Scenic Byways

Experience the diversity of our state: the history of the Indian Tribes, the beauty of the Columbia River, the emerging wine industry, the majestic forests, the vibrant tulips, the mystique of our mountains and the freshness of our produce. These distinct Washington environments have one great thing in common: an abundance of beauty that makes you look forward to every turn in the road.

Make tracks and make memories ... take some time to discover what makes Washington special to you.

For more planning and trip ideas check out our new Washington State Scenic Byways and Road Trips Guide.

Washington’s 25 Scenic Byways

1. Cape Flattery  - Cape Flattery occupies America's northernmost point, and is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful spots on the Makah Indian Reservation.
2. Cascade Loop - National Geographic Traveler describes the Cascade Loop as "one of America's grandest, most spectacular drives."
3. Cascade Valleys - This route along SR-202 follows the Snoqualmie River and was once a primary Native American footpath between Puget Sound and Snoqualmie Pass.
4. Chinook Pass - Dominated by majestic Mt. Rainier at every turn, this All American Road traces the historic Naches Trail trading route between Enumclaw and Naches.
5. Chuckanut Drive - This unforgettable name marks an even more unforgettable 21 miles of winding seaside road presenting spectacular views, state parks, great hiking trails and some of the best oysters in the state.
6. Columbia River Gorge - Known as Lewis and Clark's gateway to the Pacific, the 80-mile long abyss features stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, lavish vineyards and over 40 million years of history.
7. Coulee Corridor - The 150-mile byway connecting Othello and the Grand Coulee is home to thousands of wildlife species, museums, five state parks and a national recreational area.
8. International Selkirk Loop - Marvel at the awesome beauty around every corner of the International Selkirt Loop, a 450 km/280-mile scenic drive encircling the spectacular Selkirk Mountains in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and southeastern British Columbia.
9. Lewis and Clark Trail - Travelers can retrace the steps of two famous explorers, Lewis & Clark, on their quest for the Pacific along the magnificent Columbia River, along the Lewis and Clark Trail scenic byway.
10. Mt. Baker - While you're ascending an active volcano you'll enjoy spectacular scenery ranging from dense rainforests and spectacular waterfalls to the rugged peaks of the North Cascades.
11. Mountains to Sound Greenway - Stretching along Interstate-90 from Seattle and the Puget Sound to the high desert of central Washington is one of the most spectacular journeys in the Pacific Northwest.
12. North Cascades - Arguably one of the most scenic routes in the United States, Highway 20's ascent from the remote high desert of the Methow Valley brings the craggy peaks of the North Cascades into sharper view.
13. North Pend Oreille - Covering the northeast corner of the state, the byway brings travelers through a land of remote mountain ranges, bootlegger's caves and 2000-year old cedars.
14. Okanogan - Through a region of rolling hills and prairies, thick forests and granite canyons, the Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway follows the Native American's Cariboo Trail.
15. Pacific Coast - This 360-mile route along the dramatic Washington State coastline features the longest natural beach in the United States, the best place to storm watch and rain forests with record-sized trees.
16. Palouse - Mount up in your modern covered wagon and see an ocean of green rolling hills in the Palouse.
17. Pend Oreille Valley - The Pend Oreille (say Ponderay) Valley Scenic Byway travels from Newport, Washington north on Hwy 20 to Tiger. The roadway follows the Pend Oreille River as it flows north to Canada and then turns west to join the Columbia River.
18. San Juan Ferry - The spectacular San Juan Islands Scenic Byway is Washington's newest byway, and is unique as the only state byway including a marine highway.
19. Sherman Pass - Sherman Pass is one of the lesser-known byways, but also one of the most rewarding. At 5,575 feet, it’s the highest maintained pass in the state, boasting stunning panoramic views of pristine wilderness.
20. Stevens Pass Greenway - Regarding diversity of landscape, culture and history, Stevens Pass Greenway is one of the richest byways in Washington.
21. Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway  - Lined by jagged cliffs and the magnificent cedar forests of Olympic National Park, the highway offers the traveler peek-a-boo views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada's Vancouver Island.
22. Whidbey Island Scenic Isleway - The Whidbey Island Scenic Isleway is painted with lovely seaside towns, famous Penn-cove mussels, art galleries and deluxe accommodations.
23. White Pass - Known as the gateway to recreation in the South Cascades, the route winds through the forests of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Goat Rocks Wilderness, Mt. Rainier National Park, and the White Pass Ski Area, before ascending to the basalt rock landscape east of the Mountains.
24. Yakama - Much of the byway crosses the Yakama Indian Reservation whose members have lived in harmony with these lands for thousands of years.
25. Yakima Canyon - Yakima Canyon Road is not only an efficient alternative to Interstate-82 between Yakima and Ellensburg, but also a remarkably more scenic one.

Enjoy the view along the way. But make sure to stop off and enjoy Washington State's natural beauty.