This story was sponsored by State of Washington Tourism and is an abridged version of The Mandagies’ Road Trip route. All photos by The Mandagies.
An Eastern Washington road trip is the perfect way to experience the diversity of Washington’s natural beauty. The east side of the state holds many hidden gems, incredible geographic history, scenic views, and outdoor adventure. Discover Spokane, the rolling Palouse, vineyards, and more.
This trip is an ideal route for all kinds of travelers. From multi-generational groups (that’s what Berty and Emily did with his parents) to avid hikers and photography enthusiasts, here are the highlights of a fun five-day road trip around Eastern Washington and Washington Wine Country.
Eastern Washington Road Trip
Day 1: Spokane to Walla Walla
Drive: Highway 195 and Highway 12 (part of the Palouse Scenic Byway)
Depart Spokane and drive through the rolling hills and farmlands of Eastern Washington. In spring, you’ll find vibrant shades of green, while summer and fall bring warm yellows and browns. On the way, experience Steptoe Butte State Park. Here, you can drive to the highest point in the area, with dizzying panoramic views of the farmlands and distant mountains near Spokane. Patit Creek Campsite, The Jolly Green Giant, and Lewis & Clark Trail State Park also make great stops.
Once in town, wine lovers can visit downtown tasting rooms or head out to one of the many local vineyards, such as Tranche and Kinhaven. For more fun, consider calling for a meet and greet at Old Homestead Alpacas or going lavender picking at Blue Mountain Lavender Farm.
Stay: There are several adorable places to stay in Walla Walla. Bed & Breakfasts provide a more intimate stay and guests can receive personalized tips from their hosts during a stay. Book The GG for a fun and eclectic way to enjoy a historic Walla Walla mansion.
Also See: Discover AVAs and Wine Regions
Day 2: Walla Walla to Yakima
Drive: Harvey Shaw Road/Lyons Ferry Road, Highway 261/260, Highway 24
Encounter Washington’s state waterfall, Palouse Falls, on today’s drive. Other major stops on day two of your Eastern Washington road trip include Lyons Ferry State Park (a great swimming stop) and Hanford Reach National Monument. Hanford Reach is a once-prohibited nuclear area turned wildlife refuge, where you can see an abundance of species.
Stay: Downtown Yakima is a great place for an overnight. If visiting on Thursdays in the summer, you can catch some live music at Yakima’s Downtown Summer Nights festival.
Day 3: Yakima to Soap Lake
Drive: Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 821), Interstate 90
Before heading out of Yakima for the day, take a morning stroll through the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy. You’ll find a network of trails to explore here, but starting at the Weikel Trailhead is most common. Leaving town, drive the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway. It’s a winding route along the Yakima River, with swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities practically around every corner.
Near Vantage on the Columbia River, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wild Horse Monument make for great pit stops. Hike to the monument for sweeping views and to admire artist David Govedare’s horse sculptures, officially titled “Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies.”
Stay: After a long day, check in at the Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort for a night of R&R. Each room has an option of filling their tub with the healing waters of the lake. It’s known for its rich mineral properties, good for skin ailments and sore muscles.
Day 4: Soap Lake to Kettle Falls (via Lake Roosevelt)
Drive: State Route 17 and Highway 25
Highway 17 is full of geographic wonders left over from the historic Missoula Floods around 18,000 years ago. You can see evidence of this at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park and Lake Lenore Caves. Along the route, you’ll also discover the Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest concrete structures in North America. Explore the free interactive museum during the day, and try to catch the Laser Light Show once the sun goes down.
Continuing north, take the scenic Highway 25 north along Lake Roosevelt for great views of the water. On the way to Kettle Falls, you can stop by Fort Spokane and St. Paul’s Mission to learn more about the area’s history.
Stay: Relax at the Columbia Point Resort in Kettle Falls for the night. Here, you can take your pick of lodge rooms, campsites, and glamping tents (coming soon!). If you’re lucky, you may even show up on a night that the hosts are doing a cookout for everyone on-site!
Day 5: Kettle Falls to Spokane
Drive: Highway 20, and the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway (Highway 31)
For the final day of your Eastern Washington Road Trip, enjoy the wonders of Pend Oreille County. Crawford State Park is home to the famous Gardner Cave, the longest limestone cavern in Washington. Tours are free but require reservations. A guide will share the area’s history and cool facts about the cave. If you have time, take a tour of the Boundary Dam. Tours are also free and run between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
On your way south to Spokane, drive the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway home. The route kind of reminded us of Highway 20 through the North Cascades. Stops like Eagles Nest Viewpoint, Sweet Creek Falls, Box Canyon Viewpoint, and Metaline Waterfront Park are all great places to pull over and snap a photo.
Stay: Finish off your road trip in Spokane. This city has a ton of options, from luxury to budget-friendly. Base yourself in the walkable downtown for easy access to Riverfront Park and the Centennial Trail.
Road Trip Planning Tips
There are a few things to think about when planning an Eastern Washington road trip. Here are some top suggestions for a smoother ride:
Download offline maps: There are several stretches of road that may not have cell service. Download a Google Offline Map of the area to help with navigation during these times.
Buy a Discover Pass: You will see several state parks along this route. Pre-purchase a Discover pass online here, or buy one at the kiosk at a park.
Not starting in Spokane? If you are coming from Seattle, you can easily drive to Spokane (four hours on Interstate 90) or take a quick flight into the city and rent a car. If you want to begin your trip on the west side of the state, consider starting your route in Yakima (about two hours from Seattle by car). From here, you can rearrange the days of the trip to fit your driving direction.