, you probably know the local parks and coffee shops by heart. But what about quick
just beyond the county line?
Today, we’re heading out of Pierce County and exploring nearby adventures in:
or easy overnight getaways. Let’s hit the road.
1. Seattle Waterfront & Pike Place Market (King County)
From Parkland, you can usually reach downtown Seattle in about 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s an easy drive up I‑5, and once you’re there, you’ve got endless things to do.
Highlights:
- Stroll along the Seattle Waterfront and watch the ferries come and go.
- Visit Pike Place Market for fresh flowers, local crafts, and the famous flying fish.
- Grab a bowl of clam chowder or a fresh salmon sandwich.
- Walk up to the original “famous coffee place” and people‑watch.
I still remember the first time I stood at Pike Place watching the fishmongers toss huge salmon across the counter. It felt like watching a live show, not just grocery shopping.
If you’re asking, “Is it touristy?”—yes. But that’s part of the fun. Go early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and snag easier parking.
2. Snoqualmie Falls & Small-Town Snoqualmie (King County)
If you want a classic
Pacific Northwest road trip,
Snoqualmie Falls is hard to beat. It’s roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive from Parkland, heading east from the Seattle area along I‑90.
Why go:
- View a stunning 268‑foot waterfall from easy-to-reach overlooks.
- Walk the short trails around the park area and take in the mist and roar of the falls.
- Explore the cute town of Snoqualmie, with cafes, bakeries, and small shops.
- Check out the old railway depot and historic train cars.
On a clear day, the drive itself is beautiful—tall trees, mountain views, and that feeling of “getting away” even though you’re not far from home. Bring a light jacket; the overlook can feel cooler with the spray from the falls.
3. Bainbridge Island Day Trip (Kitsap County)
This one adds a little twist: you’ll drive and then hop on a ferry. From Parkland, head north to Seattle (about an hour), park or walk onto the
Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry, and enjoy a 35‑minute ride across Puget Sound.
What to enjoy on Bainbridge Island:
- Stroll through Winslow, the main town, full of galleries and local shops.
- Stop at a bakery or ice cream shop for a treat.
- Walk the waterfront trails and breathe in that salty air.
- Visit a local winery or tasting room if you’re making it an adult day out.
The ferry ride itself is half the fun. Standing on the deck, watching the Seattle skyline shrink behind you, you really feel like you’ve gone somewhere—even though you’ve only crossed the water.
Tip: If you’re worried about city driving, consider parking near the Seattle ferry terminal and walking on as a foot passenger. Bainbridge’s downtown is an easy walk from the dock.
4. Poulsbo – “Little Norway” on Liberty Bay (Kitsap County)
If you like charming downtowns,
Poulsbo is worth the drive. From Parkland, plan on about 1.5–2 hours, depending on route and traffic. You can reach it via Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Hwy 3, or by mixing in a ferry ride.
What makes Poulsbo special:
- Colorful Nordic‑inspired storefronts and murals.
- Waterfront views over Liberty Bay.
- Bakeries with pastries, breads, and sweet treats.
- Small shops with local art, gifts, and unique finds.
Walking through downtown feels like stepping into a European village—just with more pickup trucks parked along the street. It’s a relaxed place for a slow morning or afternoon: sip coffee, browse shops, and maybe let the kids throw rocks along the water’s edge.
5. Mount St. Helens Area via Randle (Lewis County)
If you’re craving a more rugged outdoor day, head south toward
Lewis County. From Parkland, drive about 1.5–2 hours toward the Randle area for access to the eastern side of
Mount St. Helens.
Why this road trip stands out:
- Scenic drives with views of forest, river valleys, and on clear days, the volcano itself.
- Trailheads for hikes that range from easy walks to more challenging routes.
- Roadside pullouts perfect for picnic stops and photos.
Mount St. Helens is a powerful reminder of nature’s force. Even if you just go for the drive and some easy viewpoints, you get a real sense of the landscape’s history.
Pack:
- Layered clothing (mountain weather changes quickly)
- Snacks and plenty of water
- A printed or offline map if you plan to explore side roads
6. Lewis County’s Chehalis & Centralia Antique Loop (Lewis County)
Not every road trip has to be about mountains. Sometimes it’s fun to wander through small towns, browse antiques, and hunt for hidden treasures.
About one hour south of Parkland, the
Chehalis–Centralia area is known for:
- Antique shops and vintage malls where you can lose track of time.
- Historic downtown buildings with old‑school charm.
- Local diners and cafes serving hearty comfort food.
If you like the idea of finding a quirky sign for your wall, or that perfect old coffee mug that reminds you of your grandparents’ house, this is your kind of trip.
A fun idea: Set a small budget—maybe $20 or $40—and see who in your group can find the coolest thing for the lowest price.
7. Hood Canal Views & Hoodsport (Mason County)
From Parkland, head northwest for about 1.5 hours and you’ll hit the
Hood Canal, a long, narrow fjord with stunning views and a laid‑back vibe. The tiny town of
Hoodsport in Mason County makes a nice base for exploring.
Things to do around Hoodsport:
- Walk along the water and watch for seals and seabirds.
- Stop at a local seafood spot for oysters, clams, or chowder.
- Drive a little farther to trailheads in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains.
- Enjoy scenic pullouts where you can just sit and take in the view.
On sunny days, the water glitters and the forested hills glow. Even on cloudy days, there’s that moody, misty Pacific Northwest look that makes everything feel cozy.
Bring:
- A light jacket (breezes can be cool, even in summer)
- A camp chair or blanket if you like sitting and watching the water
8. Olympia – Washington’s Capital City (Thurston County)
Less than an hour south of Parkland,
Olympia in Thurston County is an easy, low‑stress day trip. It’s close, but still outside your home county, and offers a nice mix of nature, history, and food.
Top things to do in Olympia:
- Walk the Capitol Campus and see the Washington State Capitol building.
- Stroll the Olympia waterfront and boardwalk area.
- Check out local coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants downtown.
- Let kids run around at waterfront parks and playgrounds.
If you’ve never visited a state capitol before, it can be surprisingly interesting. The grounds are nicely landscaped, and the building itself is impressive inside and out.
For a relaxed day, pair a short walk by the water with a late lunch downtown, then head home before evening traffic picks up.
9. Yakima Wine Country & Fruit Stands (Yakima County)
Ready for a slightly longer adventure? From Parkland, Yakima is usually about a 2.5–3 hour drive, depending on your route and traffic. This makes it a great
weekend road trip or an ambitious long day trip.
What Yakima County is known for:
- Sunny, dry weather—often warmer than the west side.
- Vineyards and wineries with tasting rooms.
- Fruit stands packed with apples, cherries, peaches, and more in season.
- Wide‑open views of farmland and distant hills.
Crossing the Cascades almost feels like traveling to another state. The landscape changes, the air feels drier, and suddenly you’re surrounded by orchards and hop fields.
If you go in late summer or early fall, bring:
- A cooler for fresh fruit and local products.
- Sunscreen and hats (it can get hot fast).
10. Yakima Canyon Scenic Drive (Yakima County)
If you love a beautiful drive, consider extending your Yakima trip with the
Yakima River Canyon route between Yakima and Ellensburg. This twisty highway follows the river through dramatic cliffs and rolling hills.
Why it’s worth the extra miles:
- Stunning canyon views right from the roadside.
- River access spots where people fish, float, or just relax by the water.
- Great photo stops with wide‑open skies.
It’s one of those drives where you find yourself saying “pull over” more than once just to soak it all in. If you’re used to evergreen forests and gray skies, the canyon’s golden hills and rocky cliffs feel like a totally different side of Washington.
Tips for Planning Your Parkland Road Trips
To keep your out‑of‑county adventures fun and stress‑free, a little planning goes a long way.
Before you go:
- Check the weather at your destination, not just at home.
- Look up road conditions, especially for mountain or canyon routes.
- Pack snacks and water so you’re not stuck hungry on a long stretch of highway.
- Fill up on gas near Parkland where you know the stations.
And don’t forget to leave some room in your schedule. Some of the best moments on a road trip happen when you stumble on a random viewpoint, a small-town bakery, or a roadside fruit stand you didn’t plan on.
Ready to Explore Beyond Parkland?
Living in
Parkland, WA puts you in a sweet spot. In just one to three hours, you can reach:
- Big-city sights in Seattle
- Island charm on Bainbridge and in Poulsbo
- Mountain and volcano views near Mount St. Helens
- Relaxed waterfront towns like Hoodsport
- Sunny vineyards and orchards in Yakima
So the next time you’re wondering what to do this weekend, consider hopping in the car and crossing that county line. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve had a real escape.
Have you taken any of these road trips from Parkland?
Share your favorite spots or hidden gems in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new
things to do near Parkland, Washington. Your share might just inspire someone’s next great day trip.
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