10 Easy Road Trips From Everett, WA (That Take You Out of Snohomish County)
If you live in
Everett, Washington and you’re itching to get out of town for a day or a weekend, you’re in luck. You’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful spots in the Pacific Northwest.
The best part? Many of the best
day trips from Everett are just a short drive away, and they take you into nearby counties like
Chelan, Island, King, Kitsap, and Skagit. No need to hop on a plane. Just fill up the tank, grab some snacks, and hit the road.
Below are 10 fun, easy, out-of-county road trips from Everett that are perfect for couples, families, and solo explorers.
1. Island Getaway to Coupeville & Fort Casey (Island County)
Looking for a peaceful day trip from Everett that feels like a mini vacation? Head to
Coupeville on
Whidbey Island.
From Everett, you can drive north and catch the ferry from Mukilteo over to Clinton (still in Island County). Once you’re off the boat, it’s a beautiful drive up the island to Coupeville.
- Stroll the historic waterfront with its colorful buildings and small shops.
- Try a bowl of Penn Cove mussels at a local restaurant.
- Visit Fort Casey State Park for sweeping views of Puget Sound.
- Walk through the old gun batteries and climb up for ocean views.
On a clear day, you’ll see the Olympic Mountains in the distance, and it feels like you’ve traveled a lot farther than just a short drive and a ferry ride.
2. Deception Pass State Park & La Conner (Skagit County)
If you’ve never crossed the
Deception Pass Bridge, put this at the top of your list. It’s one of the most iconic views in Washington.
From Everett, head north on I-5 into
Skagit County:
- Stop in the artsy town of La Conner for coffee, galleries, and waterfront views.
- Continue on to Deception Pass State Park.
- Walk across the bridge (if you’re not afraid of heights!).
- Explore forested trails and driftwood-covered beaches.
In spring, this area explodes with color during the
Skagit Valley tulip season, making it an extra special time to visit.
3. Classic Seattle Day Trip (King County)
Of course, we can’t skip
Seattle King County and makes for a perfect all-day adventure.
Some easy-to-hit highlights:
- Pike Place Market – Watch the fish throwers, browse fresh flowers, and grab a bite.
- Waterfront & Great Wheel – Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for big city and bay views.
- Kerry Park – That postcard-perfect view of the Seattle skyline.
- Seattle Center – Space Needle, museums, and open spaces to wander.
If you’re coming from Everett, you can easily make this an early-morning-to-evening trip. Just try to avoid rush hour if you can.
4. Bainbridge Island Escape (Kitsap County)
If you enjoy combining city and small-town charm, try this combo: drive from Everett to Seattle, park near the ferry, and walk aboard the boat to
Bainbridge Island in
Kitsap County.
Once you reach Bainbridge:
- Wander around Winslow, the island’s main town.
- Browse bookstores, boutiques, and local art galleries.
- Grab a meal at one of the cozy cafes or waterfront restaurants.
- Walk along the waterfront trail for fresh air and views back toward Seattle.
The ferry ride itself is half the fun. On a clear day, you’ll see the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics. It’s like a moving postcard.
5. Snoqualmie Falls & Historic Snoqualmie (King County)
If you like waterfalls,
Snoqualmie Falls is an easy and rewarding road trip from Everett into eastern
King County.
Here’s what to do:
- Drive south toward Seattle, then head east on I-90.
- Stop at Snoqualmie Falls Park for a dramatic view of the 268-foot waterfall.
- Walk to the viewing platforms and take in the mist and roar of the water.
- Visit historic Snoqualmie for coffee, snacks, and small-town charm.
If you’re into trains, check out the old railroad cars and the Northwest Railway Museum in town. Kids especially love this stop.
6. Leavenworth Bavarian Village (Chelan County)
For a totally different vibe, head east over the mountains into
Chelan County and visit
Leavenworth, the famous “Bavarian” town.
From Everett, you can drive Highway 2 over Stevens Pass:
- Stroll the themed downtown with its Alpine-style buildings.
- Try German-inspired food like bratwurst and pretzels.
- Visit nearby trails or the riverfront park for a walk.
- Enjoy year-round festivals, from Christmas lights to Oktoberfest-style events.
The drive alone is worth it, especially in fall when the leaves turn bright yellow and orange.
7. Lake Chelan Wine & Water Views (Chelan County)
If you don’t mind a longer drive,
Lake Chelan makes a great weekend road trip from Everett. It’s also in
Chelan County, but with a totally different feel than the mountain towns.
Once you get there:
- Walk along the lakeside path and enjoy the clear blue water.
- Visit local wineries for tastings with a view.
- Rent a boat or paddleboard in warmer months.
- Relax at a park or enjoy an easy lakeside picnic.
This is a good spot if you like sunny weather, especially when the west side of the Cascades is cloudy or rainy.
8. Poulsbo “Little Norway” (Kitsap County)
Looking for a charming small town with a European twist? Head to
Poulsbo in
Kitsap County, often called “Little Norway.”
You can reach Poulsbo by driving around through the Tacoma Narrows area or by combining a drive and a ferry, depending on how much time you have.
Highlights include:
- Colorful waterfront buildings and marina views.
- Norwegian bakeries with fresh bread, pastries, and coffee.
- Gift shops and galleries with local art and Scandinavian touches.
- A peaceful waterfront park where you can sit and watch the boats.
It’s a great alternative if you’ve already done Seattle and Bainbridge and want something new.
9. Anacortes & Ferry Views (Skagit County)
Anacortes, in
Skagit County, is known as the gateway to the San Juan Islands, but it’s also a nice destination on its own.
From Everett, head north on I-5, then west toward Anacortes:
- Walk the downtown streets with their murals, shops, and cafes.
- Drive or hike up to Cap Sante Park for a wide view of the harbor.
- Head out to Washington Park for short hikes and coastal views.
- Watch the ferries come and go if you’re not heading farther.
If you feel like extending your trip, you can always hop a ferry to the San Juan Islands another time.
10. Bellevue & Kirkland Waterfront Fun (King County)
If you want a road trip that mixes city polish with relaxing lake views, head to the east side of Lake Washington in
King County.
You can easily hit both
Bellevue and
Kirkland in one day:
- Start at Bellevue Downtown Park for a walk around the big lawn and reflecting pool.
- Stroll through Old Bellevue for boutiques and great food.
- Drive to Kirkland and explore the waterfront parks.
- Walk the lakeside paths and watch paddleboarders and boats.
It feels more laid-back than downtown Seattle, but you still get great restaurants, coffee shops, and people-watching.
Tips for Enjoying These Short Road Trips from Everett
To make the most of your
Everett day trips:
- Leave early to beat traffic, especially around Seattle and I-5.
- Check ferry schedules if your trip includes Island or Kitsap County.
- Watch the weather, especially when driving over the mountain passes toward Leavenworth or Lake Chelan.
- Pack snacks and water, even for shorter drives.
- Bring layers – it can be windy on bridges, ferries, and along the coast.
I like to keep a small “road trip bag” in the car with a phone charger, flashlight, light blanket, and a notebook. You never know when you’ll find a new favorite coffee shop or lookout and want to jot it down.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or near
Everett, WA means you’re perfectly placed for amazing
out-of-county road trips. From island adventures in
Island County to mountain passes and sunny lakes in
Chelan County, plus cities, small towns, and beaches in
King, Kitsap, and Skagit counties, you’ve got a lot of choices.
Which of these 10 road trips would you try first? Have you already been to some of these places and discovered a hidden gem – maybe a great bakery, viewpoint, or short hike?
Share your favorite spots and road trip stories in the comments. Your ideas might inspire someone else’s next adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun and easy trips from Everett. The more ideas we trade, the more we all get out to explore this beautiful corner of Washington.
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