10 Best Short Road Trips from Wenatchee, Washington for Weekend Getaways

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Wenatchee, WA

If you live in , you already know you’re in a beautiful part of the state. But what if you want to get out of for the day and explore somewhere new? Good news: you’re surrounded by some of the prettiest countryside in the . In just an hour or two, you can reach mountain passes, coastal bays, small farm towns, and world‑class cities. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Wenatchee into nearby counties like , , , , , and . These make great weekend ideas, day trips, or even last‑minute “let’s just drive” adventures.

1. East Wenatchee & The Columbia Plateau (Douglas County)

Yes, you’re just crossing the river…but you are leaving Chelan County. A quick trip into Douglas County gives you a different view of the and the open plateau landscape. Why go: You get big sky views, easy walking paths, and a feel for the wide‑open farmland that defines central Washington. Things to do near East Wenatchee (Douglas County):

Explore the Apple Capital Loop Trail (Douglas side) – Park on the East Wenatchee side and walk or bike along the river. The views back toward the Wenatchee foothills are fantastic, especially at sunset.
Drive the farm roads north of town – Head out on back roads toward orchard country. In spring, the fruit trees bloom; in fall, the air smells like apples.
Visit Rock Island area viewpoints – Follow Highway 28 downriver for scenic stops above the Columbia and basalt cliffs.

Drive time from Wenatchee: 5–20 minutes, depending on where you go. If you just want a short, easy outing, this is the simplest “out-of-county” trip you can make.

2. Crescent Bar & the Columbia River Cliffs (Douglas County)

If you’re craving sun, water, and dramatic canyon walls, head southeast along the Columbia in Douglas County to the Crescent Bar area. Highlights:

Crescent Bar recreation area – A small resort community on an island in the Columbia River with beaches, a golf course, and river access.
Boating and paddling – Launch a boat, kayak, or paddleboard and float between tall basalt cliffs. It feels almost like a desert lake in the Southwest.
Scenic drives – Even if you don’t get out of the car, the drive along Highway 28 and the side roads to Crescent Bar offers sweeping canyon views.

Drive time from Wenatchee: About 45–60 minutes. This is a great summer day trip for families, couples, or anyone who loves warm water and sunshine.

3. Leavenworth Area from the Kittitas Side via Blewett Pass (Kittitas County)

Everyone knows (in Chelan County), but you can enjoy the journey from the Kittitas County side by taking Blewett Pass (Highway 97) and exploring the forest and pullouts outside Chelan County. Why it’s worth the drive:

Blewett Pass viewpoints – As you climb through Kittitas County, there are pullouts and forest roads where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sweeping views of the Cascades and thick pine forests.
Short hikes and snow play (in season) – In winter, people stop along this corridor for sledding and snowshoeing. In summer, trailheads lead to quiet forest hikes.
Scenic loop idea – Drive from Wenatchee to Blewett Pass via 97, then continue to Cle Elum (also in Kittitas County) before looping back on I‑90 and Highway 97/970.

Drive time from Wenatchee to the Kittitas side of Blewett Pass: Around 45–60 minutes. It’s a relaxing mountain drive when you want evergreen trees instead of city streets.

4. Ellensburg’s Western Vibe (Kittitas County)

If you’re in the mood for a small college town with a western feel, head south to Ellensburg in Kittitas County. What to do in Ellensburg:

Wander downtown – Brick buildings, local coffee shops, and western‑style storefronts make it fun to stroll around, shop, and people‑watch.
Check out local art and history – Visit small galleries and the local museums that highlight the region’s ranching and railroad heritage.
Take a country drive – Roll through the Kittitas Valley on back roads lined with hay fields, barns, and distant mountain views.

Drive time from Wenatchee: About 1.5 hours via Blewett Pass. Ellensburg makes a nice day trip when you want a different pace of life and a bit of cowboy flavor.

5. Scenic North Cascades Highway Near Mazama & Washington Pass (Okanogan County)

For mountain lovers, a drive to the upper in Okanogan County is hard to beat. You don’t have to go all the way to the coast to feel like you’ve escaped into huge, wild country. Top stops in Okanogan County along Highway 20:

Washington Pass Overlook – Jaw‑dropping views of jagged peaks and deep valleys. Short, easy walk from the parking area.
Mazama area trails – In summer, hike or bike mellow trails through forest and meadows. In winter, this is classic cross‑country ski country.
River pullouts – Stop along the Methow River for picnic spots, photo ops, or a refreshing break.

Drive time from Wenatchee to Washington Pass area: About 2.5–3 hours (longer in winter if passes are open, and Highway 20 usually closes in deep winter). It’s a longer day trip, but the scenery makes every mile worth it.

6. Winthrop’s Old West Charm (Okanogan County)

If you like fun little towns, you’ll love Winthrop in Okanogan County. The whole town leans into an Old West theme, with wooden boardwalks and stylized storefronts. What to do in Winthrop:

Stroll the boardwalks – Pop in and out of shops, grab ice cream, and enjoy the western‑style buildings.
Hit the trails – The Winthrop area is packed with hiking, biking, and in winter, cross‑country skiing and fat‑tire biking.
Enjoy river views – The town sits near the Methow and Chewuch Rivers, so you’ll find bridges and viewpoints with peaceful water scenes.

Drive time from Wenatchee: Around 2 hours via Highway 97 and Highway 20. If you leave early, you can wander town, hit a short trail, grab dinner, and still get back to Wenatchee at a reasonable hour.

7. Seattle’s Big-City Adventure (King County)

Sometimes you just want skyscrapers, museums, and a stadium hot dog. For that, hop in the car and head to Seattle in King County. Classic Seattle experiences:

Pike Place Market – Fresh fish, flowers, local food, and street performers. Tourist spot? Yes. Still fun? Definitely.
Waterfront stroll – Walk along the piers, ride the Seattle Great Wheel, or just watch ferries come and go.
City neighborhoods – Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont each have their own vibe, with coffee shops, breweries, and plenty of people‑watching.

Drive time from Wenatchee to Seattle: About 2.5–3 hours via Blewett Pass and I‑90 (longer with traffic). It makes a full, busy day trip, but if you time it right, you can be home in time to sleep in your own bed.

8. North Bend & Snoqualmie Pass Playground (King County)

If you like the idea of a mountain getaway without going all the way into Seattle, aim for North Bend and the Snoqualmie Pass area, still in King County. Ideas for the day:

Outlet shopping in North Bend – Stock up on outdoor gear, shoes, and clothes at the outlet mall.
Hike nearby trails – The region around North Bend is full of classic hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints (check conditions and difficulty before you go).
Snoqualmie Pass recreation – In winter, ski or snowboard at the summit. In summer, enjoy hiking, biking, and lake time around the high country.

Drive time from Wenatchee: Roughly 2–2.5 hours. If you love outdoor adventures, you could make dozens of trips down here and still find new trails each time.

9. Skagit Valley Farmland & La Conner (Skagit County)

Head northwest toward the coast, and you’ll reach the fertile fields of Skagit County. In spring, this area explodes with color during tulip season, but it’s a pleasant trip any time of year. What to see in Skagit County:

Skagit Valley farmland – Picture wide fields, distant mountains, and big barns. In early spring, daffodils show up first, followed by tulips.
La Conner – A charming waterfront town with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants lining the Swinomish Channel.
Bay views – Short drives from La Conner take you to coastal viewpoints and quiet roads along the water.

Drive time from Wenatchee to La Conner: About 3 hours, depending on route and traffic. This makes an especially great trip if you love photography, art, or lazy walks by the water.

10. Snohomish’s Historic District & Antique Shops (Snohomish County)

If your idea of fun is browsing antiques, sipping coffee, and walking past historic homes, put the town of Snohomish in Snohomish County on your list. Things to do in Snohomish:

Historic downtown – Old buildings packed with antique stores, boutiques, and bakeries. It’s easy to spend hours poking around.
Riverside walk – Stroll along the Snohomish River for peaceful views and a break from browsing.
Country drives – Just outside town, you’ll find farms, pumpkin patches in fall, and quiet back roads perfect for a slow drive.

Drive time from Wenatchee: About 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and route. This is a good trip for a relaxed day, especially if you like vintage decor or old‑town charm.

Tips for Planning Your Wenatchee Road Trips

To make these Wenatchee day trips smooth and fun:

Check road conditions – Passes like Blewett and Washington Pass can be snowy or closed in winter. Always check before you go.
Bring layers – Weather can change quickly between Wenatchee, the passes, and the coast. A light jacket in the trunk never hurts.
Pack snacks and water – Some stretches, especially in Okanogan and Douglas Counties, don’t have services for a while.
Plan your stops – A few minutes on a map app can help you combine viewpoints, short hikes, and small towns into one perfect loop.

Think of Wenatchee as your home base. From there, you can reach King, Kittitas, Okanogan, Douglas, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties without flying, booking a tour, or burning more than a day.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Wenatchee?

Have you taken any of these short road trips from Wenatchee? Do you have a favorite spot in Douglas, King, Kittitas, Okanogan, Skagit, or Snohomish County that I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear about it.

Drop your favorite routes and hidden gems in the comments.
Share this post with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Wenatchee.

Your ideas might inspire someone’s next weekend adventure.

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