Washington is an absolute dream for road-trippers. From our coastal highways to our mountain byways, our state has some of the best windshield views in the country. You’ll find scenic drives in every last part of the Evergreen State, some of which are accessible in any season.
But to truly appreciate our state’s unique beauty, you’ll want to go off the beaten path just a bit and explore some of our beautiful backroads. Add these experiences to your calendar when your schedule allows, and prepare to fall in love with the Pacific Northwest all over again.
- Chuckanut Drive
VisitBellingham / TripAdvisor The iconic Chuckanut Drive is Washington’s original scenic byway. Start in Burlington and head west on Highway 11 through farmlands, eventually cruising along the coast until you reach Bellingham. Chuckanut Drive, Chuckanut Dr, Bow, WA, USA
- Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway
Todd Thorp / Wikipedia State Route 821 runs for 25 miles through the Yakima Canyon from Yakima to Ellensburg. The scenery is rugged and beautiful, and it’s rarely crowded—even most Washingtonians don’t know it’s there.
- Strait of Juan de Fuca
Travis / Flickr Talk about a backroad! The Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway, which is also known as Highway 112, stretches for 61 miles along the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll have to go on a road trip just to reach this little road trip, but it will be well worth the effort. Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Palouse Scenic Byway
Diana Robinson / Flickr How lucky are we to have the Palouse right here in our state? This scenic byway takes you through rural farmland, tiny towns, and perfect rolling hills. Palouse, WA 99161, USA
- Spirit Lake Memorial Highway
rusticpress / TripAdvisor The Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, which is also known as Highway 504, stretches for just over 50 miles from Castle Rock to Mount St Helens. And you’ll be treated to spectacular landscapes and views the entire way. Spirit Lake Memorial Highway
What’s your favorite scenic drive in Washington?
VisitBellingham / TripAdvisor
The iconic Chuckanut Drive is Washington’s original scenic byway. Start in Burlington and head west on Highway 11 through farmlands, eventually cruising along the coast until you reach Bellingham.
Chuckanut Drive, Chuckanut Dr, Bow, WA, USA
Todd Thorp / Wikipedia
State Route 821 runs for 25 miles through the Yakima Canyon from Yakima to Ellensburg. The scenery is rugged and beautiful, and it’s rarely crowded—even most Washingtonians don’t know it’s there.
Travis / Flickr
Talk about a backroad! The Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway, which is also known as Highway 112, stretches for 61 miles along the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll have to go on a road trip just to reach this little road trip, but it will be well worth the effort.
Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Juan de Fuca
Diana Robinson / Flickr
How lucky are we to have the Palouse right here in our state? This scenic byway takes you through rural farmland, tiny towns, and perfect rolling hills.
Palouse, WA 99161, USA
rusticpress / TripAdvisor
The Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, which is also known as Highway 504, stretches for just over 50 miles from Castle Rock to Mount St Helens. And you’ll be treated to spectacular landscapes and views the entire way.
Spirit Lake Memorial Highway
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