10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips from Kent, Washington
If you live in
Kent, WA and you’re itching to get out of town for a day or a weekend, you’re in luck. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can hit mountain passes, island beaches, wine country, and classic small towns—without staying in King County.
This guide covers
10 short road trips from Kent that all head into nearby counties like
Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Kittitas, Chelan, and Yakima. Think of it as your quick-start list when you’re wondering, “What can I do near Kent this weekend?”
1. Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise & Longmire (Pierce County)
Driving from Kent to the Paradise area at Mount Rainier feels like stepping into another world, but it usually takes only about
2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and season.
- Why go: Wildflower meadows, huge glaciers, and some of the best mountain views in Washington.
- Don’t miss: The easy Nisqually Vista loop, Paradise Jackson Visitor Center, and the historic buildings around Longmire.
- Good for: Families, casual hikers, and anyone who wants to see “peak” Washington scenery.
On a clear day, the drive up from Ashford is half the fun—twisty forest roads, waterfalls off the cliffs, and that first jaw-dropping view of Rainier.
Pro tip: Go early on summer weekends. Parking at Paradise can fill up fast by late morning.
2. Tacoma Waterfront & Point Defiance (Pierce County)
Need a shorter, more relaxed trip? Drive about
30–40 minutes south from Kent and spend a day in
Tacoma, just across the county line in Pierce County.
When I first moved to the area, this was my “trial road trip.” I wanted something easy, with good food and good views—and Tacoma delivered.
Pro tip: Time your visit for sunset along Ruston Way. The colors over the water can be stunning, especially on those rare clear evenings.
3. Snohomish Historic Downtown & Hot Air Balloons (Snohomish County)
Head about
1 to 1.5 hours north from Kent and you’ll hit
Snohomish, a small city with serious charm. It’s known for antiques, cute shops, and wide-open farmland just outside town.
- Explore downtown: Antique stores, coffee shops, and vintage-style boutiques along a walkable main street.
- River walk: Stretch your legs along the Snohomish River.
- Unique experience: In late spring and summer, look into hot air balloon rides over the valley (book ahead).
Even if you’re not into antiques, Snohomish is perfect if you just want to wander, window shop, and grab lunch somewhere cozy.
Pro tip: Weekends can be busy. If you can, try a Friday afternoon or a Sunday morning for lighter crowds.
4. Edmonds Beach & Ferry Town Vibes (Snohomish County)
About
60–75 minutes from Kent—depending on traffic—you’ll find
Edmonds
Edmonds Marina Beach: Sandy areas, driftwood, picnic tables, and a great view of the ferry sailing to Kingston.
Downtown Edmonds: Compact, walkable streets with bookstores, bakeries, and art galleries.
Sunsets: Some of the best sunset views over the Olympic Mountains in the region.
There’s something soothing about watching the ferries come and go while kids build sand castles and dogs run along the shore.
Pro tip: If you’re into photography, Edmonds is a gold mine—ferries, mountains, birds, and colorful downtown buildings all within a short walk.
5. Bainbridge Island via Bremerton (Kitsap County)
Most people think of taking the Seattle–Bainbridge ferry, but from Kent you can also drive south and west into
Kitsap County and make a whole loop using the
Bremerton route. Expect about
1.5 to 2.5 hours total travel time depending on your exact route and ferry waits.
- Stage one: Drive to Bremerton in Kitsap County.
- Explore Bremerton: Waterfront, naval history, and local eateries.
- Ferry fun: Ride one of the scenic ferries through Puget Sound (routes and schedules change, so check WSDOT in advance).
- Island vibe: Once on Bainbridge, enjoy small-town streets, art galleries, and quiet side roads.
If you love the feeling of “getting away” but don’t want a long drive, this mix of roads and ferries can turn one day into a mini-vacation.
Pro tip: Ferries can be busy on summer weekends. Arrive early or travel during non-peak times when possible.
6. Ellensburg & the Kittitas Valley (Kittitas County)
Ready for open skies and that “east of the mountains” feel? Drive
about 2 to 2.5 hours east from Kent over Snoqualmie Pass into
Kittitas County and explore
Ellensburg.
- Historic downtown: Brick buildings, local breweries, and Western-style shops.
- Kittitas Valley views: Wide open fields, wind farms on the hills, and big skies.
- Seasonal events: Rodeos and fairs bring real cowboy energy to the town.
Crossing the pass feels like traveling into another climate. The air is drier, and the landscape shifts from dense forest to rolling hills and sagebrush.
Pro tip: In winter, check mountain pass conditions before you go. Chains and winter tires might be required during snowstorms.
7. Leavenworth – Bavarian Fun in the Cascades (Chelan County)
If you haven’t been to
Leavenworth yet, it’s definitely a top road trip from Kent. Plan for about
3 to 3.5 hours of drive time as you head over Stevens Pass or through Blewett Pass, into
Chelan County.
- Alpine village style: Bavarian-themed buildings, German food, and year-round festivals.
- Outdoor activities: River floats in summer, hiking nearby, and snow play in winter.
- Family-friendly: Street performers, candy shops, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.
Is it touristy? Absolutely. But there’s a reason people love it. On a sunny day, with the mountains all around and the sound of polka music drifting through town, it just feels fun.
Pro tip: Holidays like Oktoberfest and Christmas Lighting are popular. Book lodging early if you want to stay overnight.
8. Lake Chelan – Sun, Swimming, and Wine (Chelan County)
For a longer day trip or an easy weekend from Kent, drive about
4 to 4.5 hours to
Lake Chelan, one of Washington’s most iconic summer getaway spots.
- Water time: Swim, rent a kayak, take a lake tour, or just lay on the beach.
- Wineries: Dozens of tasting rooms and vineyards around the lake (pick a designated driver).
- Scenery: A long, deep blue lake framed by mountains and fruit orchards.
Think of it as Washington’s version of a classic summer lake town—boat launches, ice cream, flip-flops, and long warm evenings.
Pro tip: Summer is peak season. If you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler temps, aim for late June or early September.
9. Yakima – Fruit Stands & Wine Country (Yakima County)
If you love fresh produce and warm, dry weather, head east from Kent about
3 hours to the
Yakima Valley in
Yakima County.
- Fruit stands: Cherries, apples, peaches, and other seasonal fruit right from local growers.
- Wine tasting: One of Washington’s top wine regions, with many relaxed, unpretentious tasting rooms.
- River views: The Yakima River Canyon drive is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Driving through the valley, you’ll see miles of orchards and vineyards. It’s a huge change from the forested, rainy feel around Kent.
Pro tip: Summers can be hot—often in the 90s or higher. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and light clothing.
10. Naches & Chinook Pass Scenic Drive (Yakima County)
For mountain scenery without staying in King County, drive toward
Naches and continue along
Chinook Pass in
Yakima County. Depending on how far you go, plan on
2.5 to 3.5 hours from Kent.
- Scenic highway: One of the most beautiful drives in the state when the pass is open.
- Short hikes: Look for trailheads near viewpoints and small lakes off the highway.
- Picnic spots: Pullouts with views of rugged peaks and deep valleys.
It’s the kind of drive where you keep wanting to pull over “just for one more photo.”
Pro tip: Chinook Pass is usually open late spring through fall. In winter, check pass closures and conditions before you go.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Kent, WA
To make these
short road trips from Kent smoother and more fun, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check traffic: Use a map app to avoid rush hour around major highways.
- Look up pass conditions: For trips crossing the Cascades, winter and early spring can be tricky.
- Pack smart: Layers, snacks, water, and a basic first-aid kit go a long way.
- Plan stops: Add one or two “stretch and snack” breaks, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Think of the drive as part of the experience. Some of the best memories happen at those random overlooks or little diners you find along the way.
Where Will You Road Trip Next from Kent?
Living in
Kent, Washington means you’re just a short drive from mountains, islands, lakes, and sunny valleys—all without leaving the region. Whether you want a quick half-day escape to
Tacoma or Edmonds, or a full weekend adventure in
Leavenworth, Chelan, or Yakima, there’s always somewhere new to explore.
Have you tried any of these out-of-county trips yet?
Which one is your favorite, or which one are you planning next?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family
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