Some road trips are all about reaching the destination. Others become part of the adventure itself. If you’re looking for scenic stops between Spokane and Bellevue, this route along I-90 offers plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the journey.
During our visit to Washington State, one of the drives I was most excited about was the journey from Spokane to Bellevue along Interstate 90. The route covers roughly 280 miles and can be completed in about four and a half hours, but that would mean missing many of the landscapes that make this drive so memorable.
Don’t forget to check out the post/video before this one about Spokane 🙂
We traveled in late February, and while we encountered a little rain along the way, the weather was generally good to us. What surprised me most was how dramatically the scenery changed throughout the day. One moment we were driving through open farmland, and a few hours later we found ourselves surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and snow-covered peaks. Coming from Florida, that was lovely!
If you’re planning a trip across Washington, this is definitely a drive worth enjoying at a slower pace.
Starting the Day in Ritzville
Our first stop was the small town of Ritzville.
Many travelers simply stop here for fuel or a quick break, but we decided to grab coffee before continuing west. We ended up at The Barnyard Café, a cozy local spot that was the perfect way to start the morning.
Since it was February, I couldn’t resist ordering their seasonal Cupid’s Arrow drink, a Strawberry White Chocolate Mocha that was every bit as delicious as it sounds.
If you have extra time, take a quick walk through downtown Ritzville. The town still features several historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s, offering a glimpse into Washington’s agricultural heritage. Between Spokane and Bellevue, this little town is closer to Spokane.
A Surprise Stop Above the Columbia River
Sometimes the best travel moments happen when you abandon the original plan.
We had intended to stop at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park first, but while driving we noticed signs pointing toward a scenic overlook above the Columbia River. A spontaneous detour later, we found ourselves standing at one of the most impressive viewpoints of the entire trip.
The overlook offers sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding landscape. It is one of those places where photos never seem to fully capture what you are seeing in person.
Washington’s geography is incredibly diverse, and this stop was a perfect reminder of that.
If you’re driving eastbound instead, another popular viewpoint is the Wild Horse Scenic View Area, home to the famous Wild Horses Monument overlooking the Columbia Basin.
Exploring Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
After crossing the iconic Vantage Bridge, we finally arrived at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park.
This unique state park protects one of the most diverse collections of petrified wood found anywhere in North America. Scientists have identified dozens of tree species preserved here, providing a fascinating look at what this region looked like millions of years ago.
Today, the landscape feels almost desert-like in places, making it even more interesting to imagine the lush forests that once existed here.
In addition to its geological history, the park offers picnic areas, access to the Columbia River, camping facilities, exhibits, and short trails.
While I personally preferred the panoramic views from the overlook we visited earlier, Ginkgo offered a completely different perspective and was well worth the stop.
Understanding the Discover Pass
If you’re planning to visit several Washington State Parks during your trip, you’ll probably want to purchase a Discover Pass.
The Discover Pass provides access to many state-managed parks, recreation areas, and public lands throughout Washington.
Popular locations that require or accept the pass include:
- Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
- Palouse Falls State Park
- Steamboat Rock State Park
- Cape Disappointment State Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Mount Spokane State Park
One thing worth noting is that the federal America the Beautiful Pass does not replace the Discover Pass at most Washington State Parks. The America the Beautiful is the one we used when we were visiting various parks in Utah, for example, and it will cover many more around the country.
However, if your trip also includes federal sites such as Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier National Park, the America the Beautiful Pass may still be useful. Maybe you need both passes 🙂
The Mountains of Snoqualmie Pass
As we continued west, the landscape changed once again.
The rolling hills gradually gave way to forests and mountains as we approached Snoqualmie Pass, one of my favorite sections of the drive.
Even in late February, patches of snow remained visible in the surrounding mountains. The combination of towering evergreens, rugged peaks, and winding roads created some of the most beautiful scenery of the entire trip.
This region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Popular destinations nearby include Franklin Falls, Gold Creek Pond, and The Summit at Snoqualmie.
If you enjoy hiking, photography, camping, or simply spending time in nature, this area deserves more than just a quick stop.
The Wildlife Crossing That Caught My Attention
One of the most interesting things we saw along I-90 wasn’t a mountain or a river.
While driving through Snoqualmie Pass, I noticed what looked like a bridge crossing over the interstate. My immediate thought was, “That has to be for animals.” And it was!! 🙂
The structure is part of the Keechelus Lake Wildlife Overcrossing project, designed to help wildlife safely cross one of Washington’s busiest highways.
Animals such as deer, elk, coyotes, black bears, and many other species use these crossings to move between habitats without encountering traffic.
The project has become one of the most successful wildlife connectivity initiatives in the United States and has significantly reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions in the area.
As travelers, we often focus on scenic viewpoints and attractions, but this was one of those unexpected details that made the trip even more memorable.
Additional Stops Worth Considering
We didn’t have enough time to visit every place on our wish list, but a few locations that looked particularly interesting include:
- Palouse Falls State Park, home to one of Washington’s most impressive waterfalls and located about an hour south of Ritzville.
- Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall, a popular stop for antiques, local products, baked goods, and fresh fruit.
- Lake Easton State Park, a beautiful recreation area known for camping, kayaking, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.
Why This Drive Is Worth It
What I loved most about this road trip was how often the scenery changed. The road between Spokane and Bellevue it was a fun adventure with gorgeous views and fun stops.
Between charming small towns, dramatic river views, fascinating geological sites, mountain passes, and unexpected discoveries along the way, the drive itself became one of the highlights of our Washington adventure.
Sure, we could have driven straight to Bellevue in a few hours. But by taking our time and making a few stops, we experienced a side of Washington that many travelers never see.
Sometimes the destination is only part of the story.
If you’d like to see the places we visited along the way, be sure to watch our YouTube video where we share the full road trip experience between Spokane and Bellevue area – you can change language Spanish-English
