For road-trippers who want it all, there’s really nowhere better than Washington State. From the urban delights of downtown Seattle, to the high desert of the state’s eastern half, to the luxurious vineyards of Washington wine country, this epic itinerary is more than an introduction to the Evergreen State – it’s a deep-dive into the very best of the Pacific Northwest. Forget the stereotypes you may have heard about rainy days and beer snobs.
Returning to Seattle
Amazingly, the last leg of this epic road trip might be its most sublime. First, head due west, where funky bars and counter-culture coffee shops await just across the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon. From there, head north towards Castle Rock, where you can enjoy unimpeded views of Mount Saint Helens and a thriving community of craft breweries. Further on, Chehalis boasts a historic railroad museum and easy access to local trails reserved for non-motorists. The old railroad bridges of the Willapa Hills Trail-Chehalis Trail are especially Washingtonian. Less than an hour’s drive north you’ll hit Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle – a triple threat of bustling, vibrant, PNW urban centers that double as jumping-off points to the Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound, and more.
