Washington’s small towns are incredibly charming. But since they’re somewhat limited on attractions and amenities, it’s possible to explore most of them in less than a day. That means you’ll have time to see several of our more petite places on one weekend road trip. Why spend a few days in one city when you can see half a dozen spots in the same amount of time?
This road trip will take you on some of Washington’s most scenic highways, so you’ll enjoy the drive just as much as the destinations.
Image/Google Maps
Chelan
Jeff Hanway / Flickr Start your adventure in the beautiful little city of Chelan. But before you leave, explore it. The lake is what draws the tourists here, but the city almost always has a weekend event or festival going on. The Lake Chelan Car Show is September 10, and their annual Sip & Stroll wine and cider event is on September 24. If nothing else, spend your morning walking through Chelan Riverwalk Park and have breakfast at the Riverwalk Cafe.
Leavenworth
The Wu’s Photo Land / Flickr Your next stop is the always charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Stretch your legs on Commercial Street, do some shopping and have a bratwurst at Munchen Haus. The city goes all out to make the downtown area look beautiful, and it shows.
Gold Bar
LaurenD / TripAdvisor While driving down Highway 2, you’ll pass several fun tiny towns like Skykomish and Index. But we recommend stopping in the riverside community of Gold Bar. It was named after gold prospectors who settled there in 1869, and since it’s surrounded on all four sides by the Cascades, it’s a perfect place to take some photos. If you have time for a hike, Wallace Falls State Park has a trail that leads to a stunning 265 foot waterfall. But it’s a 7 mile loop, so plan accordingly.
Snohomish
Jasperdo / Flickr Spend your evening strolling through historic downtown Snohomish, which was named one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel. You’ll have some delicious options for dinner, including Roger’s Riverview Bistro and Cathouse Pizza. Spend the night at the Countryman Bed & Breakfast if you can get a room - you’ll get a restful night’s sleep in a gorgeous old Victorian home.
Countryman Bed & Breakfast
La Connor
Johan Wieland / Flickr Start a new day in the picturesque waterfront town of La Conner. Many of the historic buildings remain unchanged, making it look like time has stood still. You can even take yourself on a walking tour of its historic landmarks like the La Conner Drug Store that dates back to the 1890s.
Sedro-Woolley
Wikimedia
Chris D. / Yelp Head down Highway 20 East to Sedro-Woolley. Often called the Gateway to the North Cascades, it makes a perfect little pit stop before driving a stretch of the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway. Treat yourself to a burger from Skagit Valley Burgers Express to enjoy on the way.
Winthrop
Fil.Al / Flickr After a gorgeous drive through the Cascades, you’ll arrive in Winthrop, where the Old West comes to life. The town itself is charming, and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Weekend road trips are so much fun, especially in Washington. But when you only have one day for an adventure, here are some great options.
Image/Google Maps
Jeff Hanway / Flickr
Start your adventure in the beautiful little city of Chelan. But before you leave, explore it. The lake is what draws the tourists here, but the city almost always has a weekend event or festival going on. The Lake Chelan Car Show is September 10, and their annual Sip & Stroll wine and cider event is on September 24. If nothing else, spend your morning walking through Chelan Riverwalk Park and have breakfast at the Riverwalk Cafe.
The Wu’s Photo Land / Flickr
Your next stop is the always charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Stretch your legs on Commercial Street, do some shopping and have a bratwurst at Munchen Haus. The city goes all out to make the downtown area look beautiful, and it shows.
LaurenD / TripAdvisor
While driving down Highway 2, you’ll pass several fun tiny towns like Skykomish and Index. But we recommend stopping in the riverside community of Gold Bar. It was named after gold prospectors who settled there in 1869, and since it’s surrounded on all four sides by the Cascades, it’s a perfect place to take some photos. If you have time for a hike, Wallace Falls State Park has a trail that leads to a stunning 265 foot waterfall. But it’s a 7 mile loop, so plan accordingly.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Spend your evening strolling through historic downtown Snohomish, which was named one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel. You’ll have some delicious options for dinner, including Roger’s Riverview Bistro and Cathouse Pizza. Spend the night at the Countryman Bed & Breakfast if you can get a room - you’ll get a restful night’s sleep in a gorgeous old Victorian home.
Countryman Bed & Breakfast
Johan Wieland / Flickr
Start a new day in the picturesque waterfront town of La Conner. Many of the historic buildings remain unchanged, making it look like time has stood still. You can even take yourself on a walking tour of its historic landmarks like the La Conner Drug Store that dates back to the 1890s.
Wikimedia
Chris D. / Yelp
Head down Highway 20 East to Sedro-Woolley. Often called the Gateway to the North Cascades, it makes a perfect little pit stop before driving a stretch of the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway. Treat yourself to a burger from Skagit Valley Burgers Express to enjoy on the way.
Fil.Al / Flickr
After a gorgeous drive through the Cascades, you’ll arrive in Winthrop, where the Old West comes to life. The town itself is charming, and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
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