10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Pasco, Washington
Looking for fun
day trips from Pasco, WA that take you beyond Franklin County? You’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours’ drive, you can find waterfalls, farm towns, small wineries, desert hikes, and even a quirky museum or two.
All of the ideas below are outside Franklin County, in nearby
Adams, Benton, Columbia, Grant, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties. So if you’ve already hit all the classic Tri-Cities spots, this list is for you.
1. Drift Through Wine Country in Benton City (Benton County)
Just across the river and a bit west,
Benton City feels like Tri-Cities’ more relaxed cousin. It’s small, surrounded by vineyards, and makes a great first stop when you’re craving a quick getaway.
Why go:
- Easy 30–40 minute drive from Pasco
- Scenic Columbia River views and rolling hills
- Laid-back wineries and tasting rooms
Grab a coffee in town, then follow the signs to local wineries on the hills above the river. Even if you’re not big on wine, the views alone are worth the trip. On a clear afternoon, the light over the vines is incredible.
Tip: Pack a picnic lunch and ask at the tasting room if you can enjoy it on the patio while you sample a glass (many places are totally fine with that—just ask first).
2. Explore Historic Downtown Walla Walla (Walla Walla County)
If you’re in the mood for a small city with charm,
Walla Walla makes an amazing day trip from Pasco. It’s about an hour’s drive southeast and feels like a mix of college town, wine country, and old-fashioned main street.
Things to do:
- Stroll tree-lined downtown streets
- Browse local boutiques and bookstores
- Stop into tasting rooms clustered right in town
Park once and wander. You can easily spend an afternoon popping into shops, grabbing a burger or a nice sit-down meal, then finishing with ice cream or coffee.
Personal note: I still remember the first time I walked through downtown Walla Walla on a summer evening—string lights overhead, people at sidewalk tables, and live music drifting out of a bar. It feels surprisingly “big city” for such a small place.
3. Step Back in Time in Dayton (Columbia County)
About 80–90 minutes from Pasco,
Dayton is one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” towns—unless you know to stop. It’s the heart of
Columbia County and has a real Old West feel.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Charming historic downtown
- The beautifully restored Dayton Depot (one of the oldest train depots in Washington)
- Classic small-town diners and bakeries
Walk main street, peek into the shops, and check out the local history. It’s an easy, low-stress day trip when you just want to slow down a bit.
Road-trip idea: Combine Walla Walla and Dayton into one loop—Walla Walla for lunch and city vibes, Dayton for an old-fashioned small-town finish.
4. Hike the Canals and Cliffs at Palouse Falls (Adams/Franklin area access, but outside your home county)
Palouse Falls State Park is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Washington—and it’s surprisingly close to Pasco, usually around a 1.5-hour drive. While the falls themselves land in neighboring counties, your approach from Pasco will take you out of Franklin County and into the surrounding rural areas.
Highlights:
- Nearly 200-foot waterfall dropping into a basalt canyon
- Short hikes to different viewpoints
- Great photography at sunrise or sunset
The terrain is rugged and exposed, so bring water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection. Trails can be rough, and there are steep drop-offs, so keep kids close and use common sense.
Note: Cell service can be spotty. Fill up your gas tank in Pasco or a nearby town before you head out.
5. Discover Lakes and Sand Dunes Around Moses Lake (Grant County)
Head about 1.5–2 hours north and you’ll find
Moses Lake, a classic Eastern Washington lake town in
Grant County. It’s perfect when you’re craving water on a hot summer day.
What to do:
- Swim or wade at public lake access points
- Rent a boat or paddleboard in season
- Let the kids burn energy at lakeside parks
The area around Moses Lake is full of ponds, irrigation canals, and sandy desert. It feels almost like you’ve driven to another state, even though you’re still pretty close to home.
Pro tip: Bring towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in the car even if you “only” plan to walk around. The water has a way of inviting you in.
6. Walk the Riverfront in Richland and West Richland (Benton County)
If you don’t mind crossing the county line,
Richland and
West Richland offer a slightly different flavor of the Tri-Cities area while still counting as an out-of-county adventure from Pasco.
Ideas for your day:
- Walk or bike along the Columbia River on the paved paths
- Relax at one of the riverside parks
- Hit a brewery or winery in West Richland
This is a super low-key road trip: short drive, easy parking, and lots of options whether you have kids, friends, or are going solo.
Question for you: Are you more of a river-walk-and-coffee person, or a sunset-and-glass-of-wine type? These towns work well for either mood.
7. Follow the Wheat Fields to Colfax (Whitman County)
Drive about 2 to 2.5 hours east and the land transforms into rolling hills of wheat and soft curves.
Colfax, in
Whitman County, sits right in the middle of this landscape.
Why go:
- Classic small-town feel with historic buildings
- Peaceful drives through the Palouse hills
- Gateway to more Palouse photography stops
The drive itself is half the fun. On late-spring or early-summer days, the hills are bright green. By late summer, they turn golden, like waves of grain.
Photography tip: Find a safe pullout off the highway and take wide shots of the hills in different light. Even a phone camera does well here.
8. Enjoy a Laid-Back Afternoon in Pullman (Whitman County)
A bit farther past Colfax, you’ll find
Pullman, home of Washington State University. It’s a college town with laid-back energy and open views.
Things to check out:
- Stroll through the WSU campus
- Visit local coffee shops and cafés
- Walk one of the local trails or paths around town
On weekends when school is in session, the town can feel lively and busy. In summer, it’s quiet and relaxed, which some people prefer.
Idea: Pair Colfax and Pullman in one trip: drive out through Colfax in the morning, have lunch in Pullman, then head back to Pasco around sunset.
9. Visit the Farm Country Around Ritzville and Othello (Adams County)
If you’ve ever driven I‑90 and seen the exit for
Ritzville, you might not have realized there’s more to the region than a gas stop.
Adams County is mostly farmland and open space, but that’s exactly what makes it a peaceful road-trip area.
What to look for:
- Old barns and farmsteads scattered along quiet roads
- Expansive skies—great for sunsets and cloud photos
- Simple small-town main streets in places like Othello
This is more of a “wander and see what you see” kind of trip. Pack snacks, pick a small town as your target, and enjoy the changing fields and sky along the way.
Driving reminder: These are working farm areas. Be respectful of private property and slow down for farm vehicles on the road.
10. Loop Through Wine and Wheat: Walla Walla to Dayton to Pomeroy (Walla Walla & Columbia Counties)
If you’ve got a full day and don’t mind some windshield time, try a loop that combines wine country, wheat fields, and small-town scenery.
Suggested loop from Pasco:
- Drive to Walla Walla for breakfast or early coffee
- Continue east to Dayton for history and a stroll
- Optionally add nearby small towns like Pomeroy (Garfield County) for a quiet detour
- Head back to Pasco before dark
By the time you get home, you’ll have seen the Columbia Basin, wine country, river valleys, wheat fields, and several classic small towns—all in one loop.
Pack for variety:
- Light jacket (weather can change quick)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cooler bag if you buy wine, cheese, or baked goods along the way
Simple Tips for Road Trips From Pasco
To keep your
Pasco day trips enjoyable and stress-free:
- Fill up your gas tank before leaving town.
- Bring water and snacks, especially for the more rural drives.
- Check the weather—Eastern Washington can swing from hot to windy fast.
- Download maps in case cell service drops in remote spots.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Pasco?
Those are just
10 easy out-of-county road trips from Pasco, Washington, but there are many more back roads, viewpoints, and small-town cafés waiting out there.
Have you driven any of these routes?
Do you have a hidden gem in Adams, Benton, Columbia, Grant, Walla Walla, or Whitman County that you love?
Share your ideas in the comments—I’d truly love to hear what you’ve discovered. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or post it on social media so more people in the Pasco area can get inspired to explore beyond their own county lines.
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