Volcano Country

MT. BAKER SCENIC BYWAY

Length: 58 miles, SR-542

Driving Time: 1.5 hours (one way)

Local Planning Resources: bellingham.org

CHUCKANUT DRIVE

Length: 24 miles, SR-11

Driving Time: 45 minutes

Local Planning Resources: bellingham.org

MOUNTAINS TO SOUND GREENWAY

Length: 101 miles, I-90

Driving Time: 1.5 hours

Local Planning Resources: mtsgreenway.org

1 Peace Arch State Park

Visit the only Washington state park that consists of two parks in two countries. Created as a symbol for peace, the dramatic Peace Arch rises from the lawns and flowering gardens on the U.S./ Canada border in Blaine.

2 Artist Point

Located at the end of the Mt Baker Byway, Artist Point boasts 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, as well as access to many hiking trails. Accessible from Julyearly October.

3 Savor Bellingham

Award winning restaurants offering locally sourced ingredients. Craft beverage culture means many craft breweries to choose from, but also cideries, distilleries, wineries, local kombucha, and more.

4 Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Located in Skagit Valley, an easy walk along the shallow bay offers views of the mud-flats and surrounding estuary. Stop in to the interpretive center to learn about the ecosystem of Padilla Bay.

5 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

This annual event, designed as a driving tour with multiple access points, is held from April 1-30 and celebrates millions of tulips bursting into bloom.

6 Snoqualmie Falls

One of WA's most visited waterfalls, the falls make a dramatic 270-foot plunge from a cliff with multiple viewing points, above and near the pool at the bottom.

7 Seattle Space Needle

From 520-feet above ground, you can trace the outlines of the Cascade Mountains against the horizon, enjoy views of Mt. Rainier or track ferries and boats as they cruise through Elliott Bay.

8 Mount Rainier

Be amazed by the views at Reflection Lakes. One of the most iconic views of Mt. Rainier can be found here - in summer, the lakes are bordered with dazzling wildflowers.

9 Mount St. Helens

Experience the amazing landscape of a volcanic blast zone! See nature's amazing ability to emerge from ashes to regrow the forest.

WHITE PASS SCENIC BYWAY

Length: 119 miles, US-12

Driving Time: 2.5 hours

Local Planning Resources: whitepassbyway.com

CHINOOK PASS SCENIC BYWAY

Length: 85 miles, SR-410

Driving Time: 3 hours

Local Planning Resources: visitrainier.com

SPIRIT LAKE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

Length: 52 miles, SR-504

Driving Time: 1.25 hours (one way)

Local Planning Resources: visitmtsthelens.com

Did you know that the tallest mountain peaks in Washington are volcanoes? You can see their huge snow-capped domes from miles away. The tallest of these is Mount Rainier at 14,410 feet, capped with more than 35 square miles of snow and ice year-round. After Mount Rainier, the next tallest mountains are Mount Adams, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak and Mount St. Helens. Enjoy exploring volcano country!

Bellingham

Mount Baker, also known as Koma Kulshan, is a 10,781 foot glaciated volcano in the North Cascade Mountains. Make Bellingham your base camp for fun excursions to the mountains and nearby islands. Savor farm-to-table menus, craft brews, family moments, a vibrant arts scene and charming historical treasures.