The Pacific Northwest offers some of North America’s most spectacular driving routes, where ancient forests meet rugged coastlines and snow-capped peaks pierce through clouds.
From Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to Oregon’s dramatic coastline and Idaho’s pristine wilderness, these scenic byways showcase the region’s diverse natural beauty and offer unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hurricane Ridge Road, Olympic National Park, Washington
This 17-mile mountain road winds through Olympic National Park’s northern section, climbing from sea level to 5,242 feet. The drive showcases dramatic elevation changes and transitions from thick forest to alpine meadows, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Columbia River Highway, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
This 70-mile historic route parallels the mighty Columbia River, connecting Portland to The Dalles. The highway features dozens of magnificent waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls, while providing access to numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints along the Columbia River Gorge.
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Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham to Burlington, Washington
This 21-mile coastal route hugs the cliffs above Samish Bay, connecting Bellingham to Burlington. The drive offers sweeping views of the San Juan Islands and passes through dense forests, with numerous pullouts for enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants and accessing hiking trails.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Central Oregon
This 66-mile route winds through the Deschutes National Forest, passing crystal-clear alpine lakes and offering views of snowcapped Cascade peaks. The drive provides access to numerous recreation areas, including hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities along pristine mountain lakes.
Mount Baker Highway, Bellingham to Artist Point, Washington
This 58-mile scenic road climbs from Bellingham to Artist Point, offering spectacular views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. The route passes through ancient forests and alpine meadows, providing access to numerous hiking trails and ski areas in winter.
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Oregon Coast Highway, Astoria to Brookings, Oregon
This 363-mile coastal route showcases Oregon’s Pacific coastline, from rocky headlands to sandy beaches. The highway passes through charming coastal towns, offers access to numerous state parks, and provides countless opportunities to spot marine wildlife.
North Cascades Highway, Western to Eastern Washington
This 127-mile mountain passage cuts through North Cascades National Park, offering views of jagged peaks and glaciers. The route features dramatic elevation changes, pristine alpine lakes, and numerous hiking trails accessing the surrounding wilderness.
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, Northeast Oregon
This 218-mile loop circles the Wallowa Mountains and provides views into Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge. The route passes through historic towns and ranch lands and offers access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Lake.
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Paradise Road, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
This 15-mile road leads to Paradise, Mount Rainier’s south slope visitor area at 5,400 feet elevation. The drive offers increasingly spectacular views of Mount Rainier, passing through old-growth forests and subalpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer.
McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, Central Oregon
This 82-mile loop traverses the Cascade Range through two mountain passes, featuring volcanic landscapes and alpine forests. The route provides access to the Three Sisters Wilderness and passes through unique lava fields at McKenzie Pass.
Olympic Loop Highway, Olympic Peninsula, Washington
This 330-mile circular route circumnavigates Olympic National Park, showcasing rainforests, beaches, and mountain views. The drive passes through diverse ecosystems, from the misty coast to the Hood Canal, offering access to numerous hiking trails and scenic areas.
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Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Southern Oregon
This 140-mile route in Oregon connects Crater Lake National Park to the California border through volcanic landscapes. The drive offers views of ancient volcanic formations and mountain lakes and provides access to numerous outdoor recreation areas.
Stevens Pass Greenway, Central Washington
This 90-mile mountain route connects the Puget Sound region to Eastern Washington through the Cascade Mountains. The drive follows the Stevens Pass Historic District, offering access to numerous hiking trails and ski areas while passing through charming mountain towns.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Southern Oregon Coast
This 12-mile stretch along the Oregon coast features dramatic cliff formations and hidden beaches. The route includes numerous pullouts and hiking trails, accessing secluded coves, natural bridges, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
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Lolo Pass Road, Northern Idaho
This 99-mile historic route follows the path of Lewis and Clark through the Bitterroot Mountains. The drive passes through dense forests and mountain meadows, offering access to hot springs and numerous hiking trails in the Clearwater National Forest.
Aufderheide Scenic Byway, Willamette National Forest, Oregon
This 60-mile forest road connects Westfir to Blue River through the Willamette National Forest. The route follows the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River and South Fork McKenzie River, offering access to old-growth forests and mountain lakes.
Spirit Lake Highway, Mount St. Helens, Washington
This 52-mile route provides direct access to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The drive offers increasingly dramatic views of the volcano’s north face and blast zone, with numerous interpretive signs explaining the 1980 eruption.
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Selkirk Loop, Northern Idaho
This 280-mile international scenic drive circles the Selkirk Mountains through Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. The route passes along lake shores, mountain valleys, and historic towns while offering abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Highway 20, Idaho Panhandle
This 80-mile stretch crosses northern Idaho through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The route traverses mountain passes and river valleys, offering access to numerous recreation areas and hot springs while passing through remote mountain communities.
Sawtooth Scenic Byway, Central Idaho
This 115-mile route through central Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley showcases the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. The drive passes pristine alpine lakes and natural hot springs and provides access to numerous Sawtooth National Recreation Area trailheads.
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Pacific Northwest: Nature’s Endless Road Adventures
The Pacific Northwest’s scenic drives offer more than beautiful views – they provide gateways to adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature. Whether seeking a challenging mountain pass or a leisurely coastal cruise, these routes showcase the region’s incredible diversity and natural beauty.
Each drive tells its own story of geological forces, human history, and ecological wonder, inviting travelers to explore and create memorable experiences in this remarkable corner of the world.
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