10 Easy Road Trips From Kirkland, WA (Outside King County) You’ll Actually Want To Take
Living in or visiting
Kirkland, Washington and craving a change of scene? You’re in luck. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find mountain passes, island towns, wine country, and classic PNW hiking spots—*all* outside King County.
To keep this list true to “out-of-county” adventures, every destination below is in a neighboring county:
These 10 short road trips from Kirkland are perfect for weekend getaways, day trips, and spontaneous “let’s just drive” afternoons.
1. Leavenworth, WA – Bavarian Fun in the Mountains (Chelan County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 2 – 2.5 hours, roughly 120 miles east
County:
Chelan County
Leavenworth feels like someone dropped a tiny
Bavarian village in the middle of the
Cascades. You’ll know you’re getting close when the mountains get steeper and the air smells like pine.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Walkable “Bavarian” downtown with painted murals, flower boxes, and alpine-style buildings.
- Seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest and Christmas lighting that feel straight out of a movie.
- Outdoor fun: river tubing on the Wenatchee in summer, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
I still remember the first time I turned onto Highway 2 toward Leavenworth—one minute you’re driving past small towns, the next you’re in what looks like a European village. If you love themed towns and mountain views, this is your spot.
Road trip tip: Highway 2 can get snowy in winter. Check pass reports before you go and pack warm layers.
2. Chelan & Lake Chelan Wine Country (Chelan County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 3.5 hours, roughly 180 miles east
County:
Chelan County
If your idea of a good day includes water, sunshine, and a glass of wine, put
Lake Chelan high on your list.
Best things to do near Chelan:
- Boat or paddleboard on the 50-mile-long lake—one of the deepest in the country.
- Wine tasting at hillside vineyards with sweeping water views.
- Stroll downtown Chelan for ice cream, burgers, and lakefront parks.
In summer, it feels almost like you’ve driven to a different climate—warmer, sunnier, and drier than back in Kirkland. It’s a classic escape when you’re tired of gray skies.
Road trip tip: This is a longer day trip, so consider staying overnight to really unwind.
3. Poulsbo – “Little Norway” on Liberty Bay (Kitsap County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 1.5 hours (including ferry time)
County:
Kitsap County
Poulsbo is a small waterfront town with big charm, just across
Puget Sound in
Kitsap County.
Why you’ll love Poulsbo:
- Scenic ferry ride from downtown Seattle or Edmonds (you’ll drive a bit from Kirkland to the dock).
- Nordic-themed downtown with bakeries, gift shops, and colorful storefronts.
- Liberty Bay views and easy-access marinas and waterfront parks.
It’s an easy day trip: coffee in Kirkland, pastries in Poulsbo, and sunset on the water before heading home.
Road trip tip: Ferries can fill up on weekends. Consider going early or checking the ferry schedule before you roll out.
4. Bainbridge Island – Art, Nature, and Small-Town Vibes (Kitsap County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 1.5 hours (drive + Seattle–Bainbridge ferry)
County:
Kitsap County
While technically an island, Bainbridge feels more like a laid-back small town with easy access to nature.
Top things to do on Bainbridge:
- Wander Winslow, the main downtown strip with cafés, bookstores, and local shops.
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (free admission, donation-based).
- Walk waterfront trails or relax at a local beach with distant views of Seattle or the Olympics.
The ride back toward Seattle at night is one of my favorites—the city lights across the water are worth the trip alone.
Road trip tip: Park your car and explore on foot. Bainbridge is very walkable near the ferry terminal.
5. Snohomish – Antique Shops and Hot Air Balloons (Snohomish County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 40–50 minutes, roughly 30 miles north
County:
Snohomish County
Want a short, low-stress drive?
Snohomish is a classic “old town” destination that feels a world away from city life.
What to do in Snohomish:
- Browse antique stores and vintage shops along the historic downtown streets.
- Grab coffee or a burger and watch the Snohomish River roll by.
- In summer, book a hot air balloon ride over the valley for sunrise or sunset views.
It’s the kind of place where you can just stroll around with no plan and still have a great time.
Road trip tip: Combine Snohomish with nearby farms in the valley during fall for pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
6. Stevens Pass & Skykomish – Mountain Adventure Stop (Snohomish County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 1.5 hours to Stevens Pass, roughly 75 miles east
County:
Snohomish County
If you’re craving mountain air but don’t want to go all the way to Leavenworth, the
Stevens Pass area and tiny town of
Skykomish make a good mini-road trip.
Highlights along Highway 2:
- Hiking in summer—trails range from easy walks to serious climbs.
- Scenic pullouts by the river and viewpoints with postcard-worthy mountain vistas.
- Winter sports at Stevens Pass ski area: skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoe trails nearby.
The drive itself is half the fun—winding roads, rushing rivers, and evergreen forests most of the way.
Road trip tip: Start early to avoid heavy traffic and give yourself time to hike or play in the snow.
7. Mount Rainier National Park (Pierce County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 2–2.5 hours to the Nisqually or Sunrise areas
County:
Pierce County
From Kirkland, you probably see
Mount Rainier on clear days. Driving closer to it is a whole different experience.
Why Rainier belongs on your road-trip list:
- Iconic views of glaciers, meadows, and that famous snow-covered peak.
- Family-friendly trails around Paradise and Sunrise with boardwalks and shorter loops.
- Wildflower meadows in late July and August that look almost unreal.
The first time you round a bend and see Rainier filling your windshield, it’s hard not to just say “wow” out loud.
Road trip tip: National park entry fees apply. Pack snacks, water, and layers—the weather can change quickly.
8. Tacoma Waterfront & Museums (Pierce County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 1–1.25 hours, roughly 40–50 miles south
County:
Pierce County
Tacoma doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, but it’s a solid
day trip from Kirkland with a mix of culture and waterfront views.
Things to do in Tacoma:
- Visit the Museum of Glass and walk the glass bridge.
- Explore the waterfront esplanade along Ruston Way—great for walking or biking.
- Check out local breweries or grab seafood with views of Commencement Bay.
If you like art, city history, and easy water views without Seattle crowds, Tacoma is an easy win.
Road trip tip: Pair Tacoma with a side visit to Point Defiance Park for gardens, forested drives, and more shoreline.
9. Ellensburg – Cowboy Town Meets College Town (Kittitas County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 1.75–2 hours, roughly 100 miles east
County:
Kittitas County
Drive over Snoqualmie Pass and you’ll hit
Ellensburg, a place that mixes Old West vibes with college-town energy.
What to check out in Ellensburg:
- Historic downtown with brick buildings, art galleries, and local restaurants.
- Seasonal rodeos and fairs that highlight its cowboy roots.
- Nearby Kittitas Valley views, rolling hills, and wide-open skies.
The climate is drier and sunnier than Kirkland, which makes it a nice change of pace, especially in spring and fall.
Road trip tip: Combine Ellensburg with a stop at Snoqualmie Pass for a short hike or quick coffee break.
10. Yakima Valley Wine & Fruit Country (Yakima County)
Distance from Kirkland: about 2.5–3 hours, roughly 150 miles southeast
County:
Yakima County
If you’re into wineries, fresh fruit stands, and long, sunny afternoons,
Yakima Valley is a must.
Why Yakima makes a great weekend road trip:
- Dozens of wineries with relaxed tasting rooms and vineyard views.
- Fruit stands and u-pick farms with cherries, apples, peaches, and more in season.
- Warmer, drier weather than the west side—perfect when it’s raining in Kirkland.
It’s easy to slow down here: sip wine, grab some local produce, and enjoy big-sky sunsets you don’t usually see on the west side.
Road trip tip: Pick a couple of wineries in the same area so you’re not driving all over the valley.
Planning Your Road Trips From Kirkland
Before you hit the road from Kirkland for these out-of-county adventures, here are a few quick tips:
- Check passes and weather (especially for Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass, and Mount Rainier).
- Leave early on weekends to beat traffic and get more time at your destination.
- Pack a small “road-trip kit”: water, snacks, phone charger, light jacket, and a paper map as backup.
- Book ahead for popular spots like Leavenworth, Chelan, and Yakima on summer weekends.
These road trips from Kirkland are close enough for a day, but fun enough to turn into a whole weekend if you want.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Kirkland?
Have you driven to any of these places from Kirkland, WA?
Did I miss a favorite spot in
Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish, or Yakima County?
I’d love to hear your ideas:
- Which destination would you try first?
- Do you have a go-to coffee stop or viewpoint on the way?
Scroll down and
share your road-trip stories or tips in the comments.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy weekend getaways from Kirkland. The more ideas we swap, the better our next adventures will be.
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