Day Trips from Seattle
← All Seattle day tripsDay Trips from Seattle: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Seattle, WA. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near Seattle
Overlook I
Des Moines, WA 98198
Just 25 min from Seattle, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Park Butte Lookout
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Just 2 hrs 13 min from Seattle, rated 4.9 stars by 123 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
View Point Bow WA
WA 98232, USA
Just 1 hr 20 min from Seattle, rated 4.8 stars by 145 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Chinook Scenic Byway
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Just 54 min from Seattle, rated 4.8 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Twin Sisters Viewpoint
Acme, WA 98220
Just 1 hr 28 min from Seattle, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic Overlook of the Columbia River
Quincy, WA 98848
Just 2 hrs 18 min from Seattle, rated 4.8 stars by 3,420 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Valley Overlook-Lake Serene Trail
Index, WA 98251
Just 1 hr 19 min from Seattle, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Mt. Walker Viewpoint
Brinnon, WA 98320
Just 2 hrs 13 min from Seattle, rated 4.8 stars by 400 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Elk Rock Viewpoint
Toutle, WA 98649
Just 2 hrs 23 min from Seattle, rated 4.8 stars by 491 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Riffe Lake View Point
Morton, WA 98356
Just 1 hr 58 min from Seattle, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Alder Dam Viewpoint
Eatonville, WA 98328
Just 1 hr 31 min from Seattle, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Skookum Falls Viewpoint
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Just 1 hr 25 min from Seattle, rated 4.6 stars by 439 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Seattle
What are the best scenic drives near Seattle, WA?
The best scenic drives near Seattle include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from Seattle?
Most scenic drives near Seattle range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Seattle?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Seattle, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from Seattle?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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