AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

The scenic side
of Washington.

Named routes to browse, photographs to inspire, and practical notes for the drive.
Woman looking at Wenatchee Valley from the Wenatchee Foothills · Public Domain. Cascade Loop Foundation · Photo credits
PICK A ROAD. MAKE A MEMORY.

Scenic routes to explore

10 route & road-trip ideas

Washington

Cascade Loop

National Scenic Byway

The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway delivers a smorgasbord of scenic views and unique experiences that cannot be experienced anywhere else. The Cascade Loop carries travelers through 440 miles of scenic wilderness, sweeping views, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Guests traverse misty, emerald green forestland, towering jagged alpine peaks, the steely blue waters of the Puget Sound, the immense Columbia River, and acres upon acres of orchards, vineyards, and farmlands. The Cascade Loop is seen as “the great American road trip”– a place to experience environments and activities that truly define Washington State and the Pacific northwest.

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Washington

Chinook Scenic Byway

All-American Road

Travel the glacier-fed White River from Enumclaw, over Chinook Pass, to the fertile valley of Naches. Spectacular views of Mount Rainier, dense forests, towering peaks, rocky ridges, and river canyons dominate this journey. Pass by the unique basalt flows of the Columbia Plateau, lush sub-alpine meadows, and waterfalls.

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Washington

Columbia River Gorge · Washington Shore

Scenic drive idea

The Columbia’s Washington shore offers a different perspective on the gorge, with broad river views and small towns along the way. Select a segment that fits your day and allow for the spacing of river crossings.

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Washington

Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway

National Scenic Byway

Meander through ancient coulees and imagine walls of water hundreds of feet deep churning the rocks and soil, gouging these now dry canyons, leaving behind erratic rocks of all sizes and types as silent artifacts of roaring torrents. Observe a jewel-like lake, where mule deer and Peregrine Falcons live nearby.

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Idaho · Washington

International Selkirk Loop · U.S. Portions

All-American Road

Explore the northern Idaho and northeastern Washington portions of the Selkirk region, with mountain, lake and river scenery. This directory covers U.S. road-trip ideas only; the complete international loop also enters Canada.

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Washington

Mountains to Sound Greenway - I-90

National Scenic Byway

Drive east from Seattle on I-90 through pastoral valleys, lush forests and a dramatic mountain landscape. Visit historic towns and scenic spots for forest walks or challenging hikes. Cross the Cascades into a drier climate where coal mining built pioneer towns on the way to the Columbia River.

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California · Oregon · Washington

Pacific Coast Road Trip · USA

Scenic drive idea

Build a U.S. coastal journey from California’s cliffside roads through Oregon’s seaside towns to Washington’s coastal and Olympic Peninsula areas. These are connected travel regions, not a promise of one uninterrupted oceanfront highway.

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Washington

Stevens Pass Greenway

National Scenic Byway

Follow the thundering Skykomish River from pastoral Puget Sound through the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains. At Stevens Pass the byway descends sharply to the fragrant pine forests and fruit orchards of the Wenatchee River Valley. Historic communities shaped by the rugged landscape share their stories and their hospitality.

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Washington

Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway - SR 112

National Scenic Byway

Travelers on the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway are in the most northwest point of the mainland. Catch glimpses of eagles diving, gray whales spouting, or otters splashing. Walk, bike, boat, or kayak to explore the wild shoreline or forests, fish for salmon, or learn about Native American cultures.

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Washington

White Pass Scenic Byway

National Scenic Byway

Enjoy outdoor recreation in any season on the versatile White Pass Scenic Byway. Its astounding beauty and eclectic style will keep you coming back for years.

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Multistate routes appear in each relevant state. Some entries describe a byway, others a selected stretch or a broader road trip; routes can overlap.