Some roads are made for speed. These were made for staring out the window with your jaw on the floor. Washington State is a summer daydream wrapped in winding highways, alpine passes, and forest tunnels that practically beg you to pull over every ten minutes. From misty coastal stretches to mountaintop routes that flirt with the clouds, these drives aren’t just ways to get somewhere—they are the somewhere. This is the kind of state where a “quick detour” turns into a three-hour photo break, and nobody complains. Glaciers glint in the distance. Wildflowers line the shoulders. You roll down the windows, and the air smells like pine, saltwater, and freedom. So fill the tank, pack snacks, and ditch the timeline. These 11 summer drives through Washington are worth every single mile.
Cascade Loop Scenic Highway
The Cascade Loop Scenic Highway is a 440-mile journey that captures the heart and soul of Washington’s natural beauty. Begin in the Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth, where alpine architecture meets the rugged backdrop of the Cascades. As you travel, the sweeping vistas of North Cascades National Park unfold, showcasing jagged peaks and serene alpine lakes.
Midway through, the route takes you to Whidbey Island, where the wild coastline invites exploration. Each turn offers new surprises, from lush valleys to forested hillsides, making it a perfect blend of serene and exhilarating.
Highway 101: Olympic Peninsula Loop
Circle the Olympic Peninsula via Highway 101, a 330-mile loop that offers encounters with ancient rainforests and dramatic coastal views. Stop at Hurricane Ridge for panoramic scenes of snow-capped peaks and vibrant wildflower meadows.
As the road hugs the Pacific coastline, Ruby Beach emerges with its iconic sea stacks and tide pools, a haven for photographers and nature lovers. Every mile is filled with surprises, from misty mornings in lush forests to the crashing waves along rugged shores.
Chuckanut Drive (SR 11)
Chuckanut Drive, a mere 21-mile stretch, offers an unforgettable coastal experience. It clings to the cliffs above Bellingham Bay, revealing stunning vistas at every bend. The drive is a delightful dance of winding roads and sweeping coastal overlooks.
Stop by the quaint town of Edison, where art studios and oyster shacks await exploration. Nature’s artistry is evident as lush forests merge with the sparkling waters below. It’s a brief but magical journey, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Mount Baker Highway (SR 542)
The Mount Baker Highway, SR 542, is a breathtaking ascent into the heart of the North Cascades. Starting in Bellingham, the 58-mile road winds through forests and opens to expansive mountain vistas.
In summer, the journey culminates at Artist Point, where wildflower-filled meadows serve as a vibrant foreground to the snow-capped peaks. The highway is more than a road; it’s an invitation to explore nature’s grandeur, offering mountain panoramas that rival any in the state.
Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway
Venture through the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway, a 150-mile route that contrasts starkly with Washington’s western forests. This drive unravels the mysteries of a high-desert landscape filled with geological wonders.
Lava canyons and ancient lakebeds tell stories of Earth’s past. The towering Dry Falls, once the world’s largest waterfall, stands as a testament to nature’s power. Each stop along the byway offers a glimpse into a world shaped by time and elements.
Chinook Pass Scenic Byway (SR 410)
Chinook Pass Scenic Byway, SR 410, slices through the heart of Mount Rainier National Park, offering summertime splendor at every turn. This 90-mile route is a visual feast, with vibrant wildflowers painting the landscape.
Tipsoo Lake provides a serene reflection of Mount Rainier’s glacier-draped face, creating postcard-perfect scenes. The journey is a celebration of nature’s brilliance, where alpine lakes and mountain views create memories that linger long after the drive ends.
San Juan Islands Scenic Byway
The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway is a unique blend of ferry rides and tranquil island roads. Navigate through the enchanting San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands, where the pace of life slows to the rhythm of gentle waves.
Each island offers its own charm, from the bustling harbor of Friday Harbor to the quiet pastoral scenes on Lopez. This route is an idyllic escape, where each journey across the water reveals new landscapes and serene beauty.
Stevens Pass Greenway (US 2)
Cross the Cascades via Stevens Pass Greenway, US 2, a 90-mile adventure that merges natural wonder with historical charm. Begin in Monroe, weaving through the lush forests and waterfalls like Wallace and Deception Falls.
The route offers glimpses into the past with old railroad towns, each with stories whispered by the wind. It’s a leisurely drive that invites exploration, perfect for those who love nature’s magnificence intertwined with a touch of history.
Palouse Scenic Byway
The Palouse Scenic Byway is a painter’s dream come to life. This 208-mile drive through southeastern Washington unveils a tapestry of rolling wheat fields and picturesque old barns.
Marvel at Palouse Falls, where water cascades dramatically into the canyon below, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Steptoe Butte provides wide-angle views of golden hills that stretch to the horizon. It’s a journey through a landscape that feels both timeless and dreamlike.
Spirit Lake Highway (SR 504)
Spirit Lake Highway, SR 504, is a 52-mile exploration into the heart of volcanic history. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing the dramatic geology of Mount St. Helens.
The highway ends at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, where the crater’s view leaves a lasting impression. It’s a route for the curious, for those who find beauty in the raw power of nature’s forces and the stories they leave behind.
Columbia River Gorge (WA SR 14)
Journey along the Columbia River Gorge, WA SR 14, often overshadowed by its Oregon counterpart but equally captivating. This 130-mile drive hugs the north bank, offering dramatic views of basalt cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Windsurfing beaches add a touch of adventure, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. The less-traveled path promises a quieter, yet no less spectacular, experience of the Gorge’s natural magnificence.