Imposing mountains. Towering Trees. Powerful rivers and the mighty Pacific. Stunning vistas and scenic drives are everywhere in Washington state. All you have to do is put your vehicle in drive and… drive.
Here are some suggestions guaranteed to delight the voyager in all of us:
Olympic Peninsula Loop
Of all the scenic drives in Washington state – and there are many – this one is a must. We’re talking majestic mountains, wildlife, jaw-dropping waterfalls, wilderness, beaches and overlooks - -and that’s just for starters.
You can start and end in Olympia, encircling the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park before skirting the western edge of Puget Sound and returning to the capital city. Total mileage is a bit over 300, so theoretically you could do it in a day
But why?
Take your time and enjoy the scent of evergreens and saltwater, and the fishing, hiking, birding, camping, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, swimming, sailing and other recreational activities. The national park and forest offer nearly a million acres to get lost in (not literally! Always tell someone where you are going). If you’re staying over, Port Angeles, the gateway to the park, makes a great base from which to explore.
Length: 329 miles
Worth a stop: Anywhere. Literally anywhere along the drive. But if you’re looking for something different, try Hama Hama Oyster Company in Lilliwaup, a family-owned oyster farm where you can slurp oysters as you watch crews work the beds.
Thurston Bountiful Byway
If farms and foliage fascinate you, the Thurston Bountiful Byway is the place to be. The U-shaped drive, much of it on small roads and state highways, runs from Olympia to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Highlights include local farms and farm stores (ask if they have apple cider – or cider doughnuts!) and stops at creameries, nurseries and wineries as well as sculpture gardens and historic sites – some 20 agricultural, ecological or cultural locations in all. The wildlife refuge is a great place for birdwatching while Tolmie State Park offers views of Mount Rainier. In the fall, nearly everywhere along the roadway provides an explosion of red, gold and copper leaves.
Length: 60 miles
Worth a stop: July and August are lavender season – and the ideal time to visit a lavender farm. Several are located along the route or just a short detour away. Most have farm stores and some offer wreathmaking workshops.
Cascade Valley Heritage Corridor
This route runs in the footsteps of a Native American path between Puget Sound and Snoqualmie Pass. The North Bend terminus was a seasonal meeting place for several local tribes as well as the end of the road – er, swim – for salmon that couldn’t continue upstream past Snoqualmie falls.
Today it’s an easy, enjoyable journey that serves up culture and cuisine as well as stunning views of the Snoqualmie River. In addition to the small towns and farms along the way, the drive offers access to several wineries near Woodinville, many of which are open for tours and tastings. Summers are prime time for open-air concerts and parks along the way are perfect for picnics.
Length: 29 miles from Woodinville to North Bend.
Worth a stop: Snoqualmie Falls Overlook, where the river plunges 270 feet over the cliff. Choose either the upper or lower observation deck and try o time your visit for after a downpour when the waterfall’s spray is fuller and more impressive.
