10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips from Seattle, Washington
Looking for simple, fun road trips from
Seattle, Washington that don’t require a ton of planning? You’re in the right place.
Today we’re talking about
10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Seattle (King County) into nearby counties like
Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish, and Yakima. These are perfect for weekend getaways, day trips, and last‑minute adventures.
We’ll skip anything inside Seattle or King County and head straight for the surrounding areas. Think: mountain views, lakes, small towns, hikes, wine, and great food—all within a few hours’ drive.
1. Bainbridge Island & Kitsap Peninsula: Small‑Town Charm Across the Water (Kitsap County)
One of the easiest road trips from Seattle doesn’t even start with a road—it starts with a ferry.
Catch the
Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry, then explore Kitsap County once you’re across the water. The ride itself is about 35 minutes, but plan on about an hour including loading and unloading.
Things to do on Bainbridge Island & Kitsap Peninsula:
- Wander through Winslow, the main town, for coffee, bookstores, and local shops.
- Visit the peaceful Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial for a moving piece of history.
- Walk or bike around Fort Ward Park and enjoy views of Puget Sound.
- Drive over to Port Gamble, a tiny historic mill town with colorful buildings and water views.
- End your day with fresh seafood in Poulsbo, a charming “Little Norway” waterfront town.
Personal tip: I like taking an early ferry, grabbing breakfast in Winslow, and then doing a lazy drive up the peninsula. It feels far away, but you’re really just across the water from Seattle.
Approx. drive time from downtown Seattle (including ferry): 1–1.5 hours, depending on where you go in Kitsap.
2. Snohomish: Antique Shops, Hot Air Balloons & Country Roads (Snohomish County)
If you’ve been craving a “small-town USA” vibe,
Snohomish delivers. It’s a short drive north from Seattle and feels like stepping into a postcard.
Why go to Snohomish:
- Stroll the historic downtown lined with antique shops, boutiques, and bakeries.
- Walk along the Snohomish River and watch kayakers and paddleboarders go by.
- Book a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset for sweeping valley and mountain views.
- In fall, visit pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the nearby farmlands.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: About 45–60 minutes.
If you just want an easy half‑day trip with coffee, cute shops, and a relaxed vibe, this is a stress‑free option.
3. Everett & Mukilteo: Waterfronts and a Taste of Aviation (Snohomish County)
You’ve probably heard of Everett because of airplanes—but there’s more to it than jets and hangars.
Things to do near Everett & Mukilteo:
- Stroll Everett’s waterfront marina and grab lunch with a marina or bay view.
- Walk the beach at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and visit the historic lighthouse.
- Watch ferries come and go from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island.
- Head up to Everett’s downtown for coffee, craft beer, and local art.
On a clear day, the combo of mountains, water, and ferries here really reminds you why people love Western Washington.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: 30–45 minutes.
4. Tacoma Waterfront & Museums: Artsy Urban Escape (Pierce County)
If you like cities but want a change of scenery from Seattle,
Tacoma in Pierce County makes a great day trip.
Top things to do in Tacoma:
- Walk along the Ruston Way waterfront with views of Commencement Bay.
- Visit the Museum of Glass and watch glassblowers in action.
- Check out the Chihuly Bridge of Glass—it’s like walking through an outdoor art gallery.
- Explore the Foss Waterway and its marinas, restaurants, and viewpoints.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: 45–60 minutes.
If you’re into photography, Tacoma’s old brick buildings, museums, and industrial waterfront make for some great shots.
5. Gig Harbor: Harbor Views & Laid‑Back Coastal Vibes (Pierce County)
Cross the
Tacoma Narrows Bridge and you’ll land in
Gig Harbor, one of the most picturesque small harbors in the region.
Things to do in Gig Harbor:
- Stroll the harbor waterfront and watch fishing boats and kayaks float by.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard and get out on the water yourself.
- Browse boutiques and art galleries along the main drag.
- Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the harbor and boats.
Imagine this: You’re sitting on a deck, drink in hand, watching the sun drop behind the trees and boats rocking in the harbor. That’s Gig Harbor on a good day.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
6. Leavenworth: Bavarian Village in the Mountains (Chelan County)
If you’ve spent any time in Washington, you’ve probably heard of
LeavenworthWhy Leavenworth is worth the drive:
- Walk through the Alpine‑style downtown full of shops, beer gardens, and bakeries.
- Float the Wenatchee River in summer or go for a casual hike nearby.
- Visit during fall for colorful leaves or winter for holiday lights and snow.
- Sample local wine, cider, and sausages—yes, in that order if you’re feeling bold.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: About 2.5 hours via Highway 2 (more with traffic or winter conditions).
If you’re up for a full‑day or weekend road trip, this is one of the most iconic getaways near Seattle.
7. Yakima Valley Wine Country: Sun, Vineyards & Orchards (Yakima County)
Need a break from rain and clouds? Head over the mountains to
Yakima CountyWhat to expect in Yakima Valley:
- Tour wineries and tasting rooms in and around Yakima, Zillah, and Prosser.
- Drive through orchards filled with apples, cherries, and hops (yes, for beer lovers).
- Enjoy wide‑open views and big skies—totally different from the Seattle side.
- Pick up fresh produce from local farm stands in season.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: About 2.5–3 hours, usually via I‑90 and I‑82.
If you’re planning a weekend, stay the night so you can take your time with tastings and explore the area without rushing.
8. Ellensburg: College Town with Western Flavor (Kittitas County)
In
Kittitas County,
Ellensburg is a friendly college town right in the middle of the state along I‑90.
Things to do in Ellensburg:
- Wander through the historic downtown with brick buildings, murals, and local shops.
- Check out local breweries and cafes popular with students and locals.
- Drive the backroads of the Kittitas Valley for big views and open fields.
- Visit during seasonal events like the famous Ellensburg Rodeo if your timing lines up.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: Around 1.75–2 hours via I‑90.
If you enjoy laid‑back places with a touch of Western history, Ellensburg makes a low‑stress day trip.
9. Snoqualmie Pass & Cle Elum: Mountain Lakes and Trails (Kittitas County)
While the top of Snoqualmie Pass is still in King County, continue just a bit farther east and you’re in
Kittitas County, with access to lakes, trails, and camp spots.
Ideas for this area:
- Head to Cle Elum for a small‑town stop with diners and bakeries.
- Explore Lake Cle Elum or nearby lakes for boating, paddling, or shore time.
- Hike one of the many trails off I‑90 east of the pass (check trail conditions before you go).
- In winter, enjoy snowshoeing or Nordic skiing east of the pass, where snow often sticks around longer.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: 1.5–2 hours, depending how far you go.
This is a great option if you want outdoor time without committing to a long multi‑day trip.
10. Mount Rainier’s Nisqually Entrance: Classic Northwest Scenery (Pierce County)
You can’t talk about Seattle road trips without mentioning
Mount Rainier National Park. While the mountain itself is in multiple counties, one of the most popular entrances, the
Nisqually Entrance, is reached via
Pierce County.
Things to do from the Nisqually Entrance side:
- Drive toward Longmire for short walks and ranger information.
- Continue on (in season) toward Paradise for wildflowers, snowfields, and big views of the mountain.
- Stop at scenic pullouts for photos of rivers, forests, and the peak itself.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view—just remember to pack out your trash.
Approx. drive time from Seattle: Usually 2–2.5 hours to the Nisqually Entrance (longer on summer weekends).
If you’ve ever looked at Rainier from Seattle and thought, “I should really go see that up close,” this is your sign.
Tips for Planning Your Seattle Road Trips
To keep your out‑of‑county adventures simple and fun, here are a few quick tips:
- Check traffic and pass conditions: Especially for mountain routes like I‑90 and Highway 2.
- Pack layers: Weather can change quickly between Seattle, the mountains, and eastern Washington.
- Bring snacks and water: Some stretches don’t have many services.
- Book ahead in busy seasons: Places like Leavenworth, Yakima Valley, and Mount Rainier fill up fast.
Where Will You Road Trip from Seattle Next?
From
waterfront towns in Kitsap County to
mountain villages in Chelan County and
sunny vineyards in Yakima County, there’s a whole ring of adventures waiting just outside King County.
Which of these 10 road trips from Seattle are you adding to your list?
- Have you already visited any of these spots?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem outside Seattle?
I’d love to hear about your experiences and suggestions.
Drop a comment with your favorite out‑of‑county road trip from Seattle—or the one you’re planning next. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Seattle. It might just inspire their next weekend escape.
Comments
Post a Comment