Favorite Washington Road Trips

The Pacific Northwest has a great deal of breathtaking scenery to offer, and visiting some of the incredible towns along the way make for an unforgettable road trip. Here are some great Washington adventures that we think you’ll enjoy. And how handy is it that we have multiple Cruise America rental locations in the state of Washington, where some of the country’s best road trips are taken? Whether your preference lies in scenic ocean views, jaw-dropping mountain ranges or quaint roadside stands offering an abundance of locally-grown seasonal fruit, you’ll find it all in the beautiful state of Washington.

Panorama Land
If you love biting into a fresh peach, or unbelievably sweet strawberries, or ripe, delicious cherries, you should head to the east side of Washington! Start the drive in downtown Spokane, as you embark on a 200-mile road trip along I-395, Highway 2 and State Routes 20 and 25. They take you along the banks of the Columbia River and through the fertile hillsides that are speckled with fruit trees, along with the fresh produce stands that sell the bounties. They offer the best, freshest, tastiest fruit that Washington has to offer, and that’s a lot!

Friday Harbor
How about a weekend getaway in what seems like an island retreat … without ever leaving the state? The San Juan Islands are just a ferry ride from Seattle. They offer the feel of an exotic vacation without having to fly anywhere. Friday Harbor offers activities for the entire family, including kayaking, whale watching, hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating and more. It’s easy to get to Friday Harbor; just take the ferry from Anacortes. You can even bring your RV along, but you will need to secure a reservation with the Washington Department of Transportation to reserve your spot. Larger vehicles may be charged an extra fee.
Along with a great number of things to do, there is also a great number of things to see. There are scores of quaint shops, galleries and eateries, along with open-air markets to explore. The San Juan Islands are full of history, which can be enjoyed at American Camp, where you can learn about the Pig War. Before the Civil War took place, George Pickett was the commander of Camp Pickett (which is at American Camp). You can also visit the San Juan County Historical Museum in Friday Harbor. This museum is located on the James King farmstead. It’s an eight-building complex comprised of the original farmhouse, a carriage house, a stone root cellar, a milk house and San Juan County’s very first jailhouse.

The Olympic Peninsula
This road trip made Forbes’ “Top Ten American Road Trips.” The beautiful drive is a 330-mile loop, which encompasses several of Washington’s most iconic landscapes. Among the beautiful scenery, you’ll find Olympic Mountain peaks, waterfalls and even rainforests. 
The trip begins on Highway 101. You can marvel at the snowcapped mountains at Hurricane Ridge, enjoy house-looking as you pass by the gorgeous Victorian homes in Port Townsend, drop by singing artist Kurt Cobain’s memorial in Aberdeen, and take in the lush foliage of the Hoh Rainforest. If you happen to have your passports, don’t forget that from Port Angeles, you’re just a ferry ride away from Victoria, British Columbia!

Leavenworth
This town must be seen to be believed! Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-style village just a couple of hours from Seattle, near Wenatchee. It looks like something off of a European postcard. Whether you visit in the summer, the fall, the winter or spring, this town is always a feast for your exploring eyes … and stomach! There are a myriad of restaurants serving the best Bavarian and German food in the country. Bratwurst, anyone? If you are a shopper at heart, this is the place to let your “inner-shopper” come through. There are variety shops of all kinds, each offering unique Bavarian merchandise. If you happen to be there on one of the first three weekends in October, you can take part in the amazing Oktoberfest that occurs each year. As far as Christmas goes; well, Leavenworth was named the “Ultimate Holiday Town USA” by the A&E Network. You can park the RV, as Leavenworth is a walking town, so be sure to slip on your walking shoes. In addition to eating and shopping, Leavenworth offers up hiking and biking trails, incredible fishing and, just in case you get tired of being on your feet, horse-drawn carriage rides.

Chinook Pass
Some of the best scenery you will find in the Pacific Northwest is along the Chinook Scenic Byway. One trip along this stretch of road and you’ll realize why it’s been hailed as “the premier driving tour of Washington state.” This route takes you through the beauty of Mount Rainier National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and once you are over the Chinook Pass, you’ll end up in the gorgeous valley of Naches, with its beauty and its abundance of outdoor activities. 

If you’ve decided that driving some of Washington’s most scenic roads is something you’d enjoy, then be sure to enjoy it in a Cruise America rental RV. Each of our class C motorhomes provide the most comfortable and convenient way to travel that exists; hands down.