Washington is one of the few places on earth where you can drive through a temperate rainforest and a desert canyon in a single weekend. You can even see a snow capped volcanic peak along the way.

But with 29 officially designated scenic byways in the state, mapping out the perfect route can feel like a full time job. You might wonder which roads are actually worth your time.

Here is the good news: You will discover the 13 most breathtaking routes right here. We give you the exact starting points and mileage. You will also learn exactly which overlooks and trails to add to your itinerary.

1. North Cascades Highway: The American Alps

Do you want to feel like you are driving through Switzerland? Point your steering wheel to State Route 20. This route cuts right through the jagged peaks of the North Cascades.

• Distance: 140 miles
• Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours
• Highlights: Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook

You need to stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook. The water here glows a bright turquoise color. This happens because finely ground rock called glacial flour flows into the lake. You will also get incredible views of the 10,781 foot peak of Mt. Baker in the distance.

But remember this one rule: Check the WSDOT App before you go. This road usually closes from November to May because of extreme avalanche danger.

2. Chuckanut Drive: Washingtons Original Scenic Highway

Trading the high peaks for salt air brings us to State Route 11. This road curves tightly along the steep cliffs of Puget Sound.

• Distance: 21 miles
• Time Needed: 1 hour
• Highlights: Taylor Shellfish Farms, Larrabee State Park, Fairhaven

This is one of the best scenic drives in Washington state for food lovers. You can stop at Taylor Shellfish Farms to eat fresh oysters right on the beach. Then you can stretch your legs at Larrabee State Park. This was actually the very first state park in Washington. The route ends in the historic district of Fairhaven where you can grab a coffee.

Best For: A quick afternoon drive with great seafood stops.

3. Olympic Peninsula Loop: Rainforests to Rugged Coasts

Leaving the calm bay waters behind, this route takes you deep into wild nature. U.S. Highway 101 wraps entirely around the Olympic Mountains.

• Distance: 330 miles
• Time Needed: 3 to 4 days
• Highlights: Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge

This massive loop is one of the best road trips in Washington. You will walk through the Hoh Rain Forest. This area gets over 140 inches of rain every single year. The thick green moss covers every tree branch. You will also walk along the dramatic sea stacks at Ruby Beach.

Pro Tip: Book your campsites early on Recreation.gov because they fill up fast in the summer.

4. Chinook Scenic Byway: The Ultimate Mount Rainier View

Moving inland from the coast brings you face to face with a massive volcano. State Route 410 is an All American Road that skirts the eastern edge of Mt. Rainier.

• Distance: 107 miles
• Time Needed: 3 hours
• Highlights: Naches Peak Loop, Tipsoo Lake

This is the ultimate Mount Rainier scenic drive. The summer wildflowers here are absolutely stunning. In the fall, the larch trees turn a bright golden color. You need to hike the Naches Peak Loop trail. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs and get an unobstructed view of the mountain. These Washington state road trips are unforgettable.

Pro Tip: Use the AllTrails app to download the trail map before you lose cell service.

5. The Cascade Loop: The Great American Road Trip

If you want to see everything Washington has to offer, this is the route for you. This massive circle connects Puget Sound to the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River valley.

• Distance: 440 miles
• Time Needed: 3 to 5 days
• Highlights: Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, Deception Pass

This is the longest of our Washington state road trips. The Cascade Loop is exactly 440 miles long. You will drive right through the Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth. Timing this drive for autumn is incredibly rewarding. The fall foliage in the mountains is spectacular.

Best For: A full vacation week of driving and exploring.

6. Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway: Ice Age Flood Marvels

Trading mountain pine trees for open desert skies changes the scenery completely. State Routes 155 and 17 take you through land carved by ancient, massive floods.

• Distance: 150 miles
• Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours
• Highlights: Dry Falls, Grand Coulee Dam

This Eastern Washington road trip is a geology lesson in real life. You must stop at Dry Falls. This is a 400 foot cliff. It was once a waterfall ten times the size of Niagara Falls. You will also see the massive Grand Coulee Dam.

Here is why you need to go: The wide open roads here are very peaceful compared to the busy city highways.

7. Palouse Scenic Byway: Rolling Seas of Green and Gold

Driving further south brings you to the most unique hills in America. This route explores the loess hills of southeastern Washington.

• Distance: 208 miles
• Time Needed: 1 to 2 days
• Highlights: Steptoe Butte State Park, Palouse Falls

These Pacific Northwest road trips are a paradise for landscape photographers. You will see endless rolling waves of wheat dotted with rustic barns. You absolutely must drive to the top of Steptoe Butte State Park. This peak rises 3,612 feet into the air. It gives you a perfect 360 degree panoramic view of the farming towns below.

Best For: Photography enthusiasts and peaceful rural driving.

8. Mount Baker Highway: An Alpine Ascent

Heading back north takes us deep into heavy snow country. State Route 542 starts in Bellingham and climbs straight up into the alpine meadows.

• Distance: 58 miles
• Time Needed: 2 hours
• Highlights: Artist Point, Picture Lake

This drive features lush evergreen forests that slowly give way to wide open mountain views. The road ends at Artist Point. This spot offers jaw dropping views of Mt. Shuksan. Mt. Baker actually holds the world record for seasonal snowfall. Because of this extreme weather, Artist Point is only accessible from July to October.

Pro Tip: Check the WSDOT website for snow clearing updates before you plan your trip.

9. Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls and Windsurfers

Dropping down to the southern border of the state brings you to a massive river canyon. State Route 14 offers a quieter drive than the busy Oregon side of the river.

• Distance: 150 miles
• Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours
• Highlights: Beacon Rock State Park, Maryhill Museum of Art

This is one of the most historic Washington state scenic byways. You will get amazing views of Mt. Hood across the water. You should definitely hike to the top of Beacon Rock. You can also stop at the Maryhill Museum of Art. They even have a full scale replica of Stonehenge right on the cliffs.

Best For: History buffs and avoiding the heavy tourist traffic across the river.

10. Whidbey Scenic Isle Way: Island Hopping by Car

If you love the smell of the ocean, this island drive is perfect for you. You can reach this route via the Mukilteo ferry or by driving over a towering bridge.

• Distance: 54 miles
• Time Needed: 2 hours
• Highlights: Deception Pass, Coupeville

This route takes you through historic seaside towns like Coupeville. You will cross the famous Deception Pass bridge. Look down to see the swirling green water below. Deception Pass is actually the most visited state park in Washington with over 2 million visitors every year. This makes for one of the best road trips in Washington.

Pro Tip: Buy your ferry tickets in advance online to skip the long waiting lines.

11. Yakima River Canyon: High Desert Oases

Leaving the damp coast for the dry heat brings you to a hidden canyon. State Route 821 is a winding bypass between Ellensburg and Yakima.

• Distance: 25 miles
• Time Needed: 1 hour
• Highlights: Yakima River, Umtanum Creek Recreation Area

Towering basalt cliffs surround you on both sides of the road. The river next to you is a world class blue ribbon trout fishing destination. Keep your eyes on the cliffs to spot bighorn sheep. You might also see large raptor birds flying in the sky. This is a very flat and easy drive.

Here is a great detail: This route is great for slower paced RV cruising because there are no steep mountain passes.

12. San Juan Islands Scenic Byway: The Marine Route

This unique byway actually includes a boat ride. You load your car onto the Washington State Ferry to start this route.

• Distance: Varies by island
• Time Needed: 2 to 3 days
• Highlights: Lime Kiln Point State Park, Mount Constitution

This is all about slow paced driving on island time. You can explore San Juan Island and Orcas Island at your own speed. You absolutely need to stop at Lime Kiln Point State Park. This is one of the best places in the entire world to watch wild whales from the shore. These Pacific Northwest road trips are truly special.

Best For: Wildlife viewing and escaping the busy city life.

13. White Pass Scenic Byway: Volcano Country

Our final drive takes you right between two sleeping giants. U.S. Highway 12 passes directly between Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.

• Distance: 119 miles
• Time Needed: 3 hours
• Highlights: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt. St. Helens Blast Zone

This is a great uncrowded alternative to the main national park entrances. You will drive through the dense trees of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Tourism around areas like Mt. Rainier contributes over 710 million dollars to the local economy. The National Scenic Byway Foundation helps keep these roads beautiful. This road is the best way to access the Mt. St. Helens blast zone.