Scenic Drives Around Seattle

Seattle, nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, is surrounded by natural beauty that makes for some of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're looking for a short drive to escape the city, a picturesque route that showcases the stunning landscapes, or a longer journey that takes you through diverse natural wonders, Seattle has it all. Here are some recommended scenic drives, each offering its own unique experience.

Chuckanut Drive

• Overview: Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11) is a 21-mile drive that offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Starting just north of Burlington and winding down to Bellingham, this drive takes you through lush forests and along the rocky coastline. It's especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage changes color.
• Interesting Facts: Chuckanut Drive is the only place along the U.S. West Coast where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea. This route was originally part of the Pacific Highway, the first north-south road on the West Coast.
• Visitor Information:
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather and fall for the foliage.
  • Local Knowledge: Stop at the viewpoints and consider a detour to Larrabee State Park for a picnic or a hike.
  • Directions from Seattle: It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the southern end of Chuckanut Drive from Seattle. Head north on I-5, take exit 231, and follow signs to State Route 11/Chuckanut Drive.

Mount Rainier National Park Loop

• Overview: This longer drive takes you through diverse landscapes around Mount Rainier National Park. Covering about 150 miles, you can start this loop from various points, but a common route is to head south from Seattle to the Nisqually Entrance of the park and circle around the mountain, taking in forests, waterfalls, and meadows.
• Interesting Facts: Mount Rainier is an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S., feeding six major rivers.
• Visitor Information:
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for access to all areas of the park.
  • Local Knowledge: The Paradise area on the south side of the park is a must-visit for its wildflower meadows and views of Rainier.
  • Directions from Seattle: The Nisqually Entrance is about a 2-hour drive from Seattle. Take I-5 South to WA-7 South, then follow WA-706 East to the park entrance.

Olympic Peninsula Loop

• Overview: The Olympic Peninsula offers a longer but incredibly varied scenic drive, looping around the Olympic National Park. This 330-mile loop takes you from the rugged Pacific coastline through the temperate rainforests and up to the alpine heights of Hurricane Ridge.
• Interesting Facts: The Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing diverse ecosystems within a relatively small area.
• Visitor Information:
  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though some areas may be inaccessible in winter due to snow.
  • Local Knowledge: Don't miss the Hoh Rainforest and the scenic beaches like Ruby Beach.
  • Directions from Seattle: The loop can begin by taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island or Kingston, then driving to Port Angeles to start the loop around the park.

These scenic drives offer just a glimpse into the natural beauty surrounding Seattle. Each route provides its own unique set of sights, sounds, and experiences, making them perfect for day trips or longer explorations of the Pacific Northwest.