Considered one of the best drives in the Pacific Northwest, the Chinook Scenic Byway in Washington State is a beautiful day trip certainly worth exploring.
Drivers who enjoy mountain and forest scenery will not be disappointed as they wind through Mount Rainier National Park and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
As they traverse the road, parallel to the White River from Enumclaw, Washington towards Naches, travelers first come up to the Mt. Rainier Overlook, which provides a clear view of the stately mountain rising 14,410 feet into the sky.
Soon after, they'll enter the national park and slowly begin to climb Chinook Pass, which reaches 5,430 feet at its highest point. A stop at an overlook in the mountains is a must for anyone driving this scenic road.
Winding back down into the White River Valley, dense forests and beautiful river canyons dot the landscape.
The byway is 92 miles in length, making this the perfect day trip while taking a vacation in Seattle. The trip to Enumclaw is about 40 miles from Seattle, so plan for a total of six hours on a round trip journey.