Categories: Things To Do

The most picturesque drives for spotting fall foliage in Washington

Image via Shutterstock Danita Delimont

There’s nothing like fall in Seattle, and with peak leaf spotting season in full swing, it’s time to take full advantage of it. These are ranked as some of the most scenic fall drives in Washington for spotting the fall foliage.

Best Fall Drives in Washington

According to the state tourism board, here are 8 of the most scenic fall drives in this humble corner of the PNW.

Stevens Pass Greenway

The 104-mile Stevens Pass Greenway follows the scenic Skykomish River along Highway 2 through the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. See how many different colors you spot!

Mount Rainier, Chinook Scenic Byway

Starting in Enumclaw, the Chinook Scenic Byway runs 92 miles along State Route 410, passing through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and spectacular Mount Rainier National Park.

Chuckanut Drive

In Northwest Washington, Chuckanut Drive winds for about 22 miles between Burlington and Bellingham in the Salish Sea Region of Washington. You can even stop for seafood along the way!

Columbia River Gorge Highway 14

Hope on Highway 14 and drive along the edge of Washington, looking across the river to Oregon. It’s a spectacular drive any time of year – but especially when the leaves turn.

Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area

Stretching along Interstate 90 from Seattle to the east side of the Cascade Mountains, the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area has plenty of fall money shots.

Methow Valley, Winthrop to Carlton

Cruise the Winthrop-Twisp Eastside Road before following the Twisp-Carlton Road. This byway snakes between the Methow River and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Spokane Valley to Green Bluff

This short and sweet 15-mile drive between Spokane Valley and Green Bluff on the eastern side of the state is a great way to catch some fall colors without taking a whole day to do it.

Sequim to the Hoh Rainforest

Follow Highway 101 through Port Angeles and down to Forks. There you can stop and explore the coast or hunt for the Cullen’s forest home (if you know, you know).

Time to grab a PSL and put Taylor Swift’s evermore album on repeat. We’re hitting the road and chasing all the fall feelings.

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