We may be barreling toward another Washington winter at a rapid rate, but fear not, autumn-lovers: You’ve still got some time to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage that surrounds us. And since there’s nothing like a relaxing Sunday drive down a rural road on a crisp fall day, we thought we’d call attention to some rural drives that highlight all the best things about the season. Hop in your car and hit the road before the winter weather hits.
1. SR 410, Cayuse Pass
2. Chuckanut Scenic Byway
Cruise from Burlington to Bellingham on this curvy coastal drive, enjoying colorful maples and views of the San Juan Islands along the way.
3. Chinook Pass
Chinook Pass traces the historic Naches Trail between Enumclaw and Naches, offering views of Mount Rainier at every turn. If you can make the drive before the first heavy snowfall, you’ll see some beautiful fall colors.
4. East Green Bluff Road, Spokane
You’ll get a double dose of fall when you drive through the Green Bluff area: Fall colors and farm visits.
5. Yakima Canyon
Yakima Canyon Road, otherwise known as SR-821, is a beautiful alternative to driving I-82 between Ellensburg and Yakima. It’s remarkably scenic, especially in the fall.
6. Mount Baker Scenic Byway
Follow the Nooksack River from Bellingham to Mount Baker’s Artist Point for stunning fall scenery and incredible mountain views. But take this drive soon… Mount Baker gets an average of 615 inches of new snow per year.
7. Highway 31, Pend Oreille County
Highway 31 is located in Northeast Washington and takes you through the beautiful Pend Oreille County past Ione and Metaline Falls to the Canadian border. There are a lot of aspens in this area, so the fall foliage here is beautiful.
8. Salmon La Sac Road
Salmon La Sac Road starts at Highway 903, taking you past Roslyn and Cle Elum Lake to the secluded Salmon La Sac Trailhead. There are vine maples along the highway and rich autumn hues everywhere.
Of course, for the ultimate fall foliage road trip, nothing tops the North Cascade Loop this time of year, and you’ve still got some time to make the drive.
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