Putting together a list of the best road trips from Seattle was super easy, though it took forever. That’s because there are so many awesome places to visit within driving distance of Seattle.
For example, you can visit three different national parks in Washington, explore the islands off the coast, head south to Oregon, or cross the border to Canada up north. You can plan your whole trip around the outdoors, or you can bask in a life of luxury tasting your way through the Pacific Northwest’s best restaurants, wineries, and breweries.
No matter your preferences, there’s a road trip for you. Get ready for a long list of the best road trips from Seattle, organized by distance with a bunch of ideas for customizing them to your liking.
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21 Best Road Trips from Seattle
Jump to a route, or keep scrolling to browse them all!
- Seattle > Bainbridge Island
- Seattle > Vashon Island
- Seattle > Camano Island
- Seattle > Whidbey Island
- Seattle > Tacoma > Olympia
- Seattle > Bellingham
- Seattle > North Cascades National Park
- Seattle > Leavenworth
- Seattle > Mt. Rainier
- Seattle > Mt. St. Helens
- Seattle > San Juan Islands
- Seattle > Wenatchee > Chelan > Winthrop
- Seattle > Olympic Peninsula
- Seattle > Yakima > Walla Walla
- Seattle > Spokane
- Seattle > Portland > Columbia River Gorge
- Seattle > Oregon Coast
- Seattle > Victoria, BC
- Seattle > Willamette Valley > Eugene
- Seattle > Mt. Hood > Bend
- Seattle > Vancouver > Whistler
Overwhelmed by the idea of flushing out your road trip itinerary?
Let me plan it for you. I offer travel planning services where I create custom itineraries for travelers like you. All you need to do is fill out a travel questionnaire and book any reservations directly.
Seattle > Bainbridge Island
distance from Seattle: ~50 mins | driving directions | best for: a day trip and shopping
Bainbridge Island is one of the easiest road trips from Seattle since the total travel time is just 50 minutes, which includes a pleasant 35-minute ferry ride. In fact, its proximity also makes it one of the best scenic day trips from Seattle.
I recommend spending at least half a day exploring the quaint boutiques, Bainbridge restaurants, and Bainbridge wineries dotting Main Street. The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is also worth visiting thanks to its regularly rotating exhibitions and great museum shop.
If you’re more partial to a hike, head to Grand Forest East and check out the lush Grand Forest Park Trail that connects to Grand Forest West. You can also walk the grounds at the gorgeous Bloedel Reserve.
If you’d like to plan the perfect day trip to Bainbridge Island, I’ve written an extensive guide to spending a day on Bainbridge island that should prove useful. You can also add on a longer road trip by tacking on Victoria or the Olympic Peninsula to this itinerary.
Seattle > Vashon Island
distance from Seattle: ~1 hr | driving directions | best for: farms and food
Vashon Island will always be one of the best road trips from Seattle, as it’s only an hour or so from downtown (including a 20-minute ferry). It’s packed with artists, restaurants, and boutique shops that give this place an irresistible artisanal vibe.
It’s tricky to summarize all the incredible things to do on the island (which is why I wrote an entire post on things to do on Vashon Island). But I’d say if you’re here for the day, prioritize doing a food crawl of the amazing Vashon Island restaurants. Many of them are within walking distance of each other, so it’s a great way to spend the afternoon. If it’s a Saturday during summer, you can also hit up the Vashon Farmers Market for a quick break between eats.
To stretch your legs, head out on one of the many Vashon Island hikes, which are some of the best hikes near Seattle.
Shinglemill Creek Preserve is a moderate 3-mile hike that’s ideal for more experienced trekkers. While Point Robinson Lighthouse is a gentle beach stroll that offers great views of Mount Rainier on clear days.
Seattle > Camano Island
distance from Seattle: ~1 hr | driving directions | best for: peaceful retreat without a ferry
To get to Camano Island on your best road trips from Seattle tour, you’ll drive 62 miles along I-5 North from Seattle until you hit WA-532, which takes you right to Camano Island without the need for a ferry.
There are several things worth doing on Camano Island, as it’s home to beautiful beaches and manageable hikes. One of my favorite spots here is Iverson Spit Preserve, which offers over a mile of walking trails and unbeatable views over Port Susan Bay and the Cascades.
If you’d rather spend your day on the beach, head to Cama Beach Historical State Park to sunbathe on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific Northwest.
When your stomach starts rumbling, duck into one of the many Camano Island restaurants to refuel.
Seattle > Whidbey Island
distance from Seattle: ~1 hr and 15 mins | driving directions (with ferry) | driving directions (without ferry, which is ~2.5 hrs) | best for: excellent seafood and wineries
Whidbey Island is one of the best road trips from Seattle and can easily be covered in a single day. Depending on how much time you can spare, either take the ferry at Mukilteo or head north to Deception Pass Bridge and tack on a visit to Anacortes and Skagit Valley (see the road trip itinerary below!).
This location is best known for its excellent food scene. You can enjoy fresh mussels from Whidbey’s Penn Cove at many of the best restaurants on Whidbey Island or spend time exploring Whidbey Island wineries.
When you’re not eating or drinking, step back in time at Fort Casey Historical State Park, keep an eye out for whales at Deception Pass State Park, go shopping in the center of town, or pick up fresh produce at the Bayview Farmers Market if it’s a Saturday.
Seattle > Tacoma > Olympia
distance from Seattle: ~1.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: great art and food
This is one of the best road trips from Seattle for experiencing the biggest metropolises in western Washington. You can also tack on the Olympic Peninsula from Tacoma and avoid a ferry by driving over the famous Narrows Bridge.
Tacoma
Tacoma perfectly blends old and new thanks to its cool shops, surprisingly morbid history, and vibrant art scene.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Tacoma, but I’d say that you should prioritize visiting the Tacoma Art Museum, booking a ghost tour that takes you through various haunted parts of town, and marveling at the Museum of Glass. If you’re staying for dinner, check out some of the best places to grab food in Tacoma and its surrounding areas.
Olympia
To round off your road trip from Seattle, head to Olympia for beautiful views, a few craft beers, and a bunch of cultural enrichment. There’s no shortage of things to do in Olympia. But visiting the capitol building and trying craft brews in the downtown area are must-dos (don’t miss 3 Magnets Brewing).
If you’re visiting during summer, be sure to pick up ice cream from Sophie’s Scoops before visiting one of the many local parks or flower farms.
Seattle > Bellingham
distance from Seattle: ~1.5 hrs without stops, ~2 hrs and 40 mins with | driving directions | best for: tulips, hikes, and history
This is one of the best road trips from Seattle that hits a bunch of places within 100 miles. In just under two hours it manages to pass through La Conner, Mt. Vernon, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, and Bow before arriving in Bellingham.
Follow this itinerary to experience all of my favorite things to do in Skagit Valley. Or, if you’re short on time, just go right to Bellingham.
La Conner
La Conner is a lovely seaside town that’s ideal for a romantic getaway. The streets are packed with artisanal boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and restaurants that all readily welcome visitors. If you need to stop overnight, there are also plenty of local inns to choose from.
While you’re here, make sure you stop by the Museum of Northwest Art and the Calico Cupboard Café for a breakfast.
Mt. Vernon
Continue to Mt. Vernon to explore the antique shops dotting Main Street. Don’t miss Perry and Carlson as you shop, a modern gift store and gallery that is a nice break from all the vintage. Stop at Farmstrong Brewing afterwards when you need a break from shopping.
Next stop at Tulip Town to see the gorgeous array of colors during the April blooming season. Read my article on how to avoid crowds at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival to make the most of your experience.
Another great stop is Little Mountain Park. It boasts several hiking trails and picnic areas that help you make the most of the panoramic views of Skagit Valley and the Olympic Mountains.
Burlington
With the San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker, and plenty of farmland serving as a backdrop, Burlington is the place to be for fresh produce, the tulip festival, and nature trails. It’s also home to Skagit’s Own Fish Market. My favorite stop for a lunch of fresh seafood (don’t miss the oyster ‘po boys).
If you’re traveling with little ones, don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Skagit County which is packed with interactive exhibits. For adults, make sure to stop at Garden Path Fermentation for some brews made with local grain and wild yeast from the Skagit air!
Sedro-Woolley
Sedro-Woolley is technically two towns that were joined back in 1898. And it boasts a rich history that can still be seen in the area today.
Although you don’t need a lot of time here, you should visit the Northern State Recreation Area to visit the abandoned asylums. If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday between April – October or December, you can also get afternoon tea at the gorgeous Willowbrook Manor.
Note, this is also along the main road you’d take to visit North Cascades National Park. If you don’t have time to visit during your Bellingham road trip, tack it on to the North Cascades itinerary below!
Bow/Edison
Bow and Edison are two tiny bordering towns that most people mix up. So many people refer to them as just “Bow/Edison”. The area is agriculturally rich so it’s a great place to stop for artisan cheeses, oysters, and shellfish. Meander the small downtown area to pop into artist galleries and some of the best restaurants in Skagit County.
Bellingham
Your final stop on this road trip is Bellingham. Which is a charming riverside town with tons of B&Bs, stone cottages, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
If you have time, consider taking the famous Chuckanut Drive from Bow to Bellingham for gorgeous viewpoints from the famous Oyster Dome hike, Taylor Shellfish Farms, and Larrabee State Park.
Boulevard Park is a great place to stretch your legs for unbeatable views of the water once you hit Bellingham. Then head to downtown Bellingham to explore the funky shops and breweries. If it’s a Saturday, don’t miss the Bellingham Farmers Market.
I have a whole Bellingham guide of other things to do in the area. If you have time, take an optional day trip to Lummi Island or you can also take a day trip to Mount Baker for hiking.
Seattle > North Cascades National Park
distance from Seattle: ~ 2.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: great hikes and views of the Cascade Mountains
North Cascades National Park is one of the most underrated natural wonders in the country. And doesn’t require a fee to enter. Offering visitors backcountry camping, gorgeous hikes, colorful meadows, snow-capped peaks, and glimmering lakes, it’s a must-visit spot in Washington state.
I’ve created the ultimate North Cascades National Park itinerary if you’d like to make a comprehensive plan. If you want the quick list, Diablo Lake Overlook, Heather Pass Maple Loop, Blue Lake, and Washington Pass Overlook should all be on your list of things to do on this road trip from Seattle.
If you’re traveling in October, make sure to check out the larch hikes located in the park. They make for absolutely stunning photos!
Pro tip: If you do the whole North Cascades Scenic Byway, you’ll end up in Mazama and Winthrop. So you can tack on Winthrop to the end of this trip too!
Seattle > Leavenworth
distance from Seattle: ~ 2.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: outdoor activities and wines
If you live in Seattle, heading to Leavenworth is a great way to spend a weekend. This Bavarian-themed town is best known for its quaint shopping and proximity to outdoor recreation activities like climbing, kayaking, fishing, and tons of hiking.
There’s also a ton of things to do in Leavenworth in winter, too. For example, it has some of the best cross country skiing in Washington. And is close to Stevens Pass for downhill skiing in winter.
You should take some time to hike to gorgeous Colchuck Lake or explore the stunning Lake Wenatchee State Park. When done, head back downtown to try the unique wines at one of the many Leavenworth tasting rooms.
If you’re looking for food, you should make time to visit the best restaurants in Leavenworth. While downtown Leavenworth has a lot of mediocre places to eat, there are a few gems all within close proximity to each other. So you can make a day of it doing your own food crawl.
Before heading back, drive 11 miles to the charming town of Cashmere for antiquing at Apple Annie’s, a spot of golf at the Cashmere Golf Course, and history at the Chelan County Museum and Pioneer Village, which contains over 13,000 Native American artifacts.
Seattle > Mt. Rainier National Park
distance from Seattle: ~ 2.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: nature walks and mountain panoramas
Mount Rainier never fails to take my breath away. And I love it so much that I’ve even created a guide to the ultimate Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle. This national park boasts over 240,000 acres of protected forest. And its central volcano is the 5th tallest peak in the US at 14,411 feet above sea level.
Most people visit the Paradise/Longmire area of the mountain. Once you arrive, head straight to Christine Falls before schlepping a short distance to Narada Falls. The Skyline Trail Loop is one of the most impressive hikes here. And it’s a 5.5-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1,450 feet.
If you have time, make the approximately 1.5 hour drive to the Sunrise area of the mountain, the tallest part you can drive up to. Once there, don’t miss the Fremont Lookout Trail accessed from the Sunrise Visitor Center for panoramas over the north side of the mountain. It’s one of the best hikes at Mt. Rainier.
Seattle > Mount St. Helens
distance from Seattle: ~3 hrs | driving directions | best for: hikes and spooky caves
Mount St. Helens is located inside the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to the south of Seattle. It’s one of the best road trips from Seattle for avid hikers. As you can opt for easy hikes that lead from Johnston Ridge Observatory or head to the active volcano area with a permit for a more challenging trek.
If you fancy navigating tricky switchbacks, the Lava Canyon Trail is an exciting pick that takes you across a narrow suspension bridge to a ribbon of pools and a cascading waterfall. If that’s closed or too tricky, check out the park map for other area trailheads.
Another prime spot near the mountain is Ape Caves. This place is the third-longest lava tube in North America. And you’ll head deep underground to explore the pitch-black forest floor and fascinating rock formations that lie underground.
Seattle > San Juan Islands
distance from Seattle: ~3 hrs and 15 mins | driving directions | best for: sea breezes and whale watching
The San Juan Islands are considered the best islands near Seattle. They consist of more than 170 islands in the Salish Sea. But the three islands most people visit are Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island itself. The rest of the islands are privately owned or super tiny with not much to do.
You can do the islands as a day trip from Seattle. But you’ll need to get up early to make it happen, as there’s just so much to cover! Therefore, I recommend making a couple days of it and hitting up as many islands as you can.
Pro tip: If you want to visit all 3 main San Juan Islands, start at the one farthest west and travel east, as you only pay for westbound trips from the mainland. The islands are listed below in that order to help save you money.
Note, you can only make vehicle reservations between Anacortes and the islands. Inter-island travel doesn’t accept them.
Anacortes
Anacortes on thee mainland is around 1.5 hours from Seattle. It’s the city you’ll drive to for your ferry departure. So stretch your legs before you leave by exploring the historic downtown area and getting lunch at Gere-a-Deli.
San Juan Island
San Juan Island is my favorite of the San Juan Islands. It’s the farthest west and actually almost became part of Canada! In 1872 there was the infamous “Pig War”, but it didn’t actually result in any fighting. Rather, it was more of a cold war caused by American settlers who killed one of the British settlers’ pigs.
The result was each side setting up military camps on opposite ends of the island and giving each other the stink eye. You can visit both camps today to experience not only history, but some breathtaking views.
English Camp is on the northwestern part of the island near Roche Harbor and the San Juan Island Sculpture Park (one of my favorite attractions). At the camp you can meander trails and peruse the English gardens before heading to lunch at Westcott Bay Shellfish. Afterwards, head to Lime Kiln State Park to see if you can spot orcas, as this island is the best for whale watching.
American Camp is on the southeastern part of the island and it’s also my personal favorite. It has the stunning South Beach, Jakle’s Lagoon, and Cattle Point Lighthouse, all great spots for easy and scenic walks.
Downtown Friday Harbor is where you’ll find most of the area’s best restaurants, along with shops and wineries. It’s also the departure point of many whale watching tours. Check out my full San Juan Island guide to get even more ideas of what to do.
Orcas Island
Orcas Island is considered by many to be the gem of this archipelago. When I first visited, I spent my time taking in the views from Mount Constitution (you can see across to Olympic National Park from here!), exploring the cascading falls in Moran State Park, and strolling through the quaint Eastsound Village for artisanal souvenirs and boutique shopping.
Foodies will want to make sure they stop at the Saturday farmers market, Orcas Island Winery, and Matia Kitchen (if you can snag a reservation!).
Check out my full guide to taking a day trip to Orcas Island from Seattle if you want even more ideas.
Lopez Island
This island is super relaxed, yet there’s still plenty of incredible things to do on Lopez Island. Plus it’s the friendliest, considering every single local will wave as they drive by and there are a ton of quaint honors-system farm stands at the end of people’s driveways.
If you’re only going to do one thing here, head to Point Colville. The views of the sea from this hike are incredible and give you undisturbed lookouts over the azure waters.
If you have time, Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Hill, and the tiny (but charming!) Lopez Village are all worth seeing. Don’t miss a meal at Ursa Minor, the best restaurant on the island and one of the restaurants worth the drive from Seattle.
Seattle > Wenatchee > Chelan > Winthrop
distance from Seattle: ~4.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: mountain scenery and vineyards
If you have time to extend your trip from Seattle to Leavenworth, continue onto Wenatchee, Chelan, and Winthrop for more breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and wineries.
wenatchee
Wenatchee is full of cute shops, nature hikes, delicious restaurants, and an impressive wine and beer scene. It’s also known as the Apple Capital of the world, so be sure to pick a few juicy ones if you’re here during fall! There are so many things to do in Wenatchee, so don’t be afraid to pad your itinerary if you’re not on a tight schedule.
Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan is one of my favorite wine regions in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll see a ton of vineyards lining the slopes of the breathtaking lake, which is one of the deepest in the world. Check out my guide to the best Lake Chelan wineries for my favorites. Then head to the best Chelan restaurants for meals between tastes.
Given, you know, the lake, there are some world-class fishing opportunities here too. You can also rent kayaks or standup paddle boards to experience the refreshing water during hot weather.
There are also many things to do in Lake Chelan in winter. Mission Ridge is my favorite cross-country skiing area in Washington. You can also go tubing here and there’s a small hill for beginning skiers and snowboarders.
Winthrop
Finally, you’ll reach the small town of Winthrop, which is known for its mountain scenery, incredible community vibe, and Wild West-themed downtown area lined with shops.
On your way here you’ll pass by Twisp. This is where all the best restaurants in Winthrop are, so make sure to stop for a much-needed bite.
Winthrop is a bit south of North Cascades National Park, so you can add it to this itinerary if you can’t make it from Seattle in the itinerary above. Note the park is closed in winter due to snowy road conditions, but there are plenty of other things to do in Winthrop in winter. In fact, it has the largest network of groomed cross-country skiing trails in North America and there’s a magical winter hot air balloon festival every March.
Seattle > Olympic Peninsula
distance from Seattle: ~4.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: beaches and rainforest hikes
No list of the best road trips from Seattle is complete without Olympic Peninsula as a destination. I go to to the peninsula every year when visit Seabrook, a quaint Washington coast town at the south of the state. I absolutely love the area and think you will too!
This itinerary takes you toward the north since most people want to visit the famous Olympic National Park. However, check out my guide to the best Washington coast cabins if you want to explore the southern shores.
Also, know that you can get to these locations via Bainbridge Island by driving over the Hood Canal Floating Bridge if you want to tack this onto the Bainbridge itinerary above.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is called “Little Norway” given its rich history and signature Scandinavian architecture. It makes the perfect starting stop for visiting the Olympic Peninsula.
Peruse the town’s many shops and make sure to stop at the famous Shuys Bakery for doughnuts. Then walk along Liberty Bay Waterfront Park before sipping at the many breweries or wineries.
For even more ideas, check out my guide on things to do in Poulsbo.
Port Ludlow
Port Ludlow is a good stop when visiting the Olympic Peninsula. There are a ton of trails in the area to explore by foot or bike.
On your way to Port Townsend, make stops along the Olympic Peninsula cider route for tastings at cideries using home-grown apples. Depending on the day you’re traveling, there are also farmers markets worth stopping at.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a historic Victorian town nestled right on the water. You’ll love the colorful architectural areas of the downtown area, as well as all the cute shops to pop into. You can also visit the Jefferson Historical Society to learn more about the area’s past.
One of the things you must do in Port Townsend is visit Fort Worden State Park. It’s right on the water and offers a bunch of walking trails and beach views. However, the crown jewel is the haunting battery forts that you can walk inside (if you dare, it’s quite dark!).
The batteries were created in the late 1800s/early 1900s as part of the “Triangle of Fire” defense strategy. In fact, you can visit nearby Fort Flagler State Park to see another one of these forts positioned to defend the mouth of the Puget Sound.
On your way to Sequim, keep an eye out for the Olympic Peninsual winery trail.
Sequim
If you’re visiting in July and August, a stop in Sequim is a must to visit one of the many lavender farms during the annual Lavender Festival.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles is considered the gateway to the Olympic National Park given its prime proximity. Use it as a home base for exploring the famous Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and Lake Crescent area. You can also visit the most northern tip of Washington state, Cape Flattery.
You can also tack on Victoria, BC if you want to take the privately-run ferry between Port Angeles and Victoria.
Forks
Forks may sound familiar thanks to a little book and movie franchise called Twilight. They have a ton of cheeky references to the movies, including full-sized cutouts of Bella, Edward, and Jacob throughout town, but the main draw is the proximity to some of the best Washington coast attractions.
Some of my favorite stops along the coast are Cape Alava, Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and Kalaloch Beach, where there’s an impressive “tree of life” growing over a crevasse. Always check the tides before visiting Washington coast beaches, as it’s not unheard of getting stuck along a path that’s overtaken by water.
Seattle > Yakima > Walla Walla
distance from Seattle: ~4.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: wineries
This is one of the best road trips from Seattle for all the wine connoisseurs out there, as it stops at in two wine regions perfect for tasting the best Washington wines.
Yakima
No trip to Yakima is complete without exploring the area wineries. There are hundreds in Yakima proper and the nearby towns dotting the road toward the Tri-Cities, but two of my favorites are Paradisos del Sol Winery and Gilbert Cellars.
Besides wine, Yakima is the place to be for museums, orchards, and outdoor activities. Spend hours hiking the Cowiche Canyon Trail and Yakima River Canyon which offered unbeatable views of the water below.
While you’re here, don’t miss the Yakima Area Arboretum which is tucked away between I-82 and Highway 24.
Food wise, don’t miss Los Hernández Tamales, Crafted, and Taqueria la Plazita.
Once you pass Yakima toward Walla Walla, you’ll start passing a ton of smaller towns with tasting rooms and some of the best wine country hotels in Washington. Use these towns as a home base for exploring some of the best Yakima wineries before continuing onto Walla Walla.
Walla Walla
You’ll end this trip at Walla Walla, which is one of my all-time favorite areas for delicious wines. As the entire region spans more than 2,000 acres, I’ve written a comprehensive guide to the Walla Walla wineries to help you navigate this place.
Seattle > Spokane
distance from Seattle: ~4.5 hrs without stops, ~6.5 hrs with | driving directions | best for: small-town charm and natural wonders
If you’re on the hunt for the best road trips from Seattle that are on the longer side, then the Seattle to Spokane route is for you. This road trip features several stops, which allows drivers to take regular breaks along the nearly 300-mile journey.
Don’t have time for all these stops? Cut the journey short and visit the destinations as far as you have the time to travel!
Cle Elum/Roslyn/Ellensburg
The first places you’ll hit on this road trip are the charming towns of Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ellensburg.
Cle Elum is a small town approximately 96 miles from Seattle. Here you can visit the Swiftwater Cellars for New American fare and 509 Bake House for some of the most delicious cookies, lemon bars, and macarons you’ll ever taste. If you want to stay the night, book the gorgeous Suncadia Resort.
Roslyn is 3.5 miles away from Cle Elum. This tiny town is home to just under 3,000 people and boasts an impressive Historical Museum, a Heritage Distillery, and the sprawling Old Westbury Gardens which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also perfectly acceptable to just enjoy moseying along the quaint downtown streets and friendly atmosphere.
Ellensburg is 28 miles past Roslyn. This small town in eastern Washington is best known for its annual Labor Day Rodeo, but it also boasts several free museums, historic buildings, and a collection of impressive street art. Before leaving, don’t forget to take a photo with the famous Ellensburg Bull!
Palouse Falls
Once you’ve covered the holy trinity of Washington’s small towns about a third of the way from Seattle to Spokane, drive 130 miles to the cascading Palouse Falls.
You can spend an entire day trekking through Palouse Falls State Park, but travelers that are short on time can drive directly to the falls to take in this impressive natural wonder.
The waterfall itself is 200 feet high and you’ll need a Discover Pass to enter the park. There’s a marked path that offers an excellent view, and you can park in the area right around the falls which lets you make this attraction a quick pitstop before zipping off to Spokane.
Spokane
The final stop on this road trip from Seattle is Spokane, which is around 103 miles from Palouse Falls. When you get here, expect to be met with plenty of Native American heritage, art, culture, and of course, the tumbling Spokane Falls!
If you’d like to explore Spokane like a local, visit Riverfront Park and bike between urban wineries in the famous “Cork District”.
Seattle > Portland > Columbia River Gorge
distance from Seattle: ~4.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: food and waterfalls
Vancouver, WA
Most people think of Canada when they hear Vancouver, but locals know this is also a quaint town near the Washington-Oregon border. It’s the perfect jumping off point if you want to explore only the Washington-side of the Columbia River Gorge, but it also makes for a good pit stop before heading into Oregon.
There are so many things to do in Vancouver, WA. To start, meander the Vancouver Waterfront in the heart of the city. Then head into downtown to peruse the various boutique shops and public art displays. Afterwards, go on a crawl among the area’s many breweries and wineries.
History buffs will love Fort Vancouver with its walking trails, gardens, and historic village. Nearby is Officers Row, a series of restored 19th century homes that you can enjoy on a self-guided tour.
Portland
A short drive from Vancouver, WA is Portland, one of the best food cities in the US. I put together what I consider a perfect Portland itinerary but here are some activities not to miss.
Work up an appetite by exploring the many shops and boutiques in downtown Portland. If it’s a Saturday, head to the PSU Farmers Market, too. Once you finish downtown, make the rounds at my favorite vintage shops: Vintage Pink, Monticello Antique Marketplace, and Urbanite.
From there, head to one of the many PDX food pods for lunch (food crawl encouraged). I map out my favorites in my post on fun places to eat in Portland, Oregon.
Round out your trip by visiting Washington Park, the largest park in the city. Head to the arboretum to see Redwood trees (yes, the big red ones in California). Then check out the Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden to be inspired for your own backyard landscaping. If you have time, you can walk the Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion for beautiful views of PDX and Mt. Hood in the distance.
Columbia River Gorge
Oh how I love the Columbia River Gorge. It’s not exactly a town, but rather a strip of scenic highway that goes along either side of the canyon that splits the Oregon and Washington state border. It’s one of the best road trips from Seattle for sure, but it makes a lovely day trip from Portland as well.
I have a very extensive guide on everything you need to know about visiting Columbia River Gorge that I encourage you to read. I also put together the perfect Columbia River Gorge itinerary, which you can follow to a tee, or create your own using my Columbia River Gorge waterfalls map.
You’ll make your way from Portland to Hood River while exploring the Gorge. Once in Hood River, check out the area breweries and visit my favorite Columbia River Gorge wineries.
Seattle > Oregon Coast
distance from Seattle: ~4 hrs | driving directions | best for: coastal views
With its rolling dunes, perfectly maintained state parks, and views of the Pacific Ocean that stretch way out into the distance, this is one of the best road trips from Seattle for aesthetes.
Astoria
Start your adventure in Astoria, which you’ll pass through on your way to the coast. There’s a lot to love about this small seaside town, but the thing that stuck with me was the ridiculously good ice cream from Frites & Scoops. They serve up wacky flavors like hokey pokey honey toffee in traditional Norwegian krumkake cones.
Don’t miss nearby Fort Stevens State Park to see the Wreck of the Peter Iredale. It’s a real-life shipwreck right on the shore that makes for gorgeous photos.
Cannon Beach
Next head to Cannon Beach, which is a great destination for staying a few nights to explore the north Oregon coast. There are a ton of things to do near Cannon Beach, one of the most important being taking a picture of the enormous Haystack Rock looming just off the beach.
Another stop not to miss is Ecola State Park. There are a ton of walking trails and breathtaking views of the coastline dotted with sea stacks.
Seattle > Victoria, BC
distance from Seattle: ~3 – 4.5 hours via ferry | driving directions | best for: historic buildings and great food
There are tons of fun things to do in Victoria, regardless of when you choose to visit. Located on Vancouver Island, you can get to the city via the private ferry in Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula. Or you can take the Clipper directly from Seattle to get there in under 3 hours.
Once there, you can spend an entire weekend exploring the charming downtown area’s Victorian buildings, wandering through Butchart Gardens, and strolling through Canada’s oldest Chinatown for souvenirs.
Aside from the incredibly unique things to do in Victoria, the city is also home to seriously good restaurants. When I visited, I was so blown away by the eateries here, that I wrote an entire foodie-focused guide on the place!
Seattle > Willamette Valley > Eugene, OR
distance from Seattle: ~ 6 hrs | driving directions | best for: wine, beer, and biking
You’ll be passing through Portland to make your way here, so add on Portland to this itinerary instead if you can’t make it during your trip to the Columbia River Gorge.
Willamette Valley
Don’t tell Washington wineries, but the Willamette Valley might be my favorite wine region in the PNW. It’s a sprawling area that starts less than an hour outside of Portland and then extends all the way to Eugene.
There are a bunch of AVAs and towns within it, all of which would be impossible to explore during one trip, but I’ve tried to make it easier for you by mapping out the best Willamette Valley wineries. I also have a list of the best Willamette Valley restaurants for between tastings.
Eugene
Eugene is a cool college town that’s the perfect jumping off point for exploring the lower Willamette Valley wineries and area hikes. It’s a very bikeable city, with a ton of paved trails and few hills. You’ll probably want to book a room at one of the best boutique hotels in Eugene so you can explore it all!
5th Street Public Market is one of the best things do in Eugene. It’s an indoor-outdoor market with a ton of area boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and wineries. If it’s a Saturday, the Lane County Farmers Market will be going on nearby. Then go to Alton Baker Park to walk and bike the paved trails.
Seattle > Mt. Hood > Bend, OR
distance from Seattle: ~ 6 hrs | driving direction | best for: skiing, biking, and scenic views
For one of the best road trips from Seattle that will clock up some serious miles, travel south on I-5 through Portland and east toward Central Oregon.
Mount Hood
The first place you stop on this road trip will be Mt. Hood, which is home to several of the most popular skiing spots near Oregon. There are 4 different areas for skiing here, but you can also visit during the summertime for mountain biking, camping, and day hikes to Trillium Lake and Mirror Lake.
Bend
After a few hours of driving, your road trip will end in Bend. This small city is regarded for its world-class river activities, scenic mountain vistas, and pristine trails. It also has a pretty serious brewery and food trail scene. My favorites of which I shared in this post on Instagram.
While you’re in the area, take time to explore Tumalo Falls, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and the High Desert Museum for a glimpse into the lives of early settlers.
A bit north of Bend toward Mt. Hood is Smith Rock State Park. Stop here for cool rock formations and hiking trails for all skill levels.
Seattle > Vancouver > Whistler, BC
distance from Seattle: ~ 4.5 hrs | driving directions | best for: experiencing Canada and skiing
If you want one of the best road trips from Seattle for visiting Canada, head to Whistler via Vancouver. This route doesn’t take long to drive and covers a couple of British Columbia’s finest cities. However, I put it toward the end of this list of the best road trips from Seattle because it can take closer to 5.5 or 6 hours depending on how long it takes you at the border crossing (though I’ve rarely waiting that long!).
Vancouver, BC
Your first stop on this road trip from Seattle will be Vancouver, which is known for blending metropolitan living with unmatched natural beauty. While there are so many awesome things to do in Vancouver, I always try to stroll through the 400-hectare Stanley Park, hit the cobbled streets of Gastown, and walk along the Seawall.
Whistler, BC
When you’re done in Vancouver, hop on BC-99 north to reach the charming skiing town of Whistler. This place is a serious winter wonderland and is home to a few of the largest ski resorts in North America. It’s also open in summer for hiking and biking if you’d prefer to visit when it’s warm.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Whistler, I have a whole guide to navigating where to eat in the touristy mountain village.
More Seattle trip ideas
Whew, that was a lot! Once you make your way through these best road trips form Seattle, check out these other destinations for even more adventures.
- 35 Best Hiking Spots in Seattle
- Where to Go Glamping in Washington
- Edmonds Restaurants Worth the Trip from Seattle
Get help planning a trip
Want help flushing out your best road trips from Seattle itinerary? Hire me to create you a custom travel plan so all you have to do is show up to the adventure.
