Our Favorite Day Trips from Seattle: A Complete Guide

Read more:How to plan an ideal single-day trip to Bainbridge Island from Seattle

WE LOVE VASHON ISLAND. 

Of the three islands in the Seattle region that make for an enjoyable single-day trip (we’re not counting San Juan Island and Orcas Island in that group, though we love them too), it’s the one that immediately prompts you to slow down and feel on island time as soon as you disembark from the ferry.

Vashon is situated between the Seattle area, Tacoma, and the Olympic Peninsula in the center of the Puget Sound. Access is only by ferry, so crowds are somewhat restricted (though it can become very busy on Saturdays during summer).

Getting There

Head south on 99 or I-5 until you reach exit 509 South towards White Center, then follow the road directly to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. From there, take the Fauntleroy – Vashon Ferry (schedule here).

To undertake this without a vehicle, you’d need to get yourself to the ferry terminal, and you’d likely want to bring a bicycle.

What to Do on Vashon Island

The island offers plenty to experience and admire, from charming farm stands to pick up fresh seasonal crops and blooms, to a lighthouse providing views of Mount Rainier. Here are some of our preferred attractions.

PS: We have an entire guide covering the best activities, sights, cuisine and drink on Vashon Island.

Devour Incredible Thai Food

• Location: 599 A Ave, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Grab it to go and have a picnic at the little park a block north.

Hike to the Point Robinson Lighthouse

I use the term “hike” somewhat loosely here, because this is a very brief and simple stroll out to the lighthouse. It’s at the south end of the island – technically on Maury Island – and it’s a great spot to see wildlife like whales, seals, and bald eagles.

Dragon’s Head Cider

As big cider fans, Dragon’s Head creates some of the finest cider in Washington primarily from fruit grown in their orchard on Vashon.

They have a cider garden, a lovely outdoor space to sample some of their ciders (they have flights, which are recommended).

It’s friendly for kids and dogs, and while food isn`t served, you`re allowed to bring your own (perhaps grab some Thai cuisine from May Kitchen?).

Nashi Orchards is another option for sampling some hard cider on the island.

Farm Stands

This was one of our favorite aspects about Vashon. As you drive around the island, you’ll notice that there are a lot of farms.

A bunch of them have little farm stands where you can pull over and peruse their selection of farm-fresh produce, flowers, and occasionally homemade cheese. It’s a unique, quirky aspect of driving around Vashon.

Read More:All of Our Favorite Activities to Do on Vashon Island

As we toured the wooded property of Glendale Shepherd on Whidbey Island alongside one of the farm’s friendly owners (named Stan), who has lived on Whidbey for more than 30 years after relocating from Seattle, I quickly understood what makes Whidbey special.

Here we were, having come from a place – Seattle – that is transforming too rapidly for anyone (or anything – looking at you, roads!) to adapt, as Stan pointed out the trees he used to play on when he was a kid and his parents owned the farm.

Despite being in the heart of a region that has changed drastically in the past two decades, Whidbey Island still has that small town feel that is increasingly difficult to find in western Washington.

The type of feeling where you can tell that each member of the community knows everyone else by their first name (which became evident when I asked for a recommendation for a local winery and he named a few of the wineries, and gave a brief overview of the owners of each).

Though, I’m sure Stan, and others who have lived on Whidbey for decades, would propose that it has evolved through the years. Longer ferry queues. More people on summer weekends. More costly houses and property.

That interaction occurred at a time when connecting with strangers had become more stressful and anxiety-provoking than I can ever recall, and each single interaction on Whidbey – from the one with Stan, to the one with the volunteer at Fort Casey State Park who took several minutes to tell us all about the ENORMOUS guns on the batteries – was a good reminder that bonding with other humans is important, and will always be an integral part of travel.

The best way to experience Whidbey in a single day is to take the ferry in one direction. You can travel either route, truly, but strongly suggested taking the ferry over in the morning and tackling the island from the southern to northern portions exclusively because ferry lines returning to the mainland can be bothersome.

It’s the biggest island in Washington (and the fourth biggest in the US, which is remarkable), so it will take you the better section of a day to examine the island from end to end.

Getting There

This route involves using both a vehicle and taking a ferry. Head north on Interstate 5 out of Seattle and exit onto Route 525 North, which should be followed all the way to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. From the terminal, board the ferry to Clinton, located at the southeastern end of Whidbey Island. The ferry runs roughly every half hour.

What to Do on Whidbey Island

Here are our favorite stops on the island, organized from the southern end to the northern end.

Glendale Shepard

Glendale Shepherd produces excellent cheese from sheep’s milk. The herb-coated White Cap is delicious. Prepare a picnic with it. They open at 11:00 am, so rearranging stops might be needed if taking an early ferry from the mainland.

Wine, Liqueur, Whiskey, and Mead

All the beverages! The island of Whidbey is home to several craft beverage producers who make products using locally farmed fresh produce from Whidbey and the wider state.

Visit Spoiled Dog Winery to sample wines produced from grapes grown both in Washington and Oregon on their splendid patio area, or Whidbey Island Winery, where they planted vineyards back in 1986 and haven’t looked back since (though they also obtain grapes from Eastern Washington nowadays).

To sample some amazing fruit liqueurs and whiskey (the latter isn’t something I`m familiar with, so I cannot really comment on it), head to the Whidbey Island Distilling production facility. We participated in a tasting of each of the liqueurs they had available, and loved the raspberry so much we purchased a bottle to share with my older brother, who has shown a preference for fruity liqueurs in the past.

There are approximately FIVE POUNDS of fruit per bottle – it’s like drinking a raspberry! Don’t believe me? They win all sorts of awards.

For mead, which is made with fermented honey similar to wine, visit Hierophant Meadery, a relative new establishment on the island. Generally, mead tends to be excessively sweet, but we enjoyed theirs, particularly the bubbly varieties.

Explore Langley

Langley is a charming small waterfront town, perched on a strait, whose downtown area is roughly two blocks by two blocks and is filled with locally owned restaurants and shops. Occasionally, whales make their way into that strait.

Take a peek inside the Moonraker Bookstore to see if you can find a Pacific Northwest-inspired read, then head around the corner to Ulysses Coffee to, you know, read it (they use Espresso Vivace, one of the top coffee shops in Seattle).

Ultra House, a popular ramen spot, had an hour-long wait when we were there, but it DEFINITELY does not meet gluten free standards in any form or configuration.

Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks

Two incredible Washington State Parks on the western edge of the island, we’d prescribe going up onto the batteries at Fort Casey to see the tremendous WWII period weapons and strolling over to Admiralty Head Lighthouse.

Then, hike out onto the bluffs at Fort Ebey State Park – here’s the pleasant straightforward hike we’d recommend.

Lavender Wind Farm

If you have a fondness for all things lavender, you`ll appreciate this location in late July and early August, when the lavender is in full bloom. It may be worth visiting at other times though.

Deception Pass State Park

The connector between Whidbey and the mainland is called Deception Pass Bridge, and there are plenty to see and do on both sides of the span.

On the southern side of Whidbey Island itself, check out the beaches (North and West Beach). North Beach has excellent panoramas of the bridge connecting the island to the mainland.

On the northern end of the bridge, one can hike out into the coastal areas and to Rosario Head, where beautiful ocean and bridge scenery can be enjoyed along the route.

Good perspectives of the bridge can be found along the trail near the point of a lighthouse, located slightly northwest of the bridge (a shorter version of the earlier mentioned route).

Additional information on the park here.

Mount Rainier, towering over the Seattle skyline, is the tallest peak in the Cascades. Generally, we judge the weather based on whether you can see Mount Rainier from the city or not.

During winter, when the gray casts over Seattle, an appearance by Rainier may as well serve as a holiday each time its summit emerges.

If you want to take a day trip to Mount Rainier, it will involve a full day, including five hours of travel time (without traffic considerations). However, if you`ve never experienced the abundance of waterfalls and wildflowers and the continual postcard views of Rainier’s peak – the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states – we would say it`s worth the effort.

If it’s your first time at Mount Rainier National Park, we’d strongly advise focusing your time on one region of the park – Paradise.

That distinctively captures the essence of Rainier to us, with subalpine meadows brimming with colorful wildflowers throughout summer, an impressive assortment of excellent hikes (including a few on our catalog of the finest hikes in Washington), and too numerous waterfalls to list here.

In Paradise, you’ll want to make sure to see the three waterfalls – Myrtle, Christine, and Narada ( Comet Falls, a fourth, is a short hike off of the main road) – and spend some time exploring the meadows at Paradise.

The Skyline Trailis our preferred hike in Mount Rainier National Park, and if you’re up for six miles of continuous amazing views, we’d highly recommend it (make it your initial stop so you can start early!). Last, head up to Reflection Lakes, and see the postcard scene of Rainier mirrored on the surface of the lake.

If it’s not your first time, Sunrise, which is on the east side of Rainier, is another great option. That’s where you’ll find the best hiking in the park, we think, though hiking is kind of the only game in town.

Some of our preferred trails are the Burroughs Mountain Path (for close views of Rainier), Berkeley Park (for amazing wildflowers usually in late July), and the Fremont Lookout (for an intriguing historic fire lookout with an unbelievable view).

Rather than provide a more specific list of things to do here, , which has everything you need to know to arrange your trip.

We’ll also connect to some other Rainier guides below, which contain even more information useful for planning your trip.

Getting There

You have two options for reaching Mount Rainier. There is no shuttle, so you’ll either need a vehicle, or to join a guided full day trip.

Having an automobile is our #1 recommendation here, because it provides flexibility to see things at your own pace, and pick and choose what captures your interest.

However, if you don`t have a vehicle – such as when visiting Seattle for just a few days and wanting to see Washington State`s natural wonders – an escorted day excursion could be a good choice.

However, we wouldn`t recommend solely relying on a rental car for your entire stay in Seattle.

For a guided tour to the main sights in both Paradise and Ohanapecosh including a picnic lunch, we would suggest this tour. Alternatively, this tour including transportation, a picnic lunch, and some hiking to Paradise could be considered.

This day trip from Seattle involves considerably more driving than some of the other ones on this list, but we decided to include it because driving is part of the attraction. You’ll head up I-5 to Highway 20, and take it east all the way up to Washington Pass.

This stretch of road, which is basically only accessible during the summer (June to October, approximately), is one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest.

We`ve visited the North Cascades many times to experience the jagged rocky peaks and clear alpine lakes that make this part of Washington State so special.

Another added benefit is that it’s far less frequented than the other two national parks in Washington State – Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park – though that is gradually changing as more and more people discover it.

Below, we`ll cover step-by-step how to plan a great day excursion to the North Cascades. It will be a long day, but you`ll visit some of our favorite locations in Washington, hike one of our favored hikes in Washington, and take one of the most scenic drives in Washington.

In other words, we think the value likely makes it worthwhile.

You’ll need to pack a lunch and plenty of snacks – there are no services in the park, meaning no available foods.

Getting There

Transportation via an automobile would be necessary. Taking Interstate 5 North is the sole feasible option for reaching the initial destination of Arlington. From there, Highway 531 connects to Highway 20 in Rockport. Driving east on Highway 20 leads directly to Washington Pass.

What to Do in North Cascades National Park

Here is our version of planning the perfect day trip from Seattle up to the North Cascades.

The route would begin with a lengthy drive all the way up to Washington Pass, the highest elevation point on Highway 20 (the road traversing the Cascades down into the eastern foothills), offering fantastic panoramic views. Next would be a hike, with great views observable on the return descent from the pass.

One thing to know here – if you’re coming from Seattle, it will take you a full three hours to travel up to Washington Pass. START EARLY – we’re talking 6:00 am here – so that you can reach the trailhead before it fills up.

We mentioned that we would start our trip by driving up to Washington Pass ( here on Google Maps). We would stop at the scenic Diablo Lake Overlook ( here on Google Maps) while driving up, and get out of the vehicle to stretch our legs briefly on the pathway at Washington Pass before returning westward in the automobile.

From here, you’re only a few miles away from two of our absolute beloved hikes in Washington State.

If you’re up for an extensive hike, you should try the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, which is among the top 3 best hikes we have EVER experienced.

We’ve done this trip multiple times before, and it is always enjoyable. You’ll complete a lengthy loop around an alpine lake, climbing to a high elevation point above the lake with stunning panoramas of the Cascades in the distance.

Additionally, some magnificent wildflowers in summer (or autumnal foliage in fall) and plenty of marmots and pikas to observe along the route.

Another option for using public transportation in Lisbon involves obtaining the Lisboa Card.

Going up to the lake is quite straightforward, though the entire trail is an ongoing gentle incline. Younger children have been seen on the path before.

When walking around the lakeshore at the lake, be sure to take the path in both directions, specifically towards the right side where magnificent panoramas and mountain goats on the rocky slopes at the far end can potentially be seen.

After your hike, enjoy your packed lunch (if you haven’t already) and head back towards I-5. Stop at the Ross Lake Dam overview for a quick walk to the dam which is responsible for the lakes here.

, which is a floating resort located out on, as you may have guessed, Ross Lake. Ross Lake extends far to the north – all the way to the Canadian border, although you’re not going that far today – and you can hop in a kayak and do some exploring in Jack Keruoac’s footsteps (he famously loved the Cascades).

Check equipment availability here.

Continue down Highway 20 and head out to the other side of Diablo Lake to get down to the shoreline ( here on Google Maps). You’ll drive over the dam, too, which is somewhat intriguing.

After that last stop at Ladder Creek Falls (partly to walk across the cool bridge to get there), your day trip will have reached its conclusion!

Leavenworth is a town situated in the foothills of the Cascades known for its Bavarian theme that serves as a gateway to some of the region’s best hiking trails in the renowned Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

The thing about Leavenworth is that it seems like something that shouldn’t work based on its origins. Thinking about Leavenworth’s beginnings always makes me smile.

The way I understand it – and this is likely somewhat of a “ Drunk History” (love that show!) account of it – is two Seattle builders purchased some land in the eastern hills of the Cascades for cheap after the logging industry basically collapsed when the railroad moved away, said “hm, let’s see if we can make some money from this,” and somehow persuaded the town to become a mini Bavaria out in the mountains.

May Kitchen might offer the absolute best Thai cuisine we’ve ever sampled (well, Alysha has traveled to Thailand, so perhaps just the best for Matt). It’s right in downtown Vashon, and is consistently busy. Plentiful gluten free selections, too!

Firstly, the architectural style and overall atmosphere cultivated in Leavenworth has been thoughtfully developed and maintained with consistency. Even large corporate organizations like Starbucks have embraced this theme, adjusting their branding to reflect a similar Bavarian influence (though is it truly representative of Bavaria?).

Second, Leavenworth (unlike Solvang) has unmatched access to outdoor activities, which really is what makes it unique to us.

Getting There

You would certainly need a self-propelled road vehicle for this destination. Follow Interstate 90 eastbound over Snoqualmie Pass, then turn onto United States Highway 97 northward to climb over Blewett Pass and drop down into eastern Washington. Catch US-2 for a short distance to arrive in Leavenworth itself.

Public transportation by rail – the Empire Builder – runs between Seattle’s King Street Station and Leavenworth’s Icicle Station, but its only departure is at 4:55 pm, which implies it’s not really an option if you’re seeking to visit Leavenworth as a day trip from Seattle.

What to Do in Leavenworth

Some favored attractions in Leavenworth, Washington include activities highlighted here.

Hiking near Leavenworth

The initial bakery-centered lodging establishment (whatever that implies). The second of the Praktik Hotels enumerated on this list revolves around a single element: bread.

Completing the lengthy hike (8 miles with an elevation gain of 2,300 feet) requires effort, but therewards await at the top with the dazzling turquoise lake that makes the climb worthwhile. However, the site is extremely busy, eliminating privacy and solitude.

You need to get to the parking lot NO LATER THAN 6:00 AM to get a spot on a summer weekend (and, really, all days during the summer).

Seriously.

Which means a brutal 4:00 am wakeup call if you’re coming from Seattle.

If you aren’t up for that level of exertion, head over to the Icicle Ridge trail instead, which sees less traffic and makes for a good alternative option, though it is not as spectacular as Colchuck.

The River

There are two options available for getting out on the water in Leavenworth, and we`ve tried both.

First is floating the Icicle River. You’ll choose between the two mile and four mile float, then they will shuttle you out to the put-in, give you a quick safety briefing, and you’ll float your way down the river, eventually ending in Leavenworth.

Spending time there is very enjoyable, and you can bring a cooler filled with snacks and drinks to enjoy during the outing.

An additional choice is rafting the Wenatchee River, which is best in the early summer when the water levels are high. It’s a class III+, signifying it requires active participation but isn`t too intense such that kids can`t enjoy it.

I once worked for a rafting company in Washington, and it’s one of the more accessible river excursions from Seattle.

Exploring the Town of Leavenworth

Leavenworth itself is also worth a couple of hours of exploring, perhaps after your hike.

A few vaguely German-inspired restaurants serving sausages and sauerkraut provide a good post-hike lunch option (we enjoyed Leavenworth Sausage Garten near the eastern end of town).

After lunch, stop by Whistlepunk Ice Cream for a sweet treat, then grab a beverage at either Icicle Brewing (beer), Bushel & Bee (cider), or among the various winery tasting rooms along the main street in Leavenworth.

Several shops in the area offer leisure activities – we enjoy Posy Handpicked as it collaborates with local artisans, showcasing and selling their creations.

Read Further:The Best Activities in Leavenworth, Washington (What to Consume, See, Drink, and Hike)

Bellingham, at its core, is a charming college town located just south of the Canadian border, roughly 90 minutes from Seattle up Interstate 5.

The Cour des Vosges truly shines most when it pertains to dessert offerings, The chef has gained prestigious honors for his innovative takes on traditional French classics. Two of the favorites include the lemon tart and hazelnut block.

The city itself is full of a dazzling variety of small, independent businesses, from coffee shops, cideries, and breweries to stores catering to all kinds of interests (including but not restricted to comic books, records, outdoor activities, and board games).

Combine that with the selection of outdoor activities – like the trails along Chuckanut Drive and Whatcom Falls – and you’ve got the makings of a perfect day trip.

Getting There

There’s plenty of hotel options in Whitefish, so we’ll quickly provide them along with a brief description of what stands out.

What to Do in Bellingham

Whatever you do, make sure to drive Chuckanut Drive – the scenic, winding coastal road that connects the towns of Bow and Edison to Bellingham – either on your way up or on your way back to Seattle. Here are a few pictures to demonstrate you why I think it’s a must do.

Drive Chuckanut Drive

The scenic coastal drive taking in the views of the coast between Edison and Bellingham (just south of the city) is a must-do whether going to or returning from Bellingham.

If traveling in that direction, begin in the communities of Bow and Edison with freshly baked bread from Breadfarm and some local cheese from Samish Bay Cheese.

Head northward, admiring the coastal perspectives peeking out through the trees, and stop for a brief stroll out to Clayton Beach.

From there, make your way through a residential area to access Clark’s Point (depicted above), where you’ll have a lovely vista of the railroad tracks with water on both sides. Pause in the charming town of Fairhaven for some storefront exploring before entering Bellingham.

Cider in Bellingham

Surrounded by fertile apple orchards, Bellingham offers an incredible variety of hard ciders thanks to the soil enriching the land around it.

There’s Lost Giants, crafting some outstanding ciders – try the Pineapple, if available.

Finally, Bellingham Cider Co, located at Bellingham Cider Co, produces ciders that tend to be sweeter than some prefer, but the setting can`t be beat with water views available from their outdoor patio.

To sample mead and cyser, a unique experience not found in many other places, head to Honey Moon.

Coffee in Bellingham

The finest coffee in Bellingham is Camber Coffee, and I don’t think it`s even comparable. Consider a pour over of single-origin beans, a perfectly frothed cappuccino, or one of their seasonal lattes.

Ice Cream

If it’s a warm summer afternoon (or a damp rainy day, no criticism here!), head to Mallard Ice Cream and select from 28 distinct handcrafted flavors. They often rotate through unique flavors they concoct in the kitchen like Ghost Pepper Chocolate and Lemon Coriander.

Whatcom Falls

It’s well worth a trip over to Whatcom Falls to see the waterfall, which is right near the parking lot, and take a short walk through the woods. See the entire park with this four mile loop, which is essentially flat.

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