10 Best Scenic Spots in Washington DC
Content
- No. 10 - Mouth of the Columbia River and Long Beach Peninsula.
- No. 9 - Chakanut, the original Pacific Highway.
- No. 8 - Roosevelt Lake Loop
- No. 7 – Yakima Valley
- No. 6 - a picturesque lane of the Kuli corridor.
- No. 5 - Mount Ranier
- No. 4 – Palaus Country
- No. 3 - Olympic Peninsula
- No. 2 – Ice cave route
- No. 1 - Horseshoe Highway
Washington State is a region with a diverse landscape, including deep canyons, dense forests, and sandy beaches by the sea. As such, it is full of scenic routes that not only delight the eye, but also inspire a real connection with nature. Whether travelers want to explore the Native American cave dwellings of yesteryear or explore the high elevations of the Cascade Range, Washington can comply and likely discover features along the way that are pleasantly unexpected. Try one of these beautiful discs to get a better idea of this wonderful state:
No. 10 - Mouth of the Columbia River and Long Beach Peninsula.
Start Location: Kelso, Washington
Final location: Ledbetter Point, Washington.
Length: Mile 88
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
This scenic route starts along country roads through fields of grazing cattle and ends at the Pacific coast, offering a pleasant variety of sights and landscape. At Grace River, travelers can turn off the path by turning onto Loop Road and following signs to cross the only covered bridge in use in the state. Long Beach's boardwalk, once seaside, is a great place to stretch your legs and watch the waves.
No. 9 - Chakanut, the original Pacific Highway.
Start Location: Cedro Woolley, Washington
Final location: Bellingham, Washington
Length: Mile 27
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
Sometimes referred to as Washington's Big Sur, this route has many ocean views and runs along the Chakanut Cliffs and Samish Bay. The San Juan Islands are visible in the distance for most of the road, providing spectacular photo opportunities. With the addition of a hiking trail or two at Larrabee State Park, this short trip could make for a good afternoon outing.
No. 8 - Roosevelt Lake Loop
Start Location: Wilbur, Washington
Final location: Wilbur, Washington
Length: Mile 206
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
Also known as the Sherman Pass Loop, this scenic route crosses Roosevelt Lake and includes a short, free ferry ride. The first part of the path is characterized by hilly terrain, while the second half oscillates between forests and agricultural land. However, some of these farms are not fenced in, so keep an eye on the free range cattle. The hiking trails near Sherman Pass are also known for great views.
No. 7 – Yakima Valley
Start Location: Ellensburg, Washington
Final location: Libra, Washington
Length: Mile 54
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
This route passes through the Yakima Valley, Washington's wine country, meandering along the Yakima River and featuring hilly terrain. At Umtanum Creek Recreation Area, visitors can go rafting, fishing, or hiking through the canyon. The route also passes through the Yakama Indian Reservation near Toppenish, where travelers can rent one of fourteen full-sized tepees for the night.
No. 6 - a picturesque lane of the Kuli corridor.
Start Location: Omak, Washington
Final location: Othello, Washington
Length: Mile 154
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
Glacial runoff causes the deep shorelines that characterize the terrain along this route, and a stop at the 550-foot-tall Grand Cooley Dam—the largest concrete structure in the United States—is a must. Sun Lakes Dry Falls State Park is another good stop with a large prehistoric waterfall. To see a number of caves used as refuge by Native Americans, follow the hiking trails at Lake Lenore Caverns State Park.
No. 5 - Mount Ranier
Start LocationRandall, Washington
Final location: Greenwater, Washington
Length: Mile 104
Best driving season: Summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
Exploring the Ohanapekosh, Rai, and Sunrise areas of Mount Ranier State Park, this spectacular trail offers a wealth of views of the 14,411-foot-tall Mount Ranier. See 1,000-year-old western hemlocks off Stevens Canyon Road by car or on foot along the Grove of the Patriarchs trail. If your group is more into fishing or boating, stop at Lake Louise or Reflection Lake.
No. 4 – Palaus Country
Start Location: Spokane, Washington
Final location: Lewiston, Idaho
Length: Mile 126
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
Passing through the Palouse region, known for its lush rolling hills and fertile farmland, this scenic route is particularly serene. Stop in Oxdale to see historic buildings and homes, and don't miss the opportunity to take pictures at Barron's Mill. In late summer and early fall, pick peaches and apples at Garfield for a special treat.
No. 3 - Olympic Peninsula
Start Location: Olympia, Washington
Final location: Olympia, Washington
Length: Mile 334
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
Starting and ending in Olympia, Washington, D.C., this trip passes through a region so rich in attractions and activities that it easily turns into a weekend or longer adventure. The road passes through low-lying forests, glacier-covered mountain peaks, rainforests, sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean, and several rivers and lakes. Alternatively, visit the lavender farms at Sekim and watch the elephant seals at Kalaloh Beach.
No. 2 – Ice cave route
Start Location: Cook, Washington
Final location: Goldendale, Washington
Length: Mile 67
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
This winding route, only partially paved, is known for passing through ice caves, including Guler Cave and Cheese Cave. The caves, however, are not the only reason to drive in this direction because there are so many other natural wonders in the area. See the 9,000-year-old Great Lava Bed, a lava formation near many hiking trails, or observe local wildlife such as bighorn sheep and black-tailed deer in the Klickitat Wildlife Area.
No. 1 - Horseshoe Highway
Start LocationOrcas, Washington
Final location: Mount Constitution, Washington.
Length: Mile 19
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
It takes an hour and a half ferry ride from Anacortes to reach this scenic spot on Orcas Island, but the extra time is totally worth what awaits on the other side. Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, has plenty of beautiful spots to explore along the Horseshoe Highway. Stop at Eastside Waterfront Park, where at low tide you can hike to Indian Island and be sure to take some time for photos at the 75-foot cascading waterfall.
