10 Pacific Northwest Road Trips Worth Taking Through Washington and Oregon

Few places in the U.S. are better suited for a road trip than the Pacific Northwest. Across Washington and Oregon, highways wind past rugged coastlines, volcanic peaks, evergreen forests, river gorges, mountain passes, and small towns that are worth slowing down for. The drive itself often becomes the reason to go.

What makes these routes stand out is how quickly the scenery changes. One stretch might follow the ocean, while another climbs into the Cascades, crosses high desert, or cuts through wine country. Add in scenic overlooks, trailheads, waterfalls, historic towns, and local food stops, and these road trips offer much more than a way to get from one place to another.

To create this guide, Seattle Travel reviewed route information from the National Scenic Byways program, Washington and Oregon tourism resources, and state transportation departments. Each road trip includes practical details such as mileage, key towns, and worthwhile stops along the way, making it easier to plan a memorable drive through the Pacific Northwest.

Cascade Loop (Washington) Overview

The Cascade Loop stretches roughly 440 miles and winds through some of Washington’s most special towns, such as Leavenworth, Chelan, and Winthrop. This journey takes drivers past alpine lakes, orchard-filled valleys, and into the rugged North Cascades, offering a road trip that blends mountain beauty with small-town character.

Cascade Loop Stops

Where should you check out and spend some time along this iconic route? Leavenworth delights visitors with its Bavarian-style buildings and seasonal festivals, while Lake Chelan is perfect for wine tasting and boating. Winthrop also adds charm to any trip, with its preserved Old West boardwalks, and the North Cascades National Park has all the peaks and valleys you could ever want to explore.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Oregon) Overview

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway runs for about 363 miles along Oregon’s coastline, giving you direct access to towns like Astoria, Newport, Florence, and Brookings. The view is good the entire drive, regardless of whether the road is hugging the coast or meandering through forests.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Stops

Cannon Beach is famous for Haystack Rock and expansive tidepools, while Newport offers a chance to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and explore a working fishing port. Florence connects visitors to the towering Oregon Dunes, and Brookings introduces the rugged Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor with natural arches and hidden coves.

Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington) Overview

The Olympic Peninsula Loop covers about 330 miles, carrying travelers through Port Angeles, Forks, and Aberdeen. This circular route is all about rainforests, wild coastlines, and snowy peaks, making it one of the most diverse drives in Washington.

Olympic Peninsula Loop Stops

The Hoh Rain Forest immerses hikers in a world of moss-draped trees, while Rialto and Ruby Beaches provide sea stacks and tidepools that beg to be explored. Port Angeles serves as the entryway to beloved Hurricane Ridge, and Lake Quinault adds tranquility with its lodge, trails, and shimmering waters. it’s all up to you where you choose to explore.

Historic Columbia River Highway (Oregon) Overview

Stretching about 75 miles, the Historic Columbia River Highway passes through Troutdale, Hood River, and The Dalles. It was also the first scenic highway built in the United States, and it continues to amaze with views of the Columbia Gorge and its many waterfalls.

Historic Columbia River Highway Stops

Multnomah Falls is the highlight of this route, given its dramatic 620-foot plunge, but other stops such as Wahkeena Falls and Horsetail Falls create a waterfall-filled adventure. Hood River adds windsurfing and tasty breweries to your trip, The Dalles preserves Oregon Trail history, and the Vista House at Crown Point delivers sweeping views of the gorge.

North Cascades Highway (Washington) Overview

The North Cascades Highway is roughly 140 miles from Sedro-Woolley through Marblemount to Mazama. Known for jagged peaks and remote wilderness, this road offers one of Washington’s most dramatic and memorable mountain drives; just avoid this one in wintertime, due to the potential for closures.

North Cascades Highway Stops

Diablo Lake shines with turquoise waters against steep mountainsides, and Washington Pass Overlook provides breathtaking switchback views. Mazama welcomes travelers with rustic lodges and outdoor trails, while Marblemount serves as a gateway into the national park’s wilderness.

Volcano Legacy Scenic Byway (Oregon) Overview

Covering nearly 500 miles, the Volcano Legacy Scenic Byway connects Klamath Falls, Crater Lake, and Bend. It ties together Oregon’s volcanic past with striking present-day beauty and hip towns worth grabbing a beer in.

Volcano Legacy Scenic Byway Stops

Crater Lake National Park dazzles with its sapphire waters and sheer cliffs, while Bend combines outdoor adventure with craft beer culture. Just past Bend, the Lava Beds National Monument offers a chance to explore caves and volcanic history, and Klamath Falls is a paradise for birdwatchers along the Pacific Flyway.

Chinook Scenic Byway (Washington) Overview

The Chinook Scenic Byway covers 85 miles, winding toward Mount Rainier and rewarding travelers with alpine meadows, mountain passes, and panoramic views. This is another one to pay attention to when it comes to seasonality; watch out for snow warnings.

Chinook Scenic Byway Stops

Sunrise at Mount Rainier National Park delivers unforgettable panoramas, and Tipsoo Lake is gorgeous for its seasonal wildflowers and the surrounding peaks. Naches adds charm with its orchards and fruit stands, while Greenwater provides cozy spots to pause on the mountain ascent.

Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (Oregon) Overview

Encircling Oregon’s tallest peak, the Mount Hood Scenic Byway stretches for 105 miles through towns such as Sandy, Government Camp, and Hood River. The snowcapped mountain remains a constant backdrop, creating a road trip that feels iconic in every season.

Mt. Hood Scenic Byway Stops

The Timberline Lodge welcomes visitors with its rustic alpine design and famous film location, while Trillium Lake provides postcard-perfect reflections of Mount Hood. Meanwhile, Government Camp immerses travelers in mountain culture and ski history, and Hood River offers fresh fruit stands and local wineries, making it a perfect loop.

San Juan Islands Scenic Byway (Washington) Overview

The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway covers a brief 90 miles, which must include ferry rides through Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. This unique journey combines maritime travel with island-hopping charm, which means you don’t have to drive the entire time.

San Juan Islands Scenic Byway Stops

Friday Harbor entices with waterfront shops and whale museums, while Orcas Island invites travelers to climb Mount Constitution for sweeping views. Lopez Island is beloved by cyclists for its quiet roads, and the ferry rides themselves feel like part of the adventure.

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway (Oregon) Overview

The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway is about 171 miles, linking little-known La Pine, Lakeview, and Valley Falls. The drive cuts through Oregon’s high desert and open horizons, giving travelers a sense of solitude and vastness that is hard to find elsewhere.

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway Stops

Fort Rock hides ancient volcanic formations, and Summer Lake draws both birdwatchers and hot spring soakers. Lakeview markets itself as the tallest town in Oregon, and Valley Falls provides striking vistas of the state’s desert landscape. All are worth exploring, especially if you’re under the impression that Oregon is solely rainy, misty forest drives.