Scenic Routes Near Seattle to See Fall Leaves

Girl with her head out the window of a car looking at fall leaves on a scenic drive in the Pacific Northwest

Photo:

iStock

Fall transforms Washington state’s corner of the Pacific Northwest into a breathtakingly colorful landscape. From the vivid reds of live oak and vine maples to the golden needles of the western larch, Seattle’s surrounding area offers a variety of scenic drives that showcase spectacular fall foliage. If you are looking for something a bit shorter than the iconic (but always stunning) 440-mile Cascade Loop, here are six captivating routes for the whole family to enjoy in one scenic day:

1. Chuckanut Drive – Burlington to Bellingham

Mileage from Seattle: 85 miles (approximately 2 hours)
Where to go: Take I-5 north to exit 231 and follow Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11) north for a charming coastal route with sweeping views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. This always picturesque drive along the shoreline is enhanced in fall with brilliant alders and fiery maples showing off their colors. Take your time and enjoy the numerous viewpoints along State Route (SR) 11. This drive out and back can be part of a full day of fun in Bellingham, or you can turn around at any point to fit your schedule.
Where to eat: Taylor Shellfish Farms offers the freshest oysters and more at its casual waterside dining location at 2182 Chuckanut Drive in Bow.
Where to stretch: Larrabee State Park has a small playground structure and numerous trails for exploring.

"Food on a table at the beach, a stop on a fall scenic drive" — Stop for a delicious meal on your scenic fall drive. Photo: courtesy of taylorshellfishfarms.com

2. Snoqualmie Pass Scenic Byway to Middle Fork

Mileage from Seattle: 50 miles (approximately 1.5 hours)
Where to go: Head east on I-90 to discover the Snoqualmie Pass Scenic Byway. This drive winds through sweeping mountain vistas with incredible views of colorful foliage. At exit 34, go left to make your way to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie trailhead. For an alternate route home, return via Southeast Middle Fork Road, but go right at Southeast 140th Street, and drive through North Bend to Snoqualmie, then on to Fall City. Return to the city via SR 202 toward I-90.
Where to eat: South Fork in North Bend is the ultimate family-friendly stop for food and lawn games. Kids will love the giant slingshot.
Where to stretch: The road to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie trailhead grants access to a myriad of family-friendly hiking options. At the very least, park at the trailhead and take a short walk to stretch your legs at the iconic Gateway suspension bridge. In Snoqualmie, stop to see stunning Snoqualmie Falls framed by fall colors.

3. Puget Sound Ferry to Hood Canal

Mileage from Seattle: 200 miles round trip (approximately 4 hours plus ferry ride)
Where to go: Begin this drive with beautiful waterfront foliage views from the deck of one of our area ferries across Puget Sound. From either Bainbridge or Kingston, head over the Hood Canal Bridge and make your way to U.S. 101. This two-lane highway, hugged by colorful trees, curves its way along the saltwater fjord of Hood Canal. Meander and stop at one of the area’s quaint towns and count the many waterfalls dotting the mountains. Complete a full loop via Olympia to return to Seattle via I-5.
Where to eat: Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, off U.S. 101 in Lilliwaup, is a quintessential Hood Canal experience, with its heated and covered outdoor A-frame tables and a farm shop. Full menu served Friday–Sunday.
Where to stretch: Kneeland Park in Shelton features a classic wooden “castle”-style playground.

"Ferry in Puget Sound fall colors scenic fall drives" — Take in the fall colors from the tech of a ferry. Photo: iStock

4. Woodinville to Duvall

Mileage from Seattle: 15 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Where to go: For a local drive that packs plenty of golden color in less than 20 miles, Woodinville to Duvall is a wonderful choice. From downtown Woodinville, make your way to Northeast Woodinville-Duvall Road and head east. Take a right at West Snoqualmie Valley Road to Northeast 124th and turn left. A left turn at the circle onto Carnation-Duvall Road will take you up to Duvall, or go completely around the circle to loop back to Woodinville via Novelty Hill Road to Trilogy Parkway Northeast and Redmond-Woodinville Road Northeast.
Where to eat: Grab a cone from the robust and always changing menu at Swanky Scoop in downtown Woodinville.
Where to stretch: Kids will enjoy the play structure at Wilmot Gateway Park and the freedom to run along the paved Sammamish River Trail, accessible from the park.

5. Mount Baker Scenic Byway to Artist Point

Mileage from Seattle: 140 miles (approximately 3 hours)
Where to go: Awe-inspiring at any time of the year, the Cascade Mountains, or “Alps of the Pacific Northwest” are at their best in September and October. The Mount Baker Scenic Byway winds you along the North Fork of the Nooksack River for grand views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and the North Cascade Range. At these higher elevations, you can marvel at the brilliant gold of the western larch and tamaracks. Take I-5 north and exit at No. 232 toward Sedro-Woolley. From there you’ll make your way to Valley Highway (SR 9) toward Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) and continue east toward Artist Point. Be prepared for hairpin turns and unpredictable weather, but this drive, while long, is a must for those seeking the best views. The return of this out-and-back route will surely take your breath away.
Where to eat: Wake ’N Bakery in Deming, is just the spot to grab a coffee and some delicious house-made baked goods on the way up to Artist Point.
Where to stretch: Hike the 1.5-mile out-and-back trail from the Artist Point parking lot to Huntoon Point. With minimal elevation gain, lots of rocks to climb, and views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and lakes filled with snowmelt, this is a great hike for families. You will need a recreation pass or pay $5 for parking.

"Fall leaves and a view of Mount Baker" — Looking at Mount Baker through the fall foliage. Photo: iStock

6. Mount Rainier National Park Loop

Mileage from Seattle: 80 miles (approximately 1.5 hours)
Where to go: For an immersive autumn experience, take the drive to Mount Rainier National Park, where the foliage is a mix of golden larches and fiery maples, creating a stunning contrast against the snowy peak of Mount Rainier. For a clockwise loop, make your way to the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway (SR 410) and head to Tipsoo Lake to catch reflections of fall colors in the water. Backtrack a few miles to SR 123 and go south to Stevens Canyon Road. For twisty roads and jaw-dropping views, take a right to cut through Mount Rainier National Park, or continue south to the White Pass Scenic Byway (U.S. 12) to avoid park fees. Reservations to enter the park are not required after September 2.
Where to eat: Mill Haus Cider Co. in Eatonville features a casual atmosphere with outdoor games for the kids and often live music on weekends.
Where to stretch: This is a perfect time of year to stop and stretch your legs at the Silver Springs Campground in Enumclaw and watch spawning coho salmon.

Before you head out on a scenic drive this fall:

Timing: Fall colors peak in mid- to late-October. Keep an eye on the fall foliage prediction map so you don’t miss a thing.

Weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out. Fall can be unpredictable, with rain and cooler temperatures, so dress in layers and bring rain gear. Some roads may close seasonally or due to wildfires; plan to ensure your route is open.

Safety: Drive cautiously, especially on winding roads and in areas with limited visibility. Use dedicated spots for pulling off the road to stop for photos, and don’t forget to keep an eye on your gas tank or car battery levels.