

It includes countless opportunities to stop for a hike or explore further up gravel and dirt roads. This beautiful highway passes through the underrated North Cascades National Park. The first time I drove this road from Sedro-Wooley to Mazama, the sun was just about to set, and the rocky peaks of the North Cascades lit up gold with evening light. When I think about what my favorite drives in Washington are, the first thing that comes to mind is the North Cascades Highway. Drive time without stops: 2 hours, 30 mins.Why should you go: Mountain views abound as you drive through the northwestern-most national park in the US. North Cascades Highway: Highway 20 Photo: Shutterstock Related Read: When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle? 1. Read on to discover the perfect scenic drive for your adventure. The Evergreen State’s diverse landscapes make it one of the most exciting states to explore, and these scenic drives in Washington traverse mountain passes and deep canyons. But the small towns and vast mountain ranges make the east side of Washington well-worth a leisurely drive. The eastern side is much less populated than the more metropolitan western side. The Cascade mountains act as a buffer, creating a rainshadow across the eastern side of the state. But actually, more than half of Washington is desert. When most people think of Washington, they probably think of rain, thick moss, and deep forests. No matter which you pick, rest assured you’ll be driving through the scenic vistas the Pacific Northwest is known for. Whether you have a weekend or an entire week to spend in the state, one of these scenic drives in Washington will almost certainly be the highlight of your trip, especially if you make a few stops along the way. Washington is a dream for road trippers, with landscapes that include volcanoes, rocky mountains, ocean, and high desert.
