Washington isn’t just about rain and coffee—it’s packed with jaw-dropping views that’ll make you want to pull over every five minutes.
We’re talking cliffs that drop into the ocean, snowy peaks that touch the sky, and lakes so bright they don’t even look real.
This road trip hits all the best scenic overlooks across the state, from the coast to the mountains.
There’s something for everyone on this road trip, but which will be your favorite?
1. Cape Disappointment – North Head Lighthouse
First up is Cape Disappointment’s North Head Lighthouse.
It sits on a windy bluff just north of the Columbia River where it crashes into the Pacific, and it’s one of the best spots in Washington to catch epic ocean views with waves smashing the cliffs below.
Built in 1898, this 65-foot-tall lighthouse still shines today and was actually added because ships approaching from the north couldn’t see the original Cape Disappointment Light.
You can walk the short 0.3-mile paved trail to the base, where you’ll find sweeping views, salty sea air, and maybe even spot some gray whales if you’re lucky!
2. Kerry Park
This might be one of the most iconic photo spots in the state.
Kerry Park in Seattle gives you the postcard view of the skyline—Space Needle front and center, Mount Rainier photobombing in the back on a clear day, and Elliott Bay shimmering off to the side.
This tiny hillside park is just over an acre in size, but it packs a serious punch.
It’s especially nice at sunset when the whole city glows golden and the skyline lights start to twinkle.
3. Hurricane Ridge
We’re heading for the mountains now.
Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park offers jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and wildflower-covered meadows that look straight out of a nature documentary.
One of the best things about it is that you can drive right up to the main overlook (no hiking required!).
It sits at around 5,242 feet with a front-row seat to the Olympic Mountains and even views of Vancouver Island in Canada on a clear day.
Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, deer, and the occasional mountain goat—and if you’re up for a hike, the 1.6-mile Hurricane Hill Trail adds even more wow with 700 feet of elevation gain and nonstop views the whole way.
4. Ebey’s Landing
Ready to swap snow-capped peaks for rolling bluffs and salty sea breezes?
Then Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island delivers.
Here you’ll find a cliffside trail that loops along golden prairie, driftwood-strewn beach, and sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca that go on forever.
It’s one of the only places in Washington where you can hike through pioneer farmland, spy bald eagles soaring overhead, and hear the crash of waves all at once.
Plus, the sunsets here are next-level stunning.
5. Deception Pass Bridge
After Ebey’s windswept trails, Deception Pass Bridge brings the drama with twin steel arches soaring 180 feet above swirling turquoise water.
This iconic bridge connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands and is one of the most photographed spots in all of Washington— and for good reason, it’s wild, windy, and totally unforgettable.
Everyone needs a picture of this place in their family photobook.
You can walk across the narrow pedestrian path (hold onto your hat!), snap photos of the forested cliffs and churning currents below, or head down to the beaches at Deception Pass State Park for an even cooler angle.
6. Diablo Lake
From crashing currents to calm, electric-blue waters, Diablo Lake in the North Cascades is like nature turned up to max saturation.
This glacier-fed lake gets its crazy color from rock flour (powdered rock ground down by ancient ice), and you can take in the view from the overlook just off Highway 20, with jagged peaks rising all around.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, rent a kayak on the water or hit the 3.6-mile Thunder Knob Trail for even more panoramic magic.
7. Washington Pass
Just when you think the North Cascades can’t get any more jaw-dropping, Washington Pass shows up with towering spires, sharp switchbacks, and views that make your brain do a double-take.
The overlook is just steps from the parking lot off Highway 20, and it puts you face-to-face with Liberty Bell Mountain and the iconic Early Winter Spires that look like something out of an epic fantasy movie.
Bring a jacket because it’s chilly even in summer.
Also, don’t miss the short paved trail at the overlook that loops around for bonus angles of hairpin roads and endless peaks stretching to the horizon.
8. Saddle Rock Overlook
Next up is Saddle Rock Overlook in Wenatchee, which switches things up with sweeping views over orchards, the Columbia River, and a sea of sunbaked hills.
You’ll earn this one with a 2.6-mile round-trip hike gaining about 900 feet, but the top rewards you big time with a 360-degree panorama.
It’s especially awesome in spring when the wildflowers pop, but honestly, the golden hour glow here is pure magic any time of year.
9. Dry Falls Vista
Leaving behind rolling hills, Dry Falls Vista in central Washington feels like stepping onto another planet.
It offers a cliffside view of what used to be the biggest waterfall on Earth.
This ancient Ice Age giant was four times wider than Niagara and ten times the flow, but now you’ll see a massive cliff towering over a dry canyon with a few sparkling lakes at the bottom.
The overlook at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park gives you front-row seats to this geologic monster, complete with signs that explain the history of the place.
10. Steptoe Butte
From ancient flood-carved cliffs to dreamy farmland waves, Steptoe Butte in the Palouse is the grand finale you didn’t know you needed.
This 3,612-foot butte rises all by itself above the rolling green hills, and you can drive the spiral road all the way to the top for a 360-degree view.
It seriously looks like a painting, especially in spring and summer when the fields go full patchwork quilt.
Bring binoculars, a picnic, and your best zoom lens because sunrise and sunset up here are pure magic, with soft light stretching for miles across the smoothest hills in the state.
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