Best Road Trips From Seattle
Beautiful Seattle is located in the heart of Washington and is known for its lush greenery, thriving tech hub, large arts and culture scene, rainy climate, and much more. However, it’s not the only travel destination in the Pacific Northwest by any means. From breathtaking coastal highways to gorgeous hikes with mountainous views and more, here are a few of our favorite road trips to take from Seattle in a Class B RV rental.
What Is the Best Road Trip From Seattle?
Ready to get away from the moody weather or just take a break from the city? We have some of the best road trips from Seattle for you.
Olympic Peninsula Loop
One of the most wonderful ways to take in the natural beauty of Washington State is through the Olympic Peninsula Loop. This 300-mile loop winds around the Olympic Peninsula and stunning Olympic National Park, filled with waterfalls, wildlife, mountains, rainforests, and more. The loop itself is about an eight-hour drive, while the park is a 2–3 hour drive from Seattle through Tacoma, or shorter if taking the Bainbridge ferry.
Mount Rainier National Park
Something Seattle is known for is its beautiful views of Mount Rainer, one of the tallest mountains in America. Why not take a drive out to its National Park to get a closer look? Located a little less than two hours away, Mount Rainier National Park is a fairly accessible – and very memorable – road trip from the city.
Cascade Loop
Another great nearby loop is the Cascade Loop, located in Yakima, Washington, just about a two-hour drive from Seattle. This loop surrounds Puget Sound and gets you to the North Cascades National Park, which offers gorgeous hikes and scenery.
San Juan Islands
If you’re not from the area, you may not know how many exciting little islands thrive just off the coast of Washington. About three and a half hours away from Seattle, including a ferry ride, are the San Juan Islands. These isles boast beautiful landscapes, forests, and hikes through Moran State Park.
What Cities Are Driving Distance From Seattle?
We’ve covered some great parks and islands to check out near the Seattle area. If you’d also like ideas for more urban exploration, here are some cities that are within driving distance from Seattle.
Leavenworth, Washington
Just two hours outside of the city is a cultural haven and a blast-to-the-past known as Leavenworth. This Bavarian-inspired village was modeled after a German Bavarian village in the 1960s. It gives visitors a unique themed experience of foods, shops, and culture that you can’t get anywhere else in the States.
Portland, Oregon
About three hours south of Seattle is another prominent city in the Pacific Northwest: Portland, Oregon. Known for its great culture, interesting neighborhoods, fun attractions, and “weird” vibe, Portland is definitely worth the trip.
Snoqualmie Falls
One of Washington’s more popular tourist destinations is the stunning Snoqualmie Falls. If you’re short on time, this can be a quick photo stop. If you have the time and energy, consider taking a hike up to the picturesque falls.
Take Your Time: 7-Day, 10-Day, and 2-Week Road Trips from Seattle.
If you’re wishing for a 7, 10, or 14-day road trip from Seattle, look no further. Here are some of our favorite road trip itineraries:
7-day Washington Highlights Road Trip
- Day 1: Tacoma
- Day 2: Mount Rainier
- Day 3: Mount Rainier
- Day 4: Leavenworth
- Day 5: Snoqualmie Falls
- Day 6: Whidbey Island
- Day 7: Return to Seattl
10-day Pacific Northwest and National Park Road Trip
- Day 1: San Juan Islands
- Day 2: San Juan Islands
- Day 3: Olympic National Park
- Day 4: Olympic National Park
- Day 5: Portland
- Day 6: Portland
- Day 7: Columbia River Gorge
- Day 8: Mount Rainier National Park
- Day 9: Mount Rainier National Park
- Day 10: Return to Seattle
14-day Washington and Canada Road Trip
- Day 1: San Juan Islands
- Day 2: San Juan Islands
- Day 3: Olympic Peninsula
- Day 4: Olympic National Park
- Day 5: Vancouver
- Day 6: Vancouver
- Day 7: Vancouver
- Day 8: Whistler
- Day 9: Victoria
- Day 10: Cascades National Park
- Day 11: Cascades National Park
- Day 12: Leavenworth
- Day 13: Mount Rainier National Park
- Day 14: Return to Seattl
Short and Sweet: 1-Day and 5-Day Road Trips from Seattle
Wanting something a little shorter? Here are a few ideal 1-day and 5-day road trips from Seattle:
1-day Road Trips
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Leavenworth
- Olympic National Park
5-day Road Trips
- Portland and surrounding areas
- Olympic Peninsula Loop
- San Juan Islands
- Canada (Vancouver, etc.
Ready to Hit the Road and Explore Outside of Seattle?
Whether you’re getting out on a road trip for one way camper van rental, five long days, or even more like fourteen, Escape Camper Vans has the perfect vehicle for securing a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Book now to plan your unforgettable adventure today.