7 Must-Drive Fall Routes in Washington State
Is there anything cozier than watching Washington’s forests and mountains burst into fall colors? I often prefer a nice hike, you can find a list of those here, BUT sometimes a scenic view is just as enjoyable from the comfort of your car! Whether you’re after gold-drenched larches, fiery maples, or misty ocean vistas, these drives offer unforgettable autumn vibes. I’ve added some links that I thought might be helpful in planning.
Mountain & Forest Drives
North Cascades Highway (SR 20)
Also called the North Cascades Scenic Highway, this 140-mile stretch slices through jagged peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and old-growth forests dotted with fall color. It’s part of the bigger Cascade Loop, and the scenery is pure magic.
[Plan your visit via North Cascades National Park]
[Get road conditions from WSDOT]
Chinook Scenic Byway (SR 410)
This “Stephen Mather Memorial Parkway” takes you from lush forests near Mount Rainier, over Chinook Pass (5,430 ft), into sunlit valleys east of the Cascades—especially stunning at Tipsoo Lake.
[Discover trip ideas from the official Chinook Scenic Byway site]
[Current pass status via WSDOT]
White Pass Scenic Byway (US 12)
Crossing White Pass (around 4,500 ft) just south of Rainier, this drive takes you through alpine meadows and through peaks framed by fall foliage. Seasonal beauty awaits at every turn.
[Official byway details and trip planning]
[Quick route overview via Wikipedia]
Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway
This 440-mile loop is Washington’s ultimate road trip: it links alpine passes, river valleys, vineyards, orchards—and even orca sightings along the Sound. It’s a full-on autumn immersion.
[Cascade Loop overview via Wikipedia]
Coastal & River Drives
Chuckanut Drive (SR 11)
Short but scenic, this coastal byway near Bellingham hugs the edge of the Puget Sound, offering gorgeous fall color framed by water and sky.
Olympic Peninsula Loop
Loop through rainforests, coastal bluffs, and quiet mountain inlets—Olympic National Park dazzles in autumn. (Official info on parks and routes is available via the National Park Service site.)
Columbia River Gorge
Drive the Oregon-Washington border through waterfall-laced cliffs and vibrant trees roaring their fall finale. The scenery is dramatic and endless.
Fall Drive Must-Know Tips
• Check road conditions—High passes like SR 20 and SR 410 close seasonally. Always check ahead!
• Look for golden larches—These deciduous pines turn a brilliant yellow in autumn, turning whole forests into glowing gold.
• Add the Methow Valley to your route—Between Carlton and Winthrop, this valley is home to perhaps Washington’s most spectacular fall color show.
