10 Easy Road Trips From Redmond, Washington (That Take You Out of King County)
If you’re based in
Redmond, Washington and itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can reach mountains, islands, lakes, and even wine country—all
outside King County.
This guide focuses on simple, short
out-of-county road trips from Redmond into these nearby counties:
- Chelan County
- Kitsap County
- Kittitas County
- Pierce County
- Snohomish County
- Yakima County
Each idea includes about how long the drive takes (one way), what to do, and a few tips so you can start planning your next getaway.
1. Leavenworth Bavarian Village – Chelan County
Love small towns, mountains, and pretzels the size of your head? Head to
Leavenworth in Chelan County.
- Drive time from Redmond: About 2.5–3 hours
- Best for: Couples, families, and anyone who likes quirky, themed towns
Leavenworth is a
Bavarian-style village tucked in the Cascade Mountains. The whole town looks like something out of a European postcard, with timbered buildings, flower boxes, and alpine views all around.
Things to do:
- Stroll the main street and shop for candy, toys, and souvenirs
- Enjoy German food, sausages, and local beer
- Walk along the Wenatchee River on the paved paths
- Visit during December for the famous holiday lights (get there early)
If you want a classic
day trip from Redmond, this one is hard to beat. Just be prepared for traffic on busy weekends and pack some snacks for the drive over Stevens Pass.
2. Lake Chelan & Waterfront Fun – Chelan County
If you’re dreaming of sunshine and clear blue water,
Lake Chelan is your spot.
- Drive time from Redmond: Around 3.5–4 hours
- Best for: Summer getaways, boating, wine tasting
Lake Chelan stretches about 50 miles long and feels like a mini vacation town, especially in summer.
Things to do:
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat
- Relax on the lakeside beaches and swim
- Check out local wineries for tastings with a view
- Walk the waterfront parks and grab ice cream
If you’ve ever wished Redmond had a big warm lake to jump into on those hot August days, this is where locals escape. Try to avoid leaving late on Friday afternoon unless you like staring at brake lights over the passes.
3. Bainbridge Island Escape – Kitsap County
Want a quick island getaway without a long drive?
Bainbridge Island in Kitsap County is a classic choice.
- Drive time from Redmond: About 1 hour 30 minutes–2 hours (including ferry)
- Best for: Easy day trips, casual exploring, great views of Seattle
From Redmond, you’ll drive to the Seattle ferry terminal, park or take your car on the boat, and then glide across the water to Bainbridge.
Things to do:
- Explore Winslow’s shops, cafes, and bakeries near the ferry dock
- Walk along the waterfront paths and enjoy city skyline views
- Visit local art galleries and small museums
- Drive around the island to find quiet beaches and viewpoints
On a clear day, you’ll see the Olympics, Seattle’s skyline, and sometimes even Mount Rainier. Just check ferry schedules ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays.
4. Port Orchard & Manchester Waterfront Views – Kitsap County
If you want a more low-key waterfront town, try
Port Orchard and nearby
Manchester in Kitsap County.
- Drive time from Redmond: Around 2 hours (depending on ferries and traffic)
- Best for: Relaxed coastal vibes, budget-friendly day out
Port Orchard has that small-town feel with marinas, piers, and views across the water. Manchester, just up the road, offers stunning views of downtown Seattle across the sound.
Things to do:
- Walk the Port Orchard waterfront and marina area
- Grab fish and chips or a burger by the water
- Head to Manchester State Park for shoreline trails and picnic spots
- Bring a camp chair and watch the ferries and ships go by
If you’re tired of city noise and just want to listen to waves and seagulls for a few hours, this is your place.
5. Ellensburg Western Charm – Kittitas County
Just over the Cascades,
Ellensburg in Kittitas County blends college-town energy with Old West history.
- Drive time from Redmond: About 1.5–2 hours via I-90
- Best for: Quick road trips, small-town exploring, history buffs
Ellensburg’s downtown is full of brick buildings, murals, and local shops. It feels a world away from the tech vibe in Redmond.
Things to do:
- Explore the historic downtown and grab coffee or a local beer
- Walk along the Yakima River at Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park
- Check out local art galleries and small museums
- Plan around events like the Ellensburg Rodeo on Labor Day weekend
On hot summer days, you’ll really feel that Central Washington heat, so bring water and sunscreen.
6. Snoqualmie Pass & Lake Easton Outdoors – Kittitas County Side
You might know Snoqualmie Pass from skiing, but once you cross into Kittitas County, there’s more to discover.
- Drive time from Redmond: Around 1–1.5 hours
- Best for: Hiking, winter sports, easy nature breaks
Just past the pass, you’ll find
Lake Easton State Park and other outdoor areas on the Kittitas County side.
Things to do:
- Hike easy to moderate trails with mountain and forest views
- In winter, enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, or just playing in the snow
- Relax by the lake and have a picnic (check park hours and fees)
- Stop at scenic viewpoints along I-90
If you only have half a day and want to trade your desk for fresh mountain air, this is one of the simplest
nature day trips from Redmond.
7. Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise & Sunrise) – Pierce County
Few views in Washington beat
Mount Rainier up close. The main entrances to the park from the west are in
Pierce County.
- Drive time from Redmond: About 2.5–3 hours (depending on entrance and traffic)
- Best for: Bucket-list views, hiking, wildflowers
Two famous sections of the park are
Paradise and
Sunrise. Both offer jaw-dropping views, especially on clear days.
Things to do:
- Walk short viewpoint trails near the visitor centers
- Try family-friendly hikes through meadows and along ridges
- Visit in July–August for wildflower season
- Pack lunch and plenty of water—services are limited and pricey
Roads and facilities are very seasonal, so always check the National Park Service website before you go. And yes, the mountain really is as big as it looks from Redmond—times ten.
8. Tacoma’s Museum District & Waterfront – Pierce County
If you want arts, food, and water views without going all the way to Portland, head to
Tacoma in Pierce County.
- Drive time from Redmond: Around 1–1.5 hours (traffic can vary a lot)
- Best for: Culture, museums, and good food
Tacoma has turned into a great day-trip city with a blend of history and modern design.
Things to do:
- Walk the Museum of Glass’s outdoor plaza and bridge
- Visit one of the many museums (art, cars, history, and more)
- Stroll Ruston Way waterfront for views of Commencement Bay
- Grab lunch or dinner at one of the many waterfront or downtown spots
If you like photography, the mix of old brick buildings, glass art, and water views gives you a lot to work with.
9. Snohomish Historic Downtown & Hot Air Balloons – Snohomish County
For a closer trip with charming streets and open fields, try the town of
Snohomish in Snohomish County.
- Drive time from Redmond: Around 35–50 minutes
- Best for: Antiques, casual walks, low-stress outing
The historic downtown runs along the Snohomish River and is lined with old buildings, antique shops, and cafes.
Things to do:
- Browse antique stores and vintage shops
- Walk the riverfront trail and watch the water flow by
- Grab coffee, pastries, or a sit-down meal in town
- Look into hot air balloon rides over the valley at sunrise or sunset
If you don’t have time for a full-day adventure, this is one of the easiest
short road trips from Redmond—perfect for a lazy Saturday.
10. Yakima Wine Country & Fruit Stands – Yakima County
Want sunshine, wine, and farm-fresh fruit? Head over the mountains to
Yakima in Yakima County.
- Drive time from Redmond: About 2.5–3 hours via I-90 & I-82
- Best for: Wine tasting, road-side fruit stands, dry, sunny weather
Yakima sits in a wide valley famous for its vineyards, orchards, and hop fields.
Things to do:
- Visit local wineries and tasting rooms
- Stop at fruit stands for cherries, apples, peaches, and more (seasonal)
- Drive through the valley and enjoy wide-open views
- Check out the Yakima Greenway for riverfront walking and biking
If the gray skies around Redmond are getting to you, Yakima often feels like a different climate—warmer, drier, and sunnier.
Tips for Planning Your Redmond Road Trips
Before you head out, a little planning can make your
day trips from Redmond smoother:
- Check passes and road conditions: Especially in winter and spring, watch for snow and closures on mountain passes.
- Bring layers: Weather can change fast between the west side and the east side of the Cascades.
- Fuel up: Gas can be more expensive or rare in some mountain or rural areas.
- Pack snacks and water: Especially if you’re traveling with kids or hitting the trails.
- Start early: You’ll beat some traffic and get more time at your destination.
If you pick just one or two of these trips to start with, you’ll quickly see how many options you have without ever leaving Washington State.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or near
Redmond, WA means you’re surrounded by great options—mountains, lakes, islands, small towns, and wine country are all just a short drive away, and each county around you has its own flavor.
Have you done any of these
road trips from Redmond?
Which one would you recommend to a friend visiting the area for the first time?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and don’t be shy about adding your own favorite stops or secret viewpoints.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or coworkers who are looking for easy weekend escapes from Redmond. Your share might be the nudge they need to finally hit the road.
Comments
Post a Comment