Washington State's Best RV Routes

Rainforests, alpine passes, volcano views and a rugged coast. The routes that make Washington one of the great RV states.

Maya Okonkwo · June 23, 2026 · 2 min

Washington packs a remarkable range of landscapes into one state: temperate rainforest, glaciated peaks, desert canyons and wild coastline. These routes show off the best of it.

1. Olympic Peninsula Loop (US-101)

Best for: coast and rainforest lovers
Suggested time: five to seven days

Circle the Olympic Peninsula past Hurricane Ridge, the mossy Hoh Rain Forest and the sea stacks at Ruby and Rialto beaches. Park campgrounds such as Kalaloch fill months ahead, and some access roads are tight for rigs over 30 feet.

2. North Cascades Highway (SR-20)

Best for: alpine views and glacial lakes
Suggested time: three to five days

Often called the American Alps, this route passes the turquoise water of Diablo Lake and the granite spires around Washington Pass before dropping into the Western-themed town of Winthrop. The highway closes each winter due to avalanche risk, so check road status before you go.

3. Mount Rainier loop

Approach Mount Rainier through Paradise in summer for wildflower meadows and glacier views. Longer rigs should check vehicle length guidance for park roads.

4. Columbia River Gorge

The Washington side of the gorge offers quieter driving than the Oregon side, with views of waterfalls and basalt cliffs and access to the wind-sport town of White Salmon.

5. Palouse Scenic Byway

In the rolling farmland of southeastern Washington, this drive is especially beautiful in late spring and early summer when the hills turn green and gold.

RV tips for Washington

Ferries carry RVs but charge by length; reserve where possible
Expect rain west of the Cascades and heat in the east in summer
Fill fuel and propane before remote stretches

Heads up: specs, prices and campground rules change. Verify with the manufacturer, dealer or land agency before you travel, and follow Leave No Trace when camping off-grid.

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