10 Terrific Weekend Road Trips Near Seattle This Summer

Summer is finally here! And since we didn’t get to have one last year, this sunny season is even more welcome than usual. With reopenings proceeding swiftly, there’s going to be no limit to what you can do and where you can go. So you’re probably more eager than ever to make the most of the next few months. While there are plenty of fun things you can do right here in Seattle, you may be looking for some more adventurous activities. And there are plenty of exciting destinations within an easy drive of our city. So, if you’re looking for a way to take advantage of this summer to the fullest, consider taking one—or all—of these weekend road trips near Seattle.

Columbia River Gorge

One look at the green hills and the river running through them, and you’ll completely understand why the United States Forest Service designated the Columbia River Gorge a National Scenic Area. Rough it at one of the many campgrounds—including some with access to toilets and drinking water—or stay at a nearby inn or hotel if you prefer sleeping indoors. Either way, you could spend days walking the numerous trails and taking in the natural splendor.

Ellensburg

Just over 100 miles from Seattle, Ellensburg is like a little slice of the Old West come alive. Step back in time and wander through the streets full of well-preserved 19th-century buildings. And if you’re looking for something wild to attend as the summer winds down, consider checking out the Ellensburg Rodeo on Labor Day Weekend. Held annually since 1923, it’s the largest rodeo in the state. But don’t feel like it’s the only time worth going there, since the presence of Central Washington University in town makes it a fun place with events and activities to do year-round.

Long Beach Peninsula

Nothing says summer like a beach trip, and there’s no better—or easier—place for Seattleites to do that than Long Beach. With 28 sandy miles of shore lapped by the blue waves of the Pacific, there’s plenty of space for sunbathing, surfing, relaxing, and every other beach activity you can possibly think of. There are major events all summer long—like the Washington State International Kite Festival each August—and you can also head inland to see any number of wonderful historical sites, including several locations the Lewis and Clark Expedition stopped at.

Mount Rainier

One of the most iconic mountains in all of North America, Mount Rainier is a must-visit for anyone who calls Washington State home. This mighty volcano in the Cascade Mountain Range can be scaled only by experienced mountaineers, but there’s plenty for non-climbers to enjoy, too. Hiking trails abound, including one that completely circles the peak, so you can see Rainier in its entirety. And if you come when the wildflowers are in bloom, the scenery is even more dazzling.

North Cascades National Park

It’s hard to find a body of water more beautiful than the Pacific we’re lucky to live beside. But the rivers and lakes of the North Cascades National Park give any ocean a run for its money. There are more than 500 bodies of water within the lush woodlands–including the particularly picturesque Diablo Lake. Many of these bodies of water are often turned a bright turquoise by minerals. If camping is your idea of fun, you should definitely choose this as a destination for one of your weekend road trips this summer.

Olympic National Park

This list includes suggestions for fun beach trips and fun camping trips, but what if you’re the kind of person who likes both? We get it; who doesn’t want to have it all? And you can get the best of both worlds during a weekend road trip to Olympic National Park. Stretching from the seashore up into the nearby Olympic Mountains, the park offers every sort of outdoor activity. You can start a hike up in the mountains and end it on the beach. Or vice versa!

Portland

Your summer trips don’t have to be all natural splendor and fun small towns. You can always take a trip to another big city for a fun weekend away from home. Portland—our state’s largest and most populous city—is about a three-hour drive south of Seattle and full of so much to do you’d need much more than a weekend to enjoy even a fraction of it. A booming hub of art, cuisine, and self-described “weirdness,” this city offers no end of ways to make the most of a weekend road trip away from Seattle.

San Juan Islands

If you’re looking for a little bit of island life this summer, you should definitely drive to the ferry and go out to the San Juan Islands. This archipelago of hundreds of islands and reefs is home to activities of all kinds. Tour wineries, go boating, take a hike, watch the orca whales frolic, enjoy a spa visit, and more. There is so much to do in these islands you’ll probably end a weekend road trip here with a plan for your next visit.

Whidbey and Camano Islands

Another fantastic option for those who want a quick, easy island trip this summer is a drive over to the islands of Whidbey and/or Camano. The scenery on either is second to none, the beaches are exquisite, and the places for delicious food and drink are plentiful. You can swim, whale watch, hike, hit up an art gallery, and sip local craft beer all on the same day, all on one of these delightful little islands. And all within an easy drive of Seattle.

Enjoy a Summer Full of Weekend Road Trips Near Seattle

If you’ve read this far, we feel pretty confident in saying you’ve got a fantastic summer ahead. Because if you take even one of these road trips—and we hope you have the time to take them all—you’re going to experience days of some of the best recreation Washington State has to offer. Whether you love hiking the hills, soaking in the ocean, or just want to spend some sunny days in a different town, you’ve got plenty of wonderful options right near Seattle. So start planning and filling up your calendar with all the fantastic road trips you’ll be taking this summer.