Best Road Trips From Seattle

🚗 790 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 30 minutes

To give you an idea of its sheer size, Yellowstone National Park is 2.2 million acres! In this expansive national park, there are a few highlights that you cannot miss, including walking along the Upper Geyser Basin and watching the iconic Old Faithful geyser erupt.

This drive from Seattle will take you past stunning scenery, such as Snoqualmie Falls, the pretty town of Spokane and Coeur d'Alene - and that's even before you arrive in Yellowstone!

🚗 860 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

The drive from Seattle to stunning Lake Tahoe will allow you to discover the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain views of this magical place. Lake Tahoe offers year-round outdoor activities, from skiing to kayaking.

Some of the amazing places you can visit on this route include Portland, Deschutes River State Recreation Area near Bend, Crater Lake National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Thanks to its diverse population, top-notch food scene, incredibly picturesque setting and countless other factors, Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Here, you can go shopping on Robson Street and sample the local fare at a trendy restaurant.

This is a relatively short drive perfect for a day trip. If you want a longer adventure, you can also stop by Imagine Children's Museum in Everett, Mount Vernon and Whatcom Museum in Bellingham en route.

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Spending a day in the Olympic National Park is a little bit like visiting multiple countries all at once. Amazingly, you'll find alpine mountain ranges next to pebbly beaches, as well as one of the largest temperate rain forests in the US.

This is a stunningly scenic circular road trip that will take you past the coastal scenery in Port Angeles, Lake Crescent,Ruby Beach and Quinault among other beautiful places.

🚗 940 miles ⏱️ 20 hours, 30 minutes

The beautiful Pacific Coast city of San Francisco is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, wonky streets and amazing food scene with its farm-to-table movement. Don't forget to explore the diverse neighborhoods and stunning bay views.

You will be treated one incredible scenery after another in Astoria, Cannon Beach, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and Mendocino en route.

🚗 1,080 miles ⏱️ 16 hours, 50 minutes

Moab is a haven for adventurers. The town is a stone's throw from Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, where you can admire the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy activities like biking, rafting, and rock climbing in this outdoor playground.

This drive is dotted with scenic towns and iconic cities you can visit en route such as Yakima, Boise, Twin Falls and Salt Lake City.

🚗 730 miles ⏱️ 13 hours

Mendocino is a beautiful coastal hamlet famous for its impossibly stunning cliff-side trails, sprawling parks, world-class restaurants and alluringly tranquil charm. For a truly memorable holiday, make yourself at home in one of the luxurious resorts by the sea.

On this beautiful drive, you will first travel inland through Portland and Salem and then hit the beautiful Pacific Coast to visit pretty towns like Crescent City and the majestic Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

🚗 550 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

Roaring rivers, dramatic mountain peaks, the world's only inland cedar rainforest… These are just some of the reasons to go on a road trip from Seattle to the spectacular Glacier National Park in Montana. Make sure to enjoy a scenic drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

This road trip will be a stunningly scenic experience with the unusual landscape of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, pretty towns Spokane and Coeur D'Alene as well as lakeside Bigfork en route.

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

This wild archipelago is made up of about 172 islands and reefs, four of which are accessible by passenger ferry. The most popular destinations are San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island, each of which has its own distinct selling points and character.

On your way to the islands on this relatively short drive, you can make a stop in Everett to visit Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens and Imagine Children's Museum.

🚗 60 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Mt Rainier National Park is centered around the majestic Mount Rainier and is a great destination for hikers and outdoor adventurers who are drawn to its well-marked walking trails and breathtaking fields of wildflowers.

If you love arts and design, we recommend taking some extra time to visit the Museum of Glass in Tacoma and Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park en route.

🚗 40 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Wine connoisseurs and nature lovers alike will delight in Whidbey Island, a picturesque glacier-formed stretch of land in the middle of Puget Sound. Discover the charm of Whidbey Island with its historic sites, local arts, and picturesque beaches.

This short drive will take you out of the city and almost directly onto the island, but don't miss out on visiting the fascinating Boeing Future of Flight on the way.

🚗 30 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

The roaring force of Snoqualmie Falls is a truly spectacular sight to behold, producing a sound that's somehow deafening and peaceful at the same time. Make a day of it by bringing along a picnic and having lunch al fresco.

Just before reaching Snoqualmie Falls, you can make a scenic detour to the beautiful Tiger Mountain State Forest to make the most of this road trip.

🚗 435 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 20 minutes

The stunning oceanside heaven of Cannon Beach is famous for its dramatic coastline over the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Haystack Rock. Here, you can enjoy the quaint town atmosphere and scenic beach walks.

This beautiful drive will take you around the Olympic Peninsula where you can visit the stunning Olympic National Park and Astoria before reaching Cannon Beach.

🚗 685 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 20 minutes

Venture from Seattle to Calgary for a mix of urban fun and stunning natural beauty. This pretty city is the perfect gateway to the Canadian Rockies and host to the famous Calgary Stampede.

En route, you can detour to Vancouver, visit the cute town of Kamloops and spend some time in the gorgeous scenery of Yoho and Banff National Parks.

🚗 800 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 50 minutes

One of the world's best-known wine regions, Napa Valley, is home to exquisite vineyards and produces world-class wines. This renowned wine country also offers luxurious spas and gourmet dining amidst rolling hills.

On your way to the fabulous vineyards of Napa Valley, you can also make stops in Portland, Salem, Eugene and beautiful Mount Shasta.

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Portland is known for its artsy population, culinary prowess and quirky charm - three fantastic reasons to take a road trip here. The city's unofficial slogan is 'Keep Portland weird,' so there's obviously no shortage of cool and offbeat activities to do here.

On the way, you will get to spend some time in Tacoma and Olympia, as well as get the opportunity to detour to Olympic National Park and Mt St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

🚗 500 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

The Redwood National and State Parks are a great place to stop and get out for a walk in nature. Look up and admire the sky shining through the branches of the tallest trees on earth and try to see if you spot any wildlife while here.

Before you reach the Pacific Coast in California, you can visit Olympia, Portland, Salem and Eugene. Once you are on the shore, don't forget to visit Crescent City.

🚗 340 miles ⏱️ 6 hours

Head to Bend, Oregon for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You will enjoy a colorful arts scene, craft breweries, and numerous outdoor activities like hiking and skiing here.

If you have a little extra time, we recommend spending it in Olympia and Portland, both great cities to explore, on the way. You can even make a detour to Mt Hood National Forest on the way.

🚗 1,130 miles ⏱️ 17 hours, 40 minutes

If you are looking for an outdoorsy break, discover the unique geological structures of Bryce Canyon National Park and explore its vast amphitheaters. You can also hike the hoodoo-filled landscapes, and enjoy stunning vistas from Sunrise to Sunset Point.

En route, other amazing places to visit include scenic Yakima and Boise, as well as the urban hub of Salt Lake City. If you have more time you can extend your visit to explore Zion National Park nearby as well.

🚗 800 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 30 minutes

Boise is the vibrant capital of Idaho, known for its rich history, arts scene, and being located on the doorstep of amazing outdoor activities. Discover the lively downtown, riverfront parks, and nearby mountains.

On this sizeable road trip, you can also spend some time in Portland and Salem as well as visit Silver Falls State Park and the cool city of Eugene.

🚗 725 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 30 minutes

There are only a few places as magically scenic as Banff, nestled in the stunning Canadian Rockies. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Banff is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

En route, take some time to explore the magical landscape of North Cascades National Park, relax in Fairmont Hot Springs and enjoy a hike or two in Kootenay National Park.

🚗 340 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 10 minutes

There are many reasons to visit Spokane such as its outdoor appeal, historical sites, and cultural institutions. This city is home to beautiful parks, art galleries, and a scenic river running through its heart, a perfect adventure for a long weekend!

This drive will take you past the cute Bavarian village of Leavenworth and the beautiful scenery of Lake Chelan.

🚗 590 miles ⏱️ 12 hours

If you want to venture a little bit inland, take advantage of the wild beauty of Crater Lake National Park, in the southern part of Oregon. This park is known for its stunning blue color and scenic views.

Hugging the Pacific Coast, you can visit the beautiful oceanside towns of Cannon Beach, Newport and Coos Bay for a swim and a meal before heading inland.

🚗 830 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

Drive to California's Sonoma Coast, a Pacific Northwest favorite, to enjoy its stunning ocean vistas, rugged cliffs, and secluded beaches. Explore the local wineries and enjoy the region's gourmet food offerings.

Some of the great places we recommend visiting en route are Portland, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg and beautiful coastal town of Mendocino.

🚗 310 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

This little city on Lake Coeur is the perfect blend of small town charm and rugged nature. In the summer, the area is a natural playground, with cycling, golfing, fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding.

On your way, admire the scenery of Snoqualmie Pass, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and spend some time in Spokane.

🚗 180 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

North Cascades National Park is a massive wilderness of peaks, glaciers and forests, with nothing around but wildlife and a few backpacking trails. Lake Chelan will also wow you with its peaceful beauty.

On your way to North Cascades, you can make a stop at Ladder Creek Falls and then once you are done exploring the national park, you can admire the views of Chelan Gorge before you reach the lake.

🚗 260 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

With a rich history, a calendar full of lively cultural events, and more than 100 wineries, this area is like Washington state's very own Napa Valley. Head into Walla Walla City to take advantage of the charming shops, attractions, and restaurants.

There are plenty of new places to discover on this drive, such as Yakima, Hanford Reach National Monument and the curious REACH Museum in Kennewick.

🚗 220 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 40 minutes

Whistler is a beautiful ski town with a pedestrian-only village. Some of the activities you can get stuck into include skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking, zip-lining, hiking and kayaking in the warmer months.

Before you reach your destination, take some time to explore the urban hustle of Vancouver and the scenic views on the Sea-to-Sky Highway through Squamish.

🚗 120 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

This romantic and delightfully kitschy mountain town was modeled after a traditional Bavarian village, and it has all the fixings to go with it - we're talking pretzel shops, breweries, and a lovely Bavarian Lodge.

This is a relatively short road trip, so you can extend your adventure to also visit Snoqualmie Falls, Keechelus Lake and Peshastin Pinnacles State Park en route.

🚗 180 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

The Columbia River Gorge is so unbelievably beautiful, in fact, that it looks more like a painting than a real-life place. And yet, this stunning canyon is very much real, and it's the perfect spot to spend a weekend.

En route, we recommend not hurrying to your destination and exploring Tacoma, Olympia and the colorful city of Portland.

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

With miles of sand and waves, Long Beach certainly does live up to its name. This lovely community southwest of Seattle is a classic destination on the Highway 101, which runs all along the West Coast of the US.

As you drive from Elliott Bay to the expansive shores of the Pacific Ocean, you can also visit Tacoma, Olympia and Lake Sylvia State Park.

🚗 130 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Westport sits on a peninsula overlooking Grays Harbor, just southwest of Seattle. With its quaint charm and laid-back surfing culture, it makes for a great escape. Plus, it's a haven for seafood lovers on the hunt for the freshest catch.

If you are looking for some urban fun before you hit the waves, you can also visit the Museum of Glass in Tacoma and the Downtown Historic District in Olympia.

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Not only is Ellensburg home to one of the top 10 rodeos in the whole country, but the entire downtown looks like an old Wild West set. Step back in time with a wander down the historic streets, lined with 19th-century buildings.

The beautiful landscapes we highly recommend visiting en route are Tiger Mountain State Forest, Snoqualmie Falls and Keechelus Lake.