19 Hikes for Stretching Your Legs on Summer Road Trips
Whether you’re heading to the hills or ambling for the shoreline, long drives mean plenty of opportunities to get out, stretch your legs and maybe discover a new favorite trail along the way.
Skip the rest stops and instead opt for one of these easily-accessible roadside rambles the next time you’re touring the state.
Make the most of your stop
- Consider taking a trash bag along for your stroll to pick up trailside litter and leave the trail a bit better than you found it.
- Need a great local spot to eat? A state guide to great grub.
- Save these hikes in your My Backpack account so you can find them quickly on the road.
- Let us know how it was in a trip report.
Highway 20
Views of the North Cascades from the trail. Photo by Muledeer.
Just outside of Rockport, this park is a great place to stretch your legs on a drive over the North Cascades Highway. Walk along the banks of the Skagit and look for birds in the trees. Views of distant peaks will make you want to get back in the car and keep driving deeper into the mountains.
You don’t have to stray far from your route to enjoy the paved trail to Rainy Lake. Photo by RRKW.
The trailhead for Rainy Lake is conveniently located right off of Highway 20. Take in a healthy dose of nature on this paved and wheelchair-accessible trail to serene Rainy Lake. This hike is especially popular during the lovely larch season.
I-5: Bellingham — Portland
Take a break from the traffic and do a little birdwatching on the paved Ebey Waterfront Trail. Photo by Mary T.
Traffic tends to slow around Marysville, so it’s a great place to get off the interstate for a quick and easy hike on the Ebey Waterfront Trail. The paved trail will take you along the river where you can look for some local wildlife. Be on the lookout for hawks, herons and even bald eagles!
Take a forest walk less than a mile from the interstate at McCollum Park. Photo by Rayan.
McCollum Park, also known as McCollum Pioneer Park, will give you the refreshing feel of the forest. This urban park in Snohomish County is great for restless kids and leashed dogs. If you’re looking to take an extra-long break, check out the Northwest Stream Center located in the park.
Take a walk around the lake and try to spot some wildlife at Lake Fenwick Park. Photo by Jay Galvin.
If it's been a hot ride in the car, you might be tempted to dig out your bathing suits at Lake Fenwick Park. You can take a hike, look for wildlife or take a dip at this 140-acre urban park.
Tumwater Falls Park has a playground, waterfalls, interpretive signs and more. Photo by Anna Roth.
Enjoy the relaxing sound of the Deschutes River and make your way past not one, not two, but THREE waterfalls along this short loop trail. Watch for fish and learn about the history of the area from interpretive signs along the way. There’s even a playground where restless kids can burn off some energy before getting back in the car.
The Seminary Hill Natural Area has a variety of trails to explore. Photo by Will-Jolene.
There are plenty of trails to explore at the Seminary Hill Nature Area in Centralia. Take a quick walk or stay for a while on the lush green trails. Whatever you choose, be sure to bring a map, available at the trailhead, to help you find your way.
Learn about the solar system and discover some lovely gardens as you stretch your legs at Lake Sacajawea. Photo by nwroth.
Get out of your car and out of this world on the “Solar System Walk” along the west side of Lake Sacajawea. Learn about the moon and the solar system from plaques detailing each of the planetary bodies. You will also pass an enchanting Japanese garden and rhododendron garden as you make your way around the lake.
I-90: Seattle — Spokane
The Asahel Curtis Nature Trail offers a slice of nature just off of I-90. Photo by Aaron Bates.
Named after one of Seattle’s preeminent photographers, the Asahel Curtis Nature Trail will take you through a picturesque piece of the wonderful Washington woods. Enjoy babbling streams, abundant plant life and towering trees without having to stray too far from your route.
Let down your mane and enjoy the wide-open view at the Wild Horses Monument. Photo by treemsPNW.
Release your restless spirit from the confines of your car on this short and moderately steep trail. Don’t let the sign on the road fool you; the actual name of the art installation at the end of this trail is Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies. Cut yourself loose and feel as free as the ponies as you overlook the Columbia River from this unique hilltop.
Take a pleasant walk in the prairie at Goose Butte. Photo by Carly Bair.
You don’t have to make it all the way to the end of the trail to enjoy Goose Butte. Take a walk to the historic rock house built in 1917, just enjoy a quick dose of prairie wandering. Keep in mind that this trail may be hard to follow.
Highway 14: Astoria — Maryhill
Rain or shine, the myriad species of birds at Ridgefield always find a reason to sing. Photo by JonBaldivieso.
Open year-round and with many portions of trails ADA-accessible, this lovely nature area beckons with its multitude of birds and old-growth trees — including towering Oregon white oaks. The Kiwa Trail, which is home in winter to nesting waterfowl, is closed October through April to provide quiet for the birds.
Petroglyph replicas adorn some some of the boulders along one of the many trail options at North Bonneville. Photo by PatriciaC.
Take your pick of loop hikes from the downtown station area, and receive glimpses of both the lively neighborhoods in which the trails interweave and the wildlife that inhabits the natural areas. Interpretive signs and brochures offer insight into Native American life along the Columbia River in this area before the river was dammed.
Wildflowers adorn the trail in spring, but the desert offers its own beauty any time of year. Photo by Froof_D_Poof.
Crawford Oaks is a non-motorized, multi-use trail used by hikers, cyclists and horses. Luckily, there's plenty of grand vistas for everyone to share. This 4-mile out-and-back can be combined with other nearby trails at Columbia Hills State Park to turn a quick pitstop into a full day of rambling.
Highway 2: Seattle — Spokane
A glimpse of Nason Creek through the trees along the Bygone Byways Interpretive Trail. Photo by jbk51691.
Following the original route of the Great Northern Railway, this flat, ADA-accessible trail stays mostly in forest as it skirts alongside Nason Creek. As the trail is only accessible from the westbound side of Highway 2, some planning may be required to enjoy this little loop.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park - Horan Natural Area
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
View the confluence between the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. Photo by wafflesnfalafel.
Part of Wenatchee Confluence State Park, this natural area is named for the family who allowed Chelan County to acquire 100 acres of their pear orchard for the purpose of establishing a wetland preserve. There are 2 miles of graveled trail to explore in the 100-acre preserve, with posts established along the way for observing wildlife.
Stunning views await at Moses Coulee Preserve, no matter the season. Photo by onehikeaweek.
A splendid coulee hike offering unlimited wandering potential. Be it long or be it short, the walk will provide unparalleled views of towering basalt cliffs. Bring water, especially during hot summer months.
I-182: Yakima — Walla Walla
A little slice of nature right off of I-182 in Richland, perfect for road trip rambles. Photo by pandamonta.
At only 276 acres, Chamna offers an impressive 11 miles of multi-use hiking trails along the Yakima River, and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Expect to see birds, deer, rabbits, porcupines, coyotes, beaver and maybe even river otters.
I-195: Spokane — Pullman
Slavin Pond Loop offers a great mix of open meadows, wetlands and forest. Photo by northwestgal99.
Take a short detour off of I-195 for trails where you can stretch your legs all year. It's an excellent area for birdwatching, with more than 120 species of birds recorded.