of Mount Vernon to quaint towns like La Conner, this scenic region is full of a variety of things to do and see.
The region’s most iconic attraction is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which takes place every April in and around Mount Vernon. The event is so popular that it attracts visitors from all over the world.
If you’re visiting during the peak of the festival, make sure you leave early and plan to spend some extra time to avoid traffic. The drive from downtown Seattle to the tulip fields is about 65 miles, so expect to spend at least an hour and a half getting there.
Before leaving, visit the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner to learn more about this region’s early history. The museum houses an extensive collection of dolls, clothing, quilts, Native American items, tools, and farm equipment.
While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House for an award-winning Northwest steak dinner. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up local flavors and a variety of Pacific Northwest seafood options since 1951.
Another must-visit in the region is Deception Pass State Park, which separates Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island and connects Puget Sound and Skagit Bay. The beachfront park is the most visited state park in Washington, and it offers hiking and camping opportunities.
After your time in Skagit Valley, you can head back home to Seattle via Snoqualmie Pass and the Palouse Scenic Byway. This loop route will take you through farmland and quaint towns, with plenty of views along the way.
Mount Rainier National Park
Another one of the most popular day trips from Seattle, Mount Rainier is a must-see for travelers who want to experience the best that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The mountain is one of the most prominent in the state and its snow-capped peak makes for dramatic scenery that is hard to forget. The easiest way to reach the mountain is by car, but there are also several tour options available that can save you time and hassle on your visit.
Another highlight is the scenic Skyline Trail, which is a popular hike in the area. It’s a great way to get a view of the entire mountain from above. This paved trail is steep but gorgeous and the views are worth it. Hike it early in the morning for a quiet experience and to avoid the crowds.
It’s important to be bear (and mountain lion) aware in the park, so be sure to carry bear spray with you at all times. Although black bears are rare, they can be dangerous if you don’t have proper protection.
You’ll also want to pack food and water to enjoy during your hikes. There aren’t many places to eat in the area and some of the trails can be long, so it’s a good idea to have a snack or water available. And don’t feed the squirrels! Those suckers can be persistent and most are NOT afraid of humans.
The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is from late June to early October, when the roads and trails are free of snow. However, the park does experience snowfall throughout the year and road conditions can change based on weather.
If you’re visiting the park during winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding at Paradise. The park is also open for snowshoeing, sledding and other winter sports.
Chinook Scenic Byway
The Chinook drive is a Scenic Byway (Highway 410) and one of the best ways to experience the mountains and lakes north of Mount Rainier National Park. It will lead you to breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, river canyons, and valleys. This route is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington.
This scenic byway is a must-visit if you’re looking to see the incredible glaciers and spectacular mountains in Washington. It will also take you through some of the most historic and beautiful towns in the state.
Drive the North Cascades
The North Cascades is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most breathtaking nature in the country. It is also a favored destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts, with a wide variety of challenging trails to try.
Read about my adventures in the North Cascades here.
The park is divided into four main regions: Paradise, Sunrise, Carbon River, and Nisqually. Each of these offers unique ecosystems and a variety of hikes. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out the family-friendly attractions in the park, like the Grove of the Patriarchs and the Nisqually Vista Trail.
Easily accessible from downtown Seattle, the North Cascades Highway is a stunning road trip that takes you into the heart of the state’s wildest landscape. It winds through towering peaks and sweeping valleys, passing through towns like Glacier, Washington Pass, and Rainy Pass before ending in the small town of Methow Valley. It’s an ideal way to spend a day of nature exploring, as well as a good way to avoid the crowds and traffic that can make driving from the capital of the state quite stressful.
Take the Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island
Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. The ferry departs for the island on a daily basis and runs every 50 minutes or so, depending on the day. The ferry has a small restaurant onboard that serves hot soups and prepared salads, sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. It also has a selection of beer and wine by the glass.
Here is the Seattle Bainbridge Ferry Schedule.
If you’re planning to visit the park from Bainbridge Island, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and purchase tickets for the ferry online before you head to Seattle. It’s a great way to save money and avoid long lines.
Take a Spokane to Seattle Drive
One of the most popular day trips from Seattle is a road trip down to the northwestern side of Washington State. This route is a great way to see a range of different landscapes, from the mountainous terrain of the Cascades to the lush wetlands of the Methow Valley. There are several stops along the way that can be enjoyed by travelers of all skill levels, from hiking to sightseeing and even a little bit of shopping. Not only is this a great road trip if you live in the Spokane area, but for those driving from states further east such as Idaho, Montana or Eastern Oregon.
This drive can easily by a multi-day trip with amazing stops at Soap Lake and Dry Falls, and the charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth! I have been to each of these and if you click the respective links above, I’ll tell you all about them.
As you can see, there is no shortage of amazing drives, hikes, and endless activity when you tire of the hustle and bustle of Seattle.
