10 Epic Washington Road Trip Ideas
Washington State is a dream for road trippers, with its rugged coasts, epic mountains, lush forests, and vibrant cities. Whether you crave national parks, quirky small towns, or iconic scenic byways, these 10 Washington road trip ideas will inspire your next adventure.
1) Olympic Peninsula Loop
The Olympic Peninsula loop is one of the most popular ways to do a Washington road trip. During this loop, you’ll discover ancient rainforests, rugged Pacific beaches, alpine peaks, and Native American heritage all in one expedition. This loop takes you through Olympic National Park’s diverse ecosystems where you’ll walk among the towering moss draped trees in the Hoh Rain Forest, explore tide pools and sea stacks on Ruby Beach, and soak in views from Hurricane Ridge. You’ll also discover charming Victorian Port Townsend, historic lighthouses, the remote Makah Nation at Neah Bay, and quiet lakeside towns like Lake Crescent. Every turn offers a new landscape and outdoor adventure. I also have a list of the best places to visit on the Washington Coast which include many of these options above and more.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through early fall (May–October) for the best weather.
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Seattle to Port Angeles (stop in Port Townsend)
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Day 2: Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent
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Day 3: Hoh Rain Forest & Ruby Beach
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Day 4: Forks, La Push, and Cape Flattery
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Day 5: Quinault Rain Forest & back to Seattle
2) North Cascades Highway (Highway 20)
Drive through the heart of the “American Alps” on Highway 20, with dramatic mountain scenery, jagged snowcapped peaks, and turquoise glacial lakes around every bend. Highlights include the park’s electric blue waters, hiking the short but rewarding Washington Pass Overlook, and exploring the quirky western themed town of Winthrop in the Methow Valley. This route offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography, especially in North Cascades National Park, one of the least-visited but most spectacular parks in the country.
Ideal Time to Go:
Mid-June through September (when Highway 20 is fully open).
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Seattle to Winthrop (stops at Diablo Lake, Washington Pass)
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Day 2: Explore Winthrop, Mazama, Methow Valley trails
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Day 3: Return via Leavenworth or reverse route
3) Pacific Coast Road Trip
Travel along Washington’s wild Pacific shoreline, where pounding surf, misty forests, and dramatic sea stacks set the scene. Visit beach towns like Westport and Ocean Shores for surfing and clam digging, then head into the remote coastal stretches of Olympic National Park. Walk on the driftwood strewn sands of Rialto and Ruby Beach, hike to waterfalls in the rainforest, and watch for bald eagles and marine life along the coast. The route is perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking the wilder side of Washington.
Ideal Time to Go:
June through September for the best chance of sunshine.
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Aberdeen to Kalaloch (stops at Westport and Ocean Shores)
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Day 2: Kalaloch, Ruby Beach, Hoh Rain Forest
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Day 3: La Push, Rialto Beach, and return
4) The San Juan Islands
Journey by road and ferry to the San Juan Islands, a paradise of rolling farmland, rocky beaches, and picturesque harbors. Enjoy scenic ferry rides with the chance to spot orcas, then explore historic Friday Harbor, visit the iconic lighthouse at Lime Kiln Point (a prime whale-watching spot), and hike up Mount Constitution for sweeping island views. Each island has its own character—San Juan is lively and artistic, Orcas is forested and hilly, and Lopez is quiet and rural. Kayaking, cycling, and fresh local seafood add to the experience.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall (May–September).
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Seattle to Anacortes, ferry to Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)
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Day 2: Explore Lime Kiln State Park, whale watching
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Day 3: Ferry to Orcas Island, hike Mount Constitution, return to Anacortes/Seattle
5) Mount Rainier National Park Circuit
Circle the base of Washington’s most iconic peak that is Mount Rainier, a 14,410-foot active volcano draped with glaciers and wildflowers. Explore Paradise for epic mountain views and alpine meadows, hike to waterfalls like Narada Falls, and stroll through ancient forests near Grove of the Patriarchs. At Sunrise, enjoy the highest drivable point in the park for jaw-dropping vistas of the mountain’s eastern face. Every stop along the loop offers new perspectives, picnic spots, and trails for all skill levels.
Ideal Time to Go:
July–September for open roads and wildflowers.
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Seattle to Paradise, Reflection Lakes, Paradise hikes
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Day 2: Sunrise Visitor Center, Emmons Glacier Viewpoint
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Day 3: Grove of the Patriarchs, Box Canyon, and return
6) Columbia River Gorge And Southern Washington
On this trip you’ll explore the mighty Columbia River Gorge along Washington’s southern border, where towering basalt cliffs, lush waterfalls, wind farms, and vineyards create a unique landscape. Begin in vibrant Vancouver, then drive east along Highway 14, stopping for hikes at Beacon Rock, waterfall views at Cape Horn, and windsurfing in Stevenson. In Goldendale, visit the Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge replica before touring sun soaked vineyards. The trip blends outdoor adventure, history, and local wine culture with stunning river views.
Ideal Time to Go:
April–October
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Vancouver to Maryhill (stop at Columbia Hills, Beacon Rock)
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Day 2: Maryhill Museum, Stonehenge Replica, explore Goldendale
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Day 3: Back along Highway 14 with wine tasting stops
7) Leavenworth & Cascade Foothills
Escape to the charming mountain town of Leavenworth, known for its Bavarian-style architecture, alpine festivals, and dramatic Cascade backdrop. This area is a hub for outdoor fun year-round: in summer, go river rafting or hike to alpine lakes; in fall, enjoy golden larch forests and Oktoberfest; in winter, stroll through a holiday-lit wonderland and go skiing nearby. Along the way, explore scenic byways, hidden waterfalls, and lakeside resorts, all within reach of Seattle.
Ideal Time to Go:
Year-round (fall for foliage, winter for snow, summer for river fun).
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Seattle to Leavenworth (via Stevens Pass)
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Day 2: River rafting, hiking Icicle Gorge, downtown Leavenworth
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Day 3: Lake Wenatchee, Plain, or visit a local winery
8) Palouse Scenic Byway
Venture to eastern Washington for a one-of-a-kind road trip through the rolling hills of the Palouse, a landscape famous among photographers for its surreal, wave-like farmlands. Marvel at patchwork fields of wheat, canola, and lentils, climb Steptoe Butte for panoramic views, and visit Palouse Falls, a dramatic 198-foot waterfall dropping into a basalt canyon. Explore the small towns of Pullman, Colfax, and Palouse, known for friendly vibes, local cafes, and history. Spring brings lush greens, while late summer glows with gold.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring (green fields) or late summer (golden harvest).
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Spokane to Pullman (stops at Steptoe Butte, Palouse Falls)
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Day 2: Explore Pullman, visit Colfax and Palouse town
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Day 3: Return via Moscow, Idaho or Lewiston
9) Cascade Loop Scenic Highway
Embark on Washington’s signature road trip, a 440-mile loop that showcases the best of the state, alpine passes, crystal-clear lakes, orchard valleys, wine country, and Puget Sound islands. Highlights include hiking at Stevens Pass, sipping wine in Wenatchee and Chelan, enjoying the Old West ambiance of Winthrop, and marveling at the rugged beauty of the North Cascades. Complete the circle via Whidbey Island, crossing over Deception Pass Bridge for spectacular coastal views.
Ideal Time to Go:
June–October (when passes are clear of snow).
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Seattle to Wenatchee (via Stevens Pass)
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Day 2: Wenatchee to Winthrop (via Lake Chelan, Twisp)
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Day 3: Winthrop to Whidbey Island (via North Cascades Highway, Deception Pass)
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Day 4: Whidbey Island back to Seattle
10) Wine Country Road Trip (Yakima & Walla Walla)
With this last Washington road trip on the list, you can indulge in Washington’s award-winning wine regions as you cruise through sun-baked valleys and rolling vineyards. The Yakima Valley is home to hundreds of wineries, farm stands, and hop fields, perfect for tastings and local eats. Continue east to Walla Walla, a lively small city with a vibrant downtown, historic architecture, and some of the nation’s best red wines. The route is especially beautiful during grape harvest, when the leaves turn gold and the wineries host special events.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring through fall (April–October), especially harvest (September).
Sample Itinerary:
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Day 1: Yakima Valley tasting rooms, Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain AVA
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Day 2: Drive to Walla Walla, explore Main Street, tasting at top wineries
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Day 3: Return via Prosser and Benton City
Washington’s diverse landscapes in my opinion make it one of the best states for having epic road trips because whether you crave coastlines, mountain vistas, or rolling farmland, the ideas above promise unforgettable scenery and adventure. Save this list and start planning your perfect Pacific Northwest getaway and let me know if you have any questions!
