Five Great Scenic Fall Drives In Seattle

To drive in Seattle, whatever your mode of transportation, is to feel like a painter studying a lovely historic landscape of docked boats, the dark and gorgeous waters, the sweeping overlooks and almost-comically vertical hills. The town has its well-publicized current issues, of course, but you can easily busy yourself for a couple of weeks visiting, watching live events, doing touristy things or simply exploring, eating and collapsing each night.

But you should also drive outside Seattle at least a day or two during your visit, to cleanse the palate, rejuvenate, reconnect and witness the awesomeness of nature in this part of the world.

Here are five highly recommended road trips. Be prepared to hit some traffic, and please stay atop of current weather/road conditions.

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is 270 feet high - therefore one needs do nothing but stand and stare at the water having its noisy, messy way with all in proximity and you’ll get a better perspective of your place in the universe. The waterfall's summit is 100 yards from the parking lot, which is great for the ADHD crowd - you can unbuckle your seatbelt, get out and - behold! (Even though the most truly majestic views are actually from the sides of the falls.) You'll also find a gift shop, a two-acre park suitable for picnicking, an observation deck and the Salish Lodge.

There are picnic tables on the sides of the falls as well as a lovely grassy meadow called the Centennial Green, where weddings are performed in the warm months. Note: the park does not allow pets, leash or no leash.

Chuckanut Drive

Take your time on this 24-mile, winding route hugging the sheer sandstone cliffs along the Chuckanut Mountains. Gaze out and sooth your soul at Samish Bay, and snap pics of the San Juan islands and Chuckanut Bay itself. If you're a fan of hikes, you can either go for it past the tree line, or down along a lovely white-sand beach. One of the highlights of your trip will undoubtedly be during the last ten miles when you wind along the mountains, landing in Bellingham. If you get a chance, watch 'em unload fresh Oysters at Taylor Shellfish Farms, and pick up a gift or two at Chuckanut Gallery.

The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway

The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway winds through an ancient, mystical, alive landscape formed millennia ago underneath the ocean, subsequently carved by glaciers and then sprinkled with forests by Mama nature.

Starting in the 1800s as a series of trails winging through forests and connecting the logging and fishing communities, the modern world brought roads with it for horses and wagons, the automobile, school buses, and you.

Along your way along this 100-plus mile route, you'll find a plethora of parklands, wilderness preserves and national forests as well as hot springs, pristine mountain streams, many waterfalls, temperate rain forests, a large assortment of wildlife, snow capped mountain peaks and beautiful coastal beaches. Though it's possible to travel the byway in as little as four hours, many people end up staying overnight so as to properly absorb and appreciate its many wonders and sights.

Mount Rainier National Park

It seems almost redundant to include Mount Rainier National park in this list, as 2,477,816 people visited in 2021 and it’s emblazoned on the Washington state license plate. Nevertheless, it’s a must-see for anyone traveling in the area, or would-be mountain climbers.

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level and an active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems and you get the feeling they’re the boss of this neighborhood, not you or the rangers. It’s also one of the oldest attractions in America, established in 1899. Recommendation: get thee to the Paradise visitor area, 5,400 feet up the south side of the mountain. There you’ll see Rainier’s peak from such close proximity you feel as though you can practically touch it. It’s a hiker’s paradise as well, with trails crisscrossing meadows and giving you a look at the Nisqually Glacier, feeding the river of the same name. Climbing aspirations? Go for it - this is where you depart from if you’re game.

Stevens Pass Greenway

You may find talk in the car ceases as you roll over the Stevens Pass Greenway through the Cascade mountain range. There, you'll pass through some of the most gorgeous sights in America such as Wenatchee National Forest, whose ancient, old growth forests, bald eagles and other natural wonders of nature will sooth the soul. The drive's about 90 miles long over Highway 2 and you end up in the town of Wenatchee, or right smack in the middle of Washington. It's also a gorgeous route whether it's sunny our or you're in the middle of one of the state's many rainfalls.

If you're adventurous and you've got the time, try hiking the Iron Goat trail which follows the abandoned Great North Railroad and leads you through tunnels, over trestles and old labor camps. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. Check out their website.

WHERE TO STAY:

Assuming most or all of the above are day trips, you’ll want a nice bath and dinner when you get back to town, yes? Try these:

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

This particular Hyatt presents a big, beautiful, upscale yet all-natural experience where you can either enjoy blessed silence or mingle with the crowd. Opened in 2017, they had the great sense to put it right on the water and to locate it slightly out of town, so you lose the franticity of the metropolis. The vibe is chill and upscale, hosting families, singles, people in town on business who want something not so close to the center of town. It’s busy but not frantic, and it’s only 11 miles from the airport. It’s also right smack next to Boeing Renton Factory, currently producing Boeing 737 aircraft, and you can see several planes from the long deck at the back; the kids will love it.

A fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, and treatment spa are all on deck, as are a full-service restaurant, a 24-hour shop, Regency Club Lounge and an outdoor deck. The second floor contains the Hotel’s lobby, a full-service signature restaurant called Water’s Table, 24-hour sundry shop, outdoor deck, and Regency Club VIP lounge. You may not want to leave the property during the day but if you get the urge, the must-see Museum of Flight is 10 miles away. Electric vehicle chargers are available steps away from the hotel.

The Heathman Hotel Kirkland

If the Heathman hasn’t been in a movie, it ought to be. It’s quiet, elegant and a tad noir, making it sexy and romantic. It’s located right outside Seattle, but also right smack in the middle of bustling but pleasant action; restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, people. It’s got a long and rich history going back to 1930, where it began life as a hospital and ended up we see it now in 2019. You’ll admire local artists’ work in the lobby, and a favorite local stop is Lady Yum for macaroons; take your coffee with you.

Hearth is its onsite restaurant, offering fine fish, meat and a cocktail called the Smoldering Rye Manhattan which arrives with a puff of cigar smoke encased in a bubble that one pops with a finger.