1. CHUCKANUT DRIVE
Just south of Fairhaven is the classic Chuckanut Drive, also known as Ste. Route 11. The winding road follows a cliffside above Chuckanut Bay. The 20-mile scenic drive meanders down to Bow, past Larrabee State Park, oyster bars, trailheads, and some of the best views in the Pacific Northwest.
2. HORSESHOE HIGHWAY, ORCAS ISLAND
Named for its horseshoe shape, the Horseshoe Highway takes drivers all around the island. Starting in Orcas, the 18-mile drive goes up and around Eastsound and back over to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans. This drive is the perfect way to explore Orcas Island.
3. NORTH CASCADES HIGHWAY
From end to end, this drive is a whopping 127 miles. Beginning in Sedro-Woolley, it winds along the Skagit River and through the mountains in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The breathtaking beauty of the route will give you driver’s bliss, so be sure to fill up that gas tank. It is closed from late November through early May.
4. MOUNT BAKER HIGHWAY
The road leading out of Bellingham is mostly lined with old-growth forests, when suddenly, without warning, you emerge from the woods and take in spectacular views of Mount Baker and the surrounding area. The 46-mile drive along State Route 542 takes you right up to Artist Point, one of Mount Baker’s loveliest hikes.
5. WHIDBEY ISLAND HIGHWAY
All of us in the North Sound are enchanted by the Deception Pass bridge, but instead of stopping there, we suggest you continue down for a scenic drive through Whidbey Island. This 47-mile drive is surrounded by gorgeous views of the Salish Sea at every angle.
For more content like this, check out our article on the North National Cascades Park here.
