10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Bellevue, Washington
If you live in
Bellevue, Washington and feel like you’ve done *all* the local things, you’re not alone. Sometimes you just need to hop in the car, turn up the music, and get out of King County for a day.
The good news? Within about 1–3 hours of Bellevue, you’ll find mountain towns, lake views, wineries, waterfalls, and even high desert landscapes. These short
road trips from Bellevue are perfect for a Saturday drive, a spontaneous Sunday, or a long-weekend mini getaway.
All of the ideas below are outside King County, in nearby counties like
Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish, and Yakima.
1. Leavenworth – A Bavarian Getaway in the Cascades (Chelan County)
Leavenworth feels like you took a wrong turn and ended up in a little village in the Alps.
From Bellevue, it’s usually a 2.5–3 hour drive over Stevens Pass, depending on traffic and weather. The journey itself is beautiful, with river views, forests, and mountain peaks.
Why go:
- Stroll a walkable “Bavarian” downtown with alpine-style buildings.
- Try local bratwurst, pretzels, and German beer.
- Go tubing or floating on the Wenatchee River in summer.
- Visit during fall for colorful leaves and Oktoberfest vibes.
If you can, stay until evening. The lights in town feel cozy, especially around the holidays. Just keep an eye on winter driving conditions over the pass.
2. Lake Chelan – Sun, Wine, and Water (Chelan County)
If you’re craving sunshine,
Lake Chelan is worth the longer drive. It’s about 3–3.5 hours from Bellevue, but it feels like a whole different world once you get there.
What to do:
- Swim, paddleboard, or rent a boat on the long, clear lake.
- Check out local wineries and tasting rooms.
- Walk the waterfront parks and grab ice cream in town.
- Take a boat trip up-lake toward Stehekin for a bigger adventure.
If you’re planning a long summer weekend away from Bellevue, Chelan is a classic Eastern Washington escape.
3. Bainbridge Island – Small-Town Vibes Across the Water (Kitsap County)
This trip feels like a mini vacation, but you don’t have to drive very far. From Bellevue, head to downtown Seattle, catch the ferry, and about 35 minutes later you’re on
Bainbridge Island in Kitsap County.
Highlights:
- Walk Winslow’s main street for coffee shops, bookstores, and galleries.
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (free admission).
- Walk along the waterfront and watch the ferries glide by.
- Explore local parks and easy shoreline trails.
If you’re looking for an easy
day trip from Bellevue without a long drive, this one’s hard to beat. The ferry ride alone is worth it, especially at sunset.
4. Poulsbo – “Little Norway” on Liberty Bay (Kitsap County)
Just a bit farther into Kitsap County,
Poulsbo is another charming waterfront town with a Nordic twist.
You’ll drive around 1.5–2 hours from Bellevue, depending on your ferry route and timing.
Why you’ll love it:
- Colorful downtown with Scandinavian-themed shops and bakeries.
- Try fresh pastries, especially anything with cardamom.
- Walk along the marina and watch boats in Liberty Bay.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard on calm days.
If you like Leavenworth’s themed town feel but want something closer and quieter, Poulsbo is a great alternative.
5. Snoqualmie Pass & Summit Area – Mountain Air Without the Long Drive (Kittitas County)
Just a short hop over the ridge from King County, the east side of
Snoqualmie Pass lands you in Kittitas County. From Bellevue, you’re looking at roughly an hour’s drive, give or take.
In warmer months you can:
- Hike family-friendly trails with alpine lake views.
- Have a picnic near the ski areas once the snow melts.
- Stop for scenic photo spots right off I-90.
In winter, this area turns into a snow playground with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. If you live in Bellevue and want a quick taste of mountain life, this is one of the easiest options.
6. Ellensburg – Historic Downtown and Open Skies (Kittitas County)
If you keep driving east on I-90 past the pass, you’ll hit
Ellensburg in about 2 hours from Bellevue. The landscape opens up, the sky feels bigger, and the mood shifts to classic Eastern Washington.
Things to check out:
- Walk the historic brick downtown with old Western charm.
- Grab a casual meal or coffee at a local café.
- Visit small museums or art spaces when they’re open.
- Time your visit for the famous Ellensburg Rodeo if you like that scene.
If you’re tired of trees and want wide-open views, Ellensburg is a simple but refreshing drive.
7. Mount Rainier – Paradise or Sunrise Area (Pierce County)
It’s hard to talk about
road trips from Bellevue without mentioning
Mount Rainier National Park. The mountain is visible from so many spots on the Eastside, but seeing it up close is something else.
From Bellevue, plan on about 2–2.5 hours to reach the
Paradise area in Pierce County, depending on traffic and park entry lines.
Top reasons to go:
- Wildflower meadows in late summer.
- Short, well-marked viewpoint trails suitable for most fitness levels.
- Snow play areas in winter, when conditions allow and roads are open.
- Endless photo opportunities with the mountain front and center.
Check the National Park Service website before you go for road conditions, entry reservations (when required), and weather updates. Pack layers. The weather here can change fast.
8. Tacoma – Museums, Waterfront, and Glass Art (Pierce County)
If you want more city energy but a different vibe from Seattle, try
Tacoma. It’s about an hour from Bellevue on a good day, and it offers a nice mix of culture and waterfront views.
Ideas for a Tacoma day trip:
Tacoma is a solid choice if you’re into art, history, and architecture but don’t want the same crowded feel as Seattle.
9. Snohomish – Antique Shops and Hot-Air Balloons (Snohomish County)
Just north of King County, the town of
Snohomish sits along the Snohomish River and feels like a small slice of old-time main street America.
From Bellevue, it’s usually a 45–60 minute drive, depending on your route and traffic.
What makes Snohomish special:
- Rows of antique shops and vintage stores in a walkable downtown.
- Cozy cafés and dessert spots when you need a break.
- Riverside walking paths with pretty views.
- Hot-air balloon rides in good weather (book ahead).
If you like to browse, wander, and hunt for unique finds, Snohomish is an easy half-day or full-day getaway from Bellevue.
10. Yakima – Wine, Orchards, and Eastern Washington Sunshine (Yakima County)
For a deeper dive into Eastern Washington, head to
Yakima. It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Bellevue via I-90 and I-82, depending on traffic and stops.
On the way, you’ll pass through changing landscapes—mountains, river valleys, and dry hillsides.
In and around Yakima you can:
- Visit wineries and tasting rooms in the Yakima Valley.
- Stop at fruit stands for fresh apples, cherries, or peaches in season.
- Bike or walk along local paths and riverfront trails.
- Enjoy clear, warm evenings that feel far from the Puget Sound gray.
If you’re from Bellevue and want to trade drizzle for dry heat, Yakima is a solid option almost any time from spring through fall.
Tips for Planning Your Bellevue Road Trips
To make these
short trips from Bellevue smoother, here are a few simple tips:
- Check passes and roads: In winter and spring, mountain passes like Snoqualmie and Stevens can close or require traction tires.
- Leave early: You’ll dodge some traffic and have more time to explore.
- Pack snacks and water: Especially for the longer drives to Chelan or Yakima.
- Bring layers: Weather can swing from chilly to warm in the same day, especially in the mountains.
When you live in Bellevue, you’re in a sweet spot: lakes to the east, islands to the west, mountains in almost every direction. You don’t have to fly anywhere to feel like you’ve “gotten away.”
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Bellevue
Have you taken any of these
out-of-county day trips from Bellevue?
Did I miss one of your favorite hidden gems in Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish, or Yakima County?
I’d love to hear your ideas.
- Drop a comment with your go-to road trip from Bellevue.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “We should get out of town more.”
The next time you’re staring out the window in Bellevue, wondering what to do this weekend, pick one of these spots, fill up the tank, and see where the road takes you.
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