8 beautiful road trips from Seattle

Miles from Seattle: ~172 via WA-2 or ~249 via WA-20/the North Cascades Highway.
Suggested round-trip time: 3 days min or 5 days min, respectively.

There are three main routes from Seattle: Interstate 90, Highway 2 or Highway 20. I’ll focus on the latter, more interesting two. State Route 2 winds through farmland before ascending the Cascade Mountains. In winter, Stevens Pass is a must-book for skiers and snowboarders. Hungry travelers should indulge at the 59er Diner, a decades-old retro institution for milkshakes and burgers. A bit farther down the river, Leavenworth, a Bavarian wonderland, delights visitors of all types. Grab a beer at Icicle Brewing or Bushel & Bee, and don’t miss the cherished Kris Kingl holiday shop.

(Note that chains and/or winter tires can be required in the winter months. More info on the Washington State Department of Transportation website.)

The North Cascades Highway cuts through the national park of the same name and is best traveled in summer or early fall due to seasonal closures between November and mid-to-late May. (Check WSDOT for updates.) For hiking enthusiasts, Diablo Lake or Blue Lake are personal favorites. If you’re mostly in search of low-effort views, head to the Ross Lake Overlook and Washington Pass Overlook. 

On the other side of the pass, stop for lunch in Western-themed Winthrop (the Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon) or Twisp (Cinnamon Twisp Bakery). Either has plenty of cute rentals for an overnight before heading south into Chelan. Washington’s preferred lake getaway offers many ways to explore the water, whether via kayaks, boat or SUP rentals. On land, enjoy wine tasting and berry picking at one of the numerous vineyards and farms in the area.

Miles from Seattle: ~217 miles
Suggested round-trip time: 4 days min.

Whistler is one of the most renowned outdoor-adventure paradises in North America. Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, mountain biker or hiker, the Coast Mountains provide infinite opportunities for fun. Looking to relax more? Catch views on the Peak 2 Peak gondola ride and sip a beverage while admiring mountain vistas at the Umbrella Bar.

On the way up Interstate 5, Bellingham is a happening college town full of breweries and nature. From the Fairhaven district shops to hiking Oyster Dome or paddling on Bellingham Bay, there’s something for everyone. Across the border in Vancouver, prioritize a stroll in Stanley Park and a meal in Gastown (L’Abbatoir and Di Beppe are beloved by locals). Along the Sea to Sky Highway, Horseshoe Bay makes for a beautiful caffeine and bathroom stop; I recommend the Lookout Coffee Shop. If you want to strap on hiking boots before you even land in Whistler, the Tunnel Bluffs Trail has unmatched lookouts over the Howe Sound.

Miles from Seattle: ~199 miles
Suggested round-trip time: 3 days min.

Arguably the West Coast’s most dog-friendly destination, Cannon Beach makes a perfect vacation for all types of travelers, couples, families and singles alike. Sandy walks at low tide (don’t miss the tide pools around Haystack Rock), birdwatching and a great brewery scene are just a few reasons to visit the coastal town.

Explore local film history at the Oregon Film Museum in Astoria, filming location of The Goonies, Free Willy and more. Farther south on Highway 101, the Seaside Outlets are an excellent location to score a deal, and the town’s boardwalk is like stepping back in time. Ecola State Park is a bit of a detour, but worth it for the ocean walks and wildlife sightings.

Miles from Seattle: ~107 miles
Suggested round-trip time: 1 day min.

The drive to Ellensburg can be done in a day, but for those who want to take their time, an overnight itinerary allows for more time exploring. Head east on I-90 across the floating bridge and into the foothills before marveling at the famed Snoqualmie Falls. Continue on to North Bend, made famous by the popular series Twin Peaks, and a convenient place for food or coffee. Nearby trails include Rattlesnake Ledge and Little/Big Si.

Continue east to Snoqualmie Pass, home to Washington’s Ski and Snowboard Museum as well as an abundance of trail options along the way, including Franklin Falls, Snow Lake and Talapus/Ollalie Lakes. Cle Elum is your last suggested exit before arrival; don’t miss the quirky Cle Elum Telephone Museum. Finally, once you arrive in Ellensburg, the Iron Horse Brewery awaits to quench your thirst. If you have a bit more time, walk along the river or visit the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame.

(Note that chains and/or winter tires can be required in the winter months to cross the pass. More info on the Washington State Department of Transportation website.)

Miles from Seattle: ~138 miles (to the Artist Point parking lot, terminus of the road)
Suggested round-trip time: 1 day min.

One of Washington’s most iconic mountains, the surrounding area is one of my top picks for recreation. On your way north, Mount Vernon’s Calico Cupboard is the breakfast spot before turning off onto Prairie Road and Highway 9. Eventually you’ll connect with Highway 542, the Mount Baker Highway, which is surrounded by endless evergreen trees, small towns and farms, and marvelous panoramas of peaks. Joe’s Coffee in Maple Falls is the ideal spot for a caffeine break.

If you’re dreaming of an overnight in the mountains, the Douglas Fir and Silver Fir Campgrounds are easy car-camping options. For those chasing waterfalls, Nooksack Falls is just a quick detour from the main road. Finally, Artist Point, past the ski area, is the starting point for many hiking paths such as Artist’s Ridge and the Chain Lakes Loop.

(Note that chains and/or winter tires can be required in the winter months on Highway 542. More info on the Washington State Department of Transportation website.)

Miles from Seattle: ~310 miles
Suggested round-trip time: 4 day min.

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is a completely underrated wine destination—probably because B.C. wines are hard to come by outside the province and Alberta. However, if you’re willing to make the trek, the celebratory glass (or two) will be worth it. Luckily, the voyage to Kelowna is not lacking in stunning scenery.

Chilliwack is a nice place to bike or walk along the Fraser River. In summer, sunflowers color the valley. Farther along the Trans-Canada Highway, Bridal Veils Provincial Park is full of easy hikes dotted with waterfalls. Harrison Hot Springs are fantastic if you want to camp for a night or just soak in and refresh tired muscles at either the public springs or a luxury resort. Just over the mountain pass, Hope is one of the prettiest towns in the province, and the Hope Mountain Cafe serves up the best lattes. Coquihalla Canyon Park is a unique nature area, with a series of five tunnels that allow visitors to walk through the center of the canyon.

(Note that chains and/or winter tires are required in the winter months to cross the pass. More info on the B.C. Provincial Government website.)

Miles from Seattle: ~360
Suggested round-trip time: 4 day min.

The drive south on I-5 from Washington to Oregon is admittedly not the most awe-inspiring. Stick it out though, and after three hours, wonderfully quirky Portland emerges. For quicker excursions, prioritize the Portland International Rose Test Garden, a delight in spring and summer, with free admission no less. Just up the hill is the Portland Japanese Garden, which you’ll want to book in advance. In town, grab coffee or a bite in the historic Pearl District. And for those with more time, head out to the Columbia River Gorge to hike among its breathtaking cascades.

The University of Oregon and its wonderful campus is located in Eugene. Check out the Oregon Duck Hall of Fame and Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. From there, follow OR-126, or the McKenzie Highway, which follows an out-of-this-world volcanic pass all the way to Sisters. Upon arrival at your final destination, hike or bike in the Three Sisters Range and make sure to profit from the town’s International Dark Sky Community status at least one night.

Miles from Seattle: ~150 (to Rialto Beach, other beaches might be slightly more or less)
Suggested round-trip time: 3 day min.

Wild and rugged, full of driftwood and sea stacks, and notably missing large development is what makes this stretch of coastline special. The suggested time allotment might sound like a lot for the distance, but the ferry crossing and enough worthwhile stops necessitate a slower pace.

(That said, Seattleites frequently day-trip to the coast. If that’s all you have time for, head straight to the beach.)

Edmonds is the small waterfront town where you’ll catch the ferry. I recommend at least grabbing a hot beverage at Walnut Street Coffee or doughnuts at Top Pot (the latter has a drive-through near the ferry line). Once across the water, head to adorable Port Townsend, full of old Victorians, many operating as B&Bs. In Olympic National Park, choose from hiking ridgelines up Hurricane Ridge, soaking in the Sol Duc Hot Springs or chilling out along Lake Crescent—the latter two have small resorts that you should book well in advance. Forks isn’t exactly what Twilight describes (it’s quite obvious author Stephanie Meyer didn’t visit prior to penning the book), but it’s a good spot to refuel, both yourself and your vehicle. Rialto Beach is home to the well-known Hole-in-the-Wall walk, Ruby Beach is best at sunset when the rocks turn their namesake color, and Kalaloch and First Beach are walkable to Washington’s Tree of Life.

Check sailing times on WSDOT (Edmonds to Kingston route). Advanced reservation is not required.