10 Best Short Road Trips from Auburn, Washington (King County)

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Auburn, Washington (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)

Looking for fun day trips from Auburn, WA without hopping on a plane or planning a full-on vacation? You’re in luck. Auburn sits in a sweet spot in western Washington, and once you cross out of , you’ve got mountains, bays, wine country, and charming small towns all within a few hours’ drive. To keep things simple, everything here is outside King County and pulls from nearby gems in: Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish, and Yakima counties. Most of these road trips are perfect for a day, and a few work great as a relaxed weekend escape.

1. Gig Harbor & Point Defiance: Classic Harbor Stroll and Waterfront Views (Pierce County)

Head south out of Auburn, cross into Pierce County, and in less than an hour you can be walking along a postcard-perfect harbor. Why go: feels like a tiny coastal town without the long drive to the ocean. Add in nearby in , and you’ve got a full day of easy exploring.

Stroll the waterfront: Park once and walk along Harborview Drive. You’ll find coffee shops, boutiques, and marina views the whole way.
Take in Mount Rainier views: On a clear day, the mountain looks like it’s floating above the harbor.
Point Defiance Park: About 20–25 minutes away, this huge park has gardens, beaches, and miles of walking trails.
Five Mile Drive: A scenic loop with overlooks of Puget Sound and Vashon Island. It’s especially pretty at sunset.

From Auburn, plan for around a 45–60 minute drive, depending on traffic. It’s an easy day trip for couples, families, or solo explorers.

2. Mount Rainier (Sunrise Side): Big Views, Smaller Crowds (Pierce County)

If you live near Auburn and haven’t made a trip to Mount Rainier from the east side yet, this is your sign. Why go: The Sunrise side of , in Pierce County, often has fewer crowds than the side and delivers huge mountain views within just a short walk from the parking lot.

Sunrise Visitor Area: At over 6,000 feet, simply stepping out of your car feels like you’ve climbed a mountain.
Short hikes: Try the Sunrise Nature Trail or part of the Sourdough Ridge Trail for sweeping views without a full-day trek.
Wildflowers: Mid to late summer, the meadows can be packed with color.

From Auburn, you’re generally looking at about a 2–2.5 hour drive. Bring layers, snacks, water, and check park road conditions before you leave. This is one of the most iconic day trips from Auburn, WA.

3. Bremerton & Port Orchard: Kitsap Ferries and Naval History (Kitsap County)

Want the feel of an island getaway without actually going to the islands? Cross into Kitsap County and follow the water. Why go: and offer a mix of military history, waterfront views, and small-town charm. Plus, ferries are just plain fun.

Bremerton Boardwalk: Walk along the waterfront, grab coffee, and watch the ferries roll in and out.
USS Turner Joy: A retired Navy destroyer you can tour for a hands-on look at naval history.
Port Orchard: Just across Sinclair Inlet, this town has antique shops, small cafés, and great spots for a slow lunch.
Ferry rides: Use the short Port Orchard foot ferry between the towns for a quick, low-cost “mini cruise.”

Driving from Auburn usually takes about 1.5 hours, depending on which route and ferries you use. This is a relaxing family-friendly road trip from Auburn with a lot of easy walking and waterfront photo spots.

4. Poulsbo: “Little Norway” on Liberty Bay (Kitsap County)

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a Scandinavian-inspired town without leaving Washington, is calling. Why go: Nicknamed “,” Poulsbo is known for its Nordic theme, bakeries, and cozy downtown.

Main Street shops: Pop into gift shops, bookstores, and bakeries for treats and souvenirs.
Waterfront park: Walk the short waterfront area along Liberty Bay and watch boats drift in and out.
Bakery stop: Don’t leave without grabbing pastries or fresh bread. Your car will smell amazing on the drive home.

Expect about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Auburn, depending on traffic and route. This is a great couples’ day trip or a quiet getaway if you want something slower-paced.

5. Snohomish: Antique Shops and Riverside Walks (Snohomish County)

Drive north out of King County, cross into Snohomish County, and you’ll hit one of the region’s most charming small towns. Why go: Snohomish is famous for its historic downtown, antique stores, and relaxed riverside setting.

Historic downtown: Spend a few hours wandering through antique malls, vintage shops, and small boutiques.
Food and coffee: There are plenty of casual spots for burgers, ice cream, and coffee when you need a break.
River views: Walk along the Snohomish River and enjoy the slower pace.

Snohomish is roughly 1–1.5 hours from Auburn, depending on your route. If you love treasure hunting or small-town vibes, add this to your road trip ideas from Auburn, WA list.

6. Stevens Pass Area: Mountain Air and River Time (Snohomish County)

If you’re craving mountain scenery but don’t want to commit to a backpacking trip, the corridor is a solid choice. Why go: You can mix short hikes, pull-off viewpoints, and river access all in one drive.

Skykomish: A tiny town that makes a good stop for snacks and a leg stretch.
Deception Falls: A short, easy walk to see a powerful waterfall from viewpoints and bridges.
Scenic pullouts: As you approach Stevens Pass, stop at viewpoint areas to snap photos of the surrounding peaks.

From Auburn, plan about 2–2.5 hours one way. Bring a light jacket even in summer; mountain weather changes fast.

7. Leavenworth: Bavarian Village in the Cascades (Chelan County)

is one of Washington’s most iconic destinations and makes an unforgettable day or weekend trip from Auburn. Why go: It’s a full-on Bavarian-style village set in the mountains, with year-round festivals, beer gardens, and river access.

Bavarian-style downtown: Walk Front Street for German-inspired buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Outdoor fun: In summer, you can tube the river or take short hikes; in winter, it turns into a cozy snow village.
Food and drink: Think brats, pretzels, schnitzel, and local beer.

It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Auburn, depending on traffic and mountain pass conditions. Many people turn Leavenworth into a weekend escape, but if you start early, a long day trip is totally doable.

8. Lake Chelan: Sun, Water, and Wine (Chelan County)

If you’re ready for a longer road trip from Auburn and want that “vacation” feel, delivers. Why go: This long, deep lake is known for sunshine, boating, and wineries.

Lake time: Swim, paddleboard, or just sit by the water with your feet in the lake.
Winery visits: The Chelan area has plenty of tasting rooms with lake views.
Downtown Chelan: Walkable area with shops, ice cream spots, and restaurants.

From Auburn, you’re looking at roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive, so this is best as a weekend getaway, especially in late spring through early fall.

9. Ellensburg: Western Charm and Open Skies (Kittitas County)

Head east over the Cascades into Kittitas County and you’ll find a totally different side of Washington: wide open spaces, rolling hills, and a college town with cowboy roots. Why go: Ellensburg blends Western history with a laid-back small-town feel.

Historic downtown: Brick buildings, art galleries, and local shops make for an easy afternoon wander.
Western flavor: Depending on the time of year, you might catch a rodeo or local fair.
Scenic drive: The stretch over Snoqualmie Pass into Kittitas County can be beautiful, especially in spring and fall.

Expect a 2–2.5 hour drive from Auburn, depending on traffic over the pass. This makes a great day trip if you enjoy history, quieter streets, and wide, open views.

10. Yakima Valley: Wine Country and Fruit Stands (Yakima County)

For a totally different vibe than Puget Sound, head southeast to Yakima Valley, one of Washington’s key agricultural and wine regions. Why go: Sunny weather, orchards, wineries, and a slower pace make Yakima a refreshing change of scenery.

Wineries and tasting rooms: There are many small, welcoming spots where you can sample local wines.
Fruit stands: In season, you’ll find fresh cherries, apples, peaches, and more right off the farm.
Scenic drives: Rolling hills, vineyards, and big skies are a strong contrast to the forests around Auburn.

From Auburn, Yakima is about a 2.5–3 hour drive, usually over Snoqualmie or Chinook Pass (when open). This is a great warm-weather weekend road trip from Auburn.

Tips for Planning Your Auburn Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Auburn, WA easy and enjoyable, keep a few basics in mind:

Check the passes: For mountain routes (like to Leavenworth, Ellensburg, Yakima, or Chelan), check pass conditions before you go.
Start early: Leaving Auburn in the morning helps you beat traffic and gives you more time at your destination.
Pack a small kit: Water, snacks, a light jacket, sunglasses, phone charger, and maybe a small cooler for any goodies you pick up.
Have a backup plan: Weather can change quickly in Washington. It’s smart to have a “Plan B” hike or activity nearby.

Ready to Hit the Road From Auburn?

Living or staying in Auburn, Washington means you’re within a few hours of mountains, lakes, bays, wine country, and some truly charming small towns—just by crossing into nearby counties like Pierce, Kitsap, Snohomish, Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima. Have you done any of these out-of-county road trips from Auburn yet? Which one sounds best for your next free Saturday? Share this post with friends or family who are always asking, “What should we do this weekend?” And if you have your own favorite spot outside King County, drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear about the day trips you’re discovering from Auburn.

Washington Directory

Search This Blog