7 Scenic Drives in Washington

📍 Location: Washington
📂 Type: Scenic Drives / Road Trips

Why it’s on our list:
A running list of scenic Washington drives worth exploring for future day trips, long weekends, and road trip inspiration.

🚗 Scenic Drives to Explore

1. Hood Canal Loop

🗺 Directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hood+Canal+Loop+Washington

Highlights:

• Waterfront views
• Small towns
• Forest + mountain scenery

Best for:

• Relaxed full-day drive
• Food stops + scenic pull-offs

2. Spokane River Loop

🗺 Directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Spokane+River+Loop+Washington

Highlights:

• River views
• Inland landscapes
• Eastern Washington scenery

Best for:

• Exploring eastern Washington
• Scenic river driving

3. Olympic Peninsula Loop

🗺 Directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Olympic+Peninsula+Loop+Washington

Highlights:

• Coastline
• Rainforests
• Beaches + lakes

Best for:

• 2–3 day trips
• Olympic National Park exploration

4. North Cascades Highway

🗺 Directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=North+Cascades+Highway

Highlights:

• Mountain passes
• Diablo Lake
• Alpine scenery

Best for:

• Summer/fall drives
• Big mountain views

5. Sherman Pass Scenic Byway

🗺 Directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sherman+Pass+Scenic+Byway

Highlights:

• High elevation mountain pass
• Northeastern Washington
• Less traveled route

Best for:

• More remote scenic driving

6. Palouse Country

🗺 Directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Palouse+Scenic+Byway+Washington

Highlights:

• Rolling farmland
• Rural towns
• Unique eastern WA landscape

Best for:

• Spring/summer drives
• Photography

7. Horseshoe Highway – Orcas Island

🗺 Directions:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Horseshoe+Highway+Orcas+Island

Highlights:

• Island scenery
• Shoreline views
• Rural roads

Best for:

• Orcas Island trip add-on
• Slower scenic driving

💡 Notes

• Some are better seasonally (summer/fall)
• Great for building future trips around routes instead of single stops
• Good opportunities to pair with food, lodging, or hikes

👥 Who This Is For

• Road trip lovers
• Scenic day trips
• Couples
• Flexible explorers

🏁 Status: WANT-TO-GO 🟡

“A running list of scenic Washington drives worth planning future trips around.”