There’s nothing like hitting the open road on a warm summer day, especially when you live here in Washington. Recently, Wallet Hub compared all 50 states to see which are the best (and worst) for long summer drives, and the Evergreen State ranked near the top. And while your route possibilities are practically endless, these are a few that are especially amazing in the summertime.
- The Cascade Loop
CTRiverGolfer / TripAdvisor
David I / TripAdvisor This 440-mile route is a great way to see some of Washington’s most diverse (and beautiful) landscapes. You’ll follow Highway 2 through Leavenworth and Wenatchee, where you’ll head north and follow Highway 97 through Chelan before heading east. Then, you’ll cruise through the Methow Valley and back over the Cascade Mountains via the North Cascades Highway, ending with a drive through the Skagit Valley and part of Whidbey Island. Truly, this is the ideal Washington vacation.
- Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway
Skwiki / TripAdvisor
Skwiki / TripAdvisor If you live in Eastern Washington (or you just love geology), try driving the Coulee Corridor. This road trip runs from Othello and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge north. past Grand Coulee Dam, to Omak. This entire region was carved by ice age floods, and you’ll love its rugged, unique beauty.
- The Olympic Peninsula Loop
ay2015ay / TripAdvisor
Pixtonian / TripAdvisor Every Washingtonian should take this magnificent drive at least once. The 300-miles route mostly follows Highway 101 around Olympic National Park, and you’ll see everything from temperate rainforest to ocean beaches.
- Chinook Pass Scenic Byway
Jasperdo / Flickr
daveynin / Flickr If you only have one day for a road trip, you can’t go wrong with the 170 mile Chinook Pass byway. You’ll drive from Enumclaw to Naches (or vice versa), passing through some of the most stunning parts of the Central Cascades. And the views of Mt. Rainier are unreal.
- Mount Baker Scenic Byway
Ena G / TripAdvisor
Skwiki / TripAdvisor This route follows Highway 542 east from Bellingham, passing through rural areas before entering Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest and heading north. Not only is the scenery from the road stunning, but there are plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs on a nice hike.
Has this inspired you to travel? Getting away isn’t always easy, But even if you can only spare one day, you can embark on a beautiful adventure.
CTRiverGolfer / TripAdvisor
David I / TripAdvisor
This 440-mile route is a great way to see some of Washington’s most diverse (and beautiful) landscapes. You’ll follow Highway 2 through Leavenworth and Wenatchee, where you’ll head north and follow Highway 97 through Chelan before heading east. Then, you’ll cruise through the Methow Valley and back over the Cascade Mountains via the North Cascades Highway, ending with a drive through the Skagit Valley and part of Whidbey Island. Truly, this is the ideal Washington vacation.
Skwiki / TripAdvisor
If you live in Eastern Washington (or you just love geology), try driving the Coulee Corridor. This road trip runs from Othello and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge north. past Grand Coulee Dam, to Omak. This entire region was carved by ice age floods, and you’ll love its rugged, unique beauty.
ay2015ay / TripAdvisor
Pixtonian / TripAdvisor
Every Washingtonian should take this magnificent drive at least once. The 300-miles route mostly follows Highway 101 around Olympic National Park, and you’ll see everything from temperate rainforest to ocean beaches.
Jasperdo / Flickr
daveynin / Flickr
If you only have one day for a road trip, you can’t go wrong with the 170 mile Chinook Pass byway. You’ll drive from Enumclaw to Naches (or vice versa), passing through some of the most stunning parts of the Central Cascades. And the views of Mt. Rainier are unreal.
Ena G / TripAdvisor
This route follows Highway 542 east from Bellingham, passing through rural areas before entering Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest and heading north. Not only is the scenery from the road stunning, but there are plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs on a nice hike.
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