Washington’s jagged coastline offers some of the most breathtaking drives in the Pacific Northwest, yet many travelers stick to the same well-worn paths. The state’s 3,000 miles of shoreline hide countless hidden gems that remain undiscovered by the average visitor.
From rugged cliffs to peaceful bays, these lesser-known routes deliver the authentic Washington coastal experience without the crowds. The beauty of exploring Washington’s alternative coastal routes lies in the unexpected discoveries waiting around each bend.
Here is a list of 20 coastal road trips in Washington that will take you beyond the typical tourist experience.
Keystone to Port Townsend
This short but sweet drive connects two charming waterfront communities via the Coupeville Ferry. The journey offers stunning views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
Don’t miss stopping at Fort Casey State Park, where old military installations blend with natural beauty.
Bloedel Reserve Backroads
Though Bainbridge Island gets plenty of visitors, few explore the northern backroads near the Bloedel Reserve. These winding lanes offer glimpses of hidden coves and magnificent waterfront estates.
The peaceful drive through towering evergreens occasionally opens to reveal spectacular views of Puget Sound.
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Deception Pass Alternative Route
While Deception Pass is a major attraction, the lesser-known Rosario Road provides equally impressive views without the traffic. This route hugs the shoreline of Fidalgo Island and passes by secluded beaches and fishing spots.
Multiple pullouts allow visitors to watch boats navigate the swirling waters below.
Point Roberts Peninsula
This geographical oddity requires crossing into Canada and back to reach. The five-square-mile American exclave sits below the 49th parallel but is cut off from the rest of Washington.
The coastal drive around its perimeter passes empty beaches and impressive homes and offers views of orcas during migration seasons.
Lummi Island Loop
This small island near Bellingham offers a perfect afternoon drive with minimal tourist presence. The single main road circles the island, providing views of the San Juan archipelago and Canadian mountains.
Along the route, local farms sell fresh produce from honor-system stands.
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Whidbey Island’s West Beach Drive
While most visitors stick to Whidbey’s main highway, West Beach Drive follows the western shoreline and provides uninterrupted views of the Olympic Mountains. The narrow, winding road passes several public beach access points where you can explore tide pools or watch for passing gray whales.
Willapa Bay Oyster Route
This drive along the eastern shore of Willapa Bay takes you past working oyster farms and pristine estuaries. The road occasionally dips close to the water’s edge, offering views of herons fishing in the shallows.
Local seafood stands to sell fresh catches throughout the route.
Grays Harbor Lighthouse Loop
This circuit around Grays Harbor includes the tallest lighthouse in Washington and miles of undeveloped beaches. The route passes through small fishing communities where time seems to have stood still.
Along the way, wildlife refuges shelter thousands of migratory birds.
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Sekiu Coastal Byway
Located on the northern Olympic Peninsula, this dramatic drive follows cliffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The small fishing village of Sekiu serves as an excellent base for exploring this rugged coastline.
Fog frequently envelops the road, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
Vashon Island South End Loop
Most visitors to Vashon stay near the ferry landings, missing the island’s southern coastal roads. This quiet drive passes lavender farms, artist studios, and hidden beaches.
The road offers occasional views across Puget Sound to Tacoma and Mount Rainier beyond.
San Juan Islands Coastal Roads
While Washington’s San Juan Islands are popular, many visitors never venture beyond the main towns. Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands coastal roads lead to secluded coves and dramatic cliff views.
These narrow lanes require careful driving but reward with pristine nature experiences.
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Neah Bay to Ozette
This remote drive on the Makah Reservation takes you through ancient forests before emerging at spectacular coastal viewpoints. The route passes several trailheads leading to wild beaches accessible only by foot.
Along the way, cultural sites highlight the area’s rich indigenous heritage.
Samish Island Road
This often-overlooked peninsula (not an island) offers a peaceful alternative to busier coastal drives. The road circles the small community, offering views of Samish Bay’s oyster flats and Cascade Mountains.
During the summer months, local farms sell fresh berries and vegetables.
Dash Point Coastal Access
Just outside Tacoma, this hidden network of residential roads provides surprise views of Commencement Bay. The quiet neighborhoods sit atop bluffs that drop dramatically to the water below.
Several public staircases provide beach access between private waterfront homes.
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Hood Canal’s Toandos Peninsula
This remote finger of land juts into Hood Canal, providing views of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range. The narrow road winds through forests before revealing hidden bays and inlets.
Look for bald eagles fishing in the sheltered waters.
Anderson Island Circumnavigation
As the southernmost island in Puget Sound, Anderson Island receives few visitors despite its proximity to Tacoma. The island’s main road forms a rough loop with numerous water views.
The car ferry from Steilacoom adds to the adventure of reaching this quiet retreat.
Port Gamble to Hansville
This northern Kitsap Peninsula drive follows the shoreline of Hood Canal before turning toward Puget Sound. The route passes through the perfectly preserved mill town of Port Gamble before winding through forests to Point No Point lighthouse.
Spectacular views of shipping traffic appear around unexpected corners.
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Brown Island Peninsula
This little-known peninsula separates Grays Harbor from the Pacific Ocean near Aberdeen. The narrow road offers views of commercial fishing vessels navigating the harbor entrance.
Wildlife refuges protect extensive salt marshes, where thousands of shorebirds feed.
Cape Disappointment Back Road
While Cape Disappointment State Park draws crowds, few visitors explore the back roads approaching from the north. These winding lanes pass through coastal forests before revealing dramatic views of the Columbia River meeting the Pacific.
Historical sites related to the Lewis and Clark expedition dot the route.
Camano Island’s Lowell Point Road
This quiet drive on the eastern shore of Camano Island offers views across Port Susan Bay to the Cascade Mountains. The narrow road hugs the shoreline, passing through tunnels of overhanging maples and alders.
Small parks provide access to driftwood-strewn beaches.
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Beyond the Horizon
Washington’s alternative coastal routes remind us that true adventure often lies just off the beaten path. These drives represent more than just scenic routes—they’re gateways to authentic coastal experiences that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
As visitor numbers continue to grow along Washington’s more famous roads, these hidden alternatives offer solitude and discovery for those willing to venture beyond the obvious choices.
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