If you’re dreaming of a road trip packed with cool cities, wild nature, spooky ghost towns, and tasty treats, this is probably for you.
Washington state has a little bit of everything, and we’ve mapped out the ultimate diamond-shaped route that hits some of the best spots.
Some are famous, some are totally unexpected.
You’ll cruise through mountain passes, roll past sparkling lakes, and stumble onto places that feel like movie sets (no joke).
Ready for jaw-dropping views and a bunch of “wait, this is in Washington?!” moments?
This diamond-shaped loop is about to be your new favorite adventure.
1. Seattle
Seattle sits in the far northwest corner of Washington, right between the Puget Sound and a big ol’ mountain range called the Cascades.
The city is famous for the Space Needle, the birth of Starbucks, and a fish-tossing market called Pike Place that’s loud, wild, and totally worth the stop.
You can catch ferry rides, snack on fresh seafood, and spot Mt. Rainier towering in the distance like a giant snow cone.
It’s also packed with cool neighborhoods like Fremont, which has a giant 18-foot troll under a bridge—because why not?
2. North Cascades National Park
Just a couple of hours northeast of Seattle, North Cascades National Park feels like stepping into the wildest, greenest postcard you’ve ever seen.
This place has over 300 glaciers (more than any other U.S. park outside Alaska!) and jaw-dropping views at every twisty turn.
You’ll find turquoise lakes like Diablo Lake that look way too bright to be real, plus trails that wind past waterfalls, mossy forests, and mountain goats if you’re lucky.
💡Fine rock particles (called ‘glacial flour’) suspended in the water of the lake refract sunlight and give Diablo Lake its striking turquoise color.
It’s quiet, rugged, and totally the opposite of the city, so bring your hiking boots and get ready to be in awe of nature.
3. Ghost Towns of Northeast Washington
After soaking up all that nature, it’s time to crank up the mystery and head to the ghost towns of northeast Washington.
Scattered near the Canadian border, you’ll discover towns like Chesaw, Molson, Bodie, and Nighthawk.
They’re full of old wooden buildings, creaky saloons, and stories from the gold rush days of the 19th century.
Molson even has an outdoor museum (the Old Molson Ghost Town Museum) with an entire pioneer town you can wander through.
You’ll be able to see a schoolhouse, post office, and other structures frozen in time.
It’s spooky, quiet, and super cool if you’re into history, abandoned places, or just want an epic photo that looks straight out of a western movie.
4. Spokane
From eerie ghost towns back to the buzz of city life, Spokane brings the energy with a cool mix of nature and urban fun right near the Idaho border.
You can walk through Riverfront Park, where the massive Spokane Falls rushes right through downtown, and even ride a sky gondola (the Numerica SkyRide) over it!
There’s a big arts scene, tons of breweries, and a historic neighborhood called Browne’s Addition that’s perfect for grabbing tacos and peeking at old mansions.
You’ll have easy access to lots of nature at places like Riverside State Park, Dishman Hills Natural Area, and Mount Spokane State Park.
It’s laid-back but lively, and the kind of place where you can hit up a farmers market, catch a concert, and hike a bluff—all in the same day.
5. Prosser
Last stop: Prosser, a sunny little town in wine country that’s all about good vibes and even better grapes.
Located in the Yakima Valley, it’s packed with cozy tasting rooms, family-run vineyards, and views that’ll make you want to stay forever.
You can sip award-winning reds while lounging on a patio, then stroll downtown for antique shops, ice cream, and local art.
It’s the perfect relaxing end to your road trip—because nothing says “we made it” like toasting with a glass of Washington wine.
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