Without a doubt, Washington has one of the most diverse landscapes in the country. If you need proof, all you have to do is check out the Olympic Peninsula. Not only is it one of the most majestic places in the Pacific Northwest (and the country), but it’s also filled to the brim with natural wonders. You can see the vast majority of it in a weekend by taking the Highway 101 Loop, also known as the Olympic Peninsula Loop. It’s one of the best scenic drives in Washington!

The breathtaking Highway 101 Loop drive covers over 300 miles - more if you diverge from the highway a bit.

Google Maps And while you could complete this trip in a single day if you left early in the morning, we highly recommend making a weekend of it since there’s so much to stop and see.

We’re not kidding when we say this loop’s scenery is diverse.

ay2015ay / TripAdvisor You’ll pass by charming coastal towns, forested hikes, mountain peaks, lakes, ocean beaches…

… and the mystical Hoh Rainforest, which is a national treasure.

SixtiesHavingFun / TripAdvisor Visiting The Hoh would mean taking a slight detour from Highway 101, but it’s definitely worth it.

For most Washingtonians, the easiest place to begin this road trip is the Hood Canal.

LiFace / Wikipedia This is the shadow of Olympic National Park, known for its peaceful waterfront property and fresh oysters.

From there, you’ll head north on Highway 101, passing spots like Port Hadlock and Sequim.

shane c / TripAdvisor The Chimacum Valley is a historic farming community known for grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses, and organically grown fruits and vegetables.

Don’t forget to stop and stretch your legs in Sequim, especially if it’s lavender season.

PTMurphus / Flickr The Sequim Lavender Festival Street Fair is always worth attending, and the lavender farms are brimming with natural beauty.

One point of interest on the drive is Forks, which was the setting for the Twilight novels.

Wayne Hsieh / Flickr Of course, the actual town of Forks is quite small and much less sparkly than those stories would imply, but it’s still worth checking out if you’re a Twilight fan.

The rest of the drive is full of mountainous terrain, lakes, waterfalls, and wilderness.

Holly Jolly Journeys / TripAdvisor You’ll discover a stunning new landscape around every corner.

Make sure you allow plenty of time for some beach exploration.

Michelle R / TripAdvisor Between the mystical sea stacks, the tide pools often packed with sea life, and the otherworldly fog that tends to surround the shoreline, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.

If you can only do one road trip this year, make it this one.

CEBImagery / Flickr You’ll have plenty of places to get away from it all out here.

When was the last time you explored Washington’s Olympic Peninsula? Share your experience with us in the comments section below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more scenic drives in Washington worth taking: These 7 Scenic Drives Will Make You Fall In Love With Washington All Over Again.

Google Maps

And while you could complete this trip in a single day if you left early in the morning, we highly recommend making a weekend of it since there’s so much to stop and see.

ay2015ay / TripAdvisor

You’ll pass by charming coastal towns, forested hikes, mountain peaks, lakes, ocean beaches…

SixtiesHavingFun / TripAdvisor

Visiting The Hoh would mean taking a slight detour from Highway 101, but it’s definitely worth it.

LiFace / Wikipedia

This is the shadow of Olympic National Park, known for its peaceful waterfront property and fresh oysters.

shane c / TripAdvisor

The Chimacum Valley is a historic farming community known for grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses, and organically grown fruits and vegetables.

PTMurphus / Flickr

The Sequim Lavender Festival Street Fair is always worth attending, and the lavender farms are brimming with natural beauty.

Wayne Hsieh / Flickr

Of course, the actual town of Forks is quite small and much less sparkly than those stories would imply, but it’s still worth checking out if you’re a Twilight fan.

Holly Jolly Journeys / TripAdvisor

You’ll discover a stunning new landscape around every corner.

Michelle R / TripAdvisor

Between the mystical sea stacks, the tide pools often packed with sea life, and the otherworldly fog that tends to surround the shoreline, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.

CEBImagery / Flickr

You’ll have plenty of places to get away from it all out here.

Do you have a favorite scenic drive in Washington? Tell us about it on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Olympic Peninsula, Washington 98331, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Scenic Drives in Washington April 02, 2022 Katie Lawrence What are some scenic drives near me in Washington? Washington is full of winding roads that showcase our state’s most stunning natural wonders, so chances are there’s one not too far from where you live. One of our favorites is SNOQUALMIE PASS, which leads from Seattle to Spokane. It features lush greenery, plus several hiking trails along the way where you can stop and stretch your legs. Mountain Loop Highway is another gorgeous route, boasting ice caves, a ghost town, and sweeping mountain views. Where can I find some of the best views in Washington? You never have to look long or hard to find breathtaking scenery in Washington. Olympic National Park is home to some of the most striking vistas not only in Washington, but in the entire nation, as well. One of them is Hurricane Ridge Scenic Overlook, which offers unparalleled panoramic views of the park. The North Cascades Highway also boasts awe-inspiring views, including the Washington Pass and Diablo Lake Overlooks. What are some of the prettiest places in Washington? Some of Mother Nature’s finest work can be found in Washington. From towering, snow-capped mountains to pristine bodies of water, our state has it all. Some of the prettiest places in Washington include the iconic Mount Rainier, the Hoh Rainforest Trail at Olympic National Park, and Snoqualmie Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. You’ll want to visit each one!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Scenic Drives in Washington

April 02, 2022

Katie Lawrence

What are some scenic drives near me in Washington? Washington is full of winding roads that showcase our state’s most stunning natural wonders, so chances are there’s one not too far from where you live. One of our favorites is SNOQUALMIE PASS, which leads from Seattle to Spokane. It features lush greenery, plus several hiking trails along the way where you can stop and stretch your legs. Mountain Loop Highway is another gorgeous route, boasting ice caves, a ghost town, and sweeping mountain views. Where can I find some of the best views in Washington? You never have to look long or hard to find breathtaking scenery in Washington. Olympic National Park is home to some of the most striking vistas not only in Washington, but in the entire nation, as well. One of them is Hurricane Ridge Scenic Overlook, which offers unparalleled panoramic views of the park. The North Cascades Highway also boasts awe-inspiring views, including the Washington Pass and Diablo Lake Overlooks. What are some of the prettiest places in Washington? Some of Mother Nature’s finest work can be found in Washington. From towering, snow-capped mountains to pristine bodies of water, our state has it all. Some of the prettiest places in Washington include the iconic Mount Rainier, the Hoh Rainforest Trail at Olympic National Park, and Snoqualmie Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. You’ll want to visit each one!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Washington is full of winding roads that showcase our state’s most stunning natural wonders, so chances are there’s one not too far from where you live. One of our favorites is SNOQUALMIE PASS, which leads from Seattle to Spokane. It features lush greenery, plus several hiking trails along the way where you can stop and stretch your legs. Mountain Loop Highway is another gorgeous route, boasting ice caves, a ghost town, and sweeping mountain views.

Where can I find some of the best views in Washington?

You never have to look long or hard to find breathtaking scenery in Washington. Olympic National Park is home to some of the most striking vistas not only in Washington, but in the entire nation, as well. One of them is Hurricane Ridge Scenic Overlook, which offers unparalleled panoramic views of the park. The North Cascades Highway also boasts awe-inspiring views, including the Washington Pass and Diablo Lake Overlooks.

What are some of the prettiest places in Washington?

Some of Mother Nature’s finest work can be found in Washington. From towering, snow-capped mountains to pristine bodies of water, our state has it all. Some of the prettiest places in Washington include the iconic Mount Rainier, the Hoh Rainforest Trail at Olympic National Park, and Snoqualmie Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. You’ll want to visit each one!