10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Federal Way, Washington

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Federal Way, Washington

If you live in or around Federal Way, WA and you’re itching to get out of for the day, you’re in luck. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find mountain towns, waterfront views, wine country, and some of the best hikes in Washington State. All of the ideas below are outside King County, in nearby places like Pierce, Kitsap, Snohomish, Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima counties. So you can get a real change of scenery without hopping on a plane.

1. Tacoma’s Ruston Way Waterfront & Point Defiance (Pierce County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 25–35 minutes County: Pierce County If you only have a few hours, Tacoma’s waterfront makes an easy first stop. Stroll along Ruston Way, a paved path stretching a couple of miles along Commencement Bay. You’ll see joggers, folks walking dogs, and people just sitting on benches watching the ships go by. Then head over to Point Defiance Park, one of the largest city parks in the country. You can:

Drive the 5 Mile Drive scenic loop (check current restrictions)
Walk through the rose gardens and rhododendron garden
Visit the beach at Owen Beach for views of Vashon Island and Mount Rainier on clear days

If you like the idea of a classic waterfront day with easy parking and lots of food options, this is a great “starter” road trip from Federal Way.

2. Gig Harbor’s Harborfront Charm (Pierce County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 35–45 minutes County: Pierce County Cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation, even though you’re still close to home. Downtown Gig Harbor wraps around a peaceful bay full of sailboats and kayaks. Park near the harbor and wander:

The waterfront path with benches and small parks
Local cafés and ice cream shops
Small museums and art galleries

If you’re into paddling, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the harbor from the water. On a calm, sunny morning, it feels like a postcard come to life. I once spent a rainy afternoon here just sipping coffee and watching the boats through the window. Even in bad weather, Gig Harbor is cozy.

3. Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise Area (Pierce County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 2–2.5 hours County: Pierce County Want that “wow” factor? Head to Mount Rainier National Park, especially the Paradise area on the mountain’s south side. Paradise is known for:

Wildflower meadows in late summer
Jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier
Short, family-friendly trails right from the parking lot

Try the Nisqually Vista Trail for an easy loop with big payoff. It’s usually less than a mile and mostly paved or well-maintained. A few quick tips:

Check the National Park Service website for road and parking reservations (these change by season).
Bring layers – it can be much cooler up there than in Federal Way.
Pack water and snacks; food options are limited and often busy.

Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, just standing in the parking lot at Paradise on a clear day feels like you’ve left everyday life far behind.

4. Snohomish – Antique Capital & Hot Air Balloons (Snohomish County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 1–1.5 hours County: Snohomish County If you enjoy small towns with character, historic Snohomish is worth the drive north. Downtown Snohomish has:

Multiple antique shops and vintage stores
Fun boutiques and bakeries
A nice riverfront trail along the Snohomish River

In the warmer months, you’ll sometimes see hot air balloons floating over the valley in the early morning or evening. It gives the whole place a storybook feel. This is the kind of spot where you can spend an afternoon wandering shop to shop, then grab dinner before heading back to Federal Way.

5. Everett Waterfront & Jetty Island (Snohomish County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 1–1.25 hours County: Snohomish County Everett often flies under the radar, but its waterfront is a pleasant surprise. You can:

Walk the Everett Marina and enjoy views of the boats and the Olympic Mountains
Grab seafood or a burger at a waterfront restaurant
In summer, take the small boat to Jetty Island (check seasonal ferry schedule)

Jetty Island is a long, sandy man-made island known for:

Shallow water that warms up more than most Puget Sound beaches
Great spots for building sandcastles and flying kites
Bird watching and wide-open walking space

If you’re craving a “beach day” without driving all the way to the ocean, Everett’s Jetty Island is a fun alternative.

6. Leavenworth – Bavarian Village in the Mountains (Chelan County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 2.5–3 hours County: Chelan County When you want to feel like you’ve left the country without leaving Washington, head to LeavenworthBavarian village, complete with:

Alpine-style buildings and murals
German restaurants and sausage stands
Specialty shops selling everything from nutcrackers to chocolate

Depending on the season, you can:

Walk the Waterfront Park trail along the Wenatchee River
Float the river in summer
Enjoy the Christmas lights and winter festivals

Yes, it’s a longer drive from Federal Way, but the mountain views on the way make it feel like part of the adventure.

7. Lake Chelan – Sun, Wine, and Waterfront Fun (Chelan County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 3.5–4 hours County: Chelan County If you’re looking for a weekend-style day trip, Lake Chelan is a great excuse to start early and get home late. The lake is about 50 miles long, with clear blue water surrounded by hills and vineyards. Around the town of Chelan, you’ll find:

Swimming areas and parks right along the lake
Boat and jet ski rentals in summer
Dozens of wineries with tasting rooms and views

This is more of a “pack a cooler, bring your swimsuit, and settle in for the day” kind of road trip. If you leave Federal Way early, you can squeeze in sunshine, a lakeside meal, and a winery or two before heading back.

8. Ellensburg – College Town with Western Vibes (Kittitas County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 2–2.5 hours County: Kittitas County Drive east over Snoqualmie Pass and you’ll notice the landscape change from green forests to open, drier hills. That’s part of the fun of heading to Ellensburg. This Central Washington college town has:

A walkable historic downtown with brick buildings
Cafés, small breweries, and local shops
The Kittitas County Historical Museum for a quick history stop

The area is also known for:

Wind farms along the ridges
Open skies that are great for sunsets

It’s a laid-back change of pace from the busy I-5 corridor. If you like mixing small-town charm with a bit of cowboy flavor, Ellensburg might surprise you.

9. Yakima Valley Wine & Fruit Country (Yakima County)

Drive time from Federal Way: about 2.5–3 hours County: Yakima County East of the mountains, the Yakima Valley is all about agriculture: wine, hops, and fruit. Around Yakima and the nearby towns, you’ll find:

Wineries and tasting rooms scattered over rolling hills
Fruit stands in season with cherries, apples, peaches, and more
Views that stretch for miles across fields and vineyards

If you’re traveling with kids or don’t drink, don’t worry – sampling fresh fruit, exploring farm stands, and enjoying a sunny picnic can still make this a great day trip. On the drive home toward Federal Way, watch how the landscape shifts from dry hills back to thick forest. It almost feels like traveling between two different states.

10. Bainbridge Island – Ferry Ride Adventure (Kitsap County)

Drive time from Federal Way (including ferry): about 1.5–2 hours County: Kitsap County Sometimes the journey is the best part. For Bainbridge Island, that journey includes a ferry ride across Puget Sound. From Federal Way, drive to the Seattle ferry terminal (still in King County, but you’ll be heading out of it), then walk or drive onto the ferry to Bainbridge. The crossing takes about 35 minutes and offers:

Views of the Seattle skyline
Glaciers and peaks of the Olympic Mountains on clear days
A good chance to spot seals, sea birds, and sometimes even porpoises

On Bainbridge Island (Kitsap County side), explore the town of Winslow with its:

Cozy bookstores and gift shops
Local bakeries and cafés
Short waterfront walks with marina views

If you’re walking on instead of driving, it’s an easy, low-stress day where transportation itself feels like part of the vacation.

Tips for Road Tripping from Federal Way

A few simple tips can make these out-of-county adventures smoother:

Leave early: Morning departures avoid traffic and give you more daylight.
Check conditions: Look up mountain pass and park conditions, especially in fall, winter, and early spring.
Pack a “just in case” bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
Plan gas stops: Some stretches, especially east of the mountains, have fewer services.

You don’t have to plan a complicated vacation to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new. From Federal Way, Washington, you’ve got mountains, islands, farmland, lakes, and small towns all within a reasonable drive.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Federal Way?

Have you tried any of these out-of-county trips from Federal Way? Do you have your own favorite spot in Pierce, Kitsap, Snohomish, Chelan, Kittitas, or Yakima counties? I’d love to hear about it. Drop your ideas and experiences in the comments so other people can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family

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