Drive east from Seattle on I-90 through pastoral valleys, lush forests and a dramatic mountain landscape. Visit historic towns and scenic spots for forest walks or challenging hikes. Cross the Cascades into a drier climate where coal mining built pioneer towns on the way to the Columbia River.

Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways
Length
100 mi / 160.9 km
Time to allow
1.5 to 2 hours to drive the byway.
Fees
There are no fees along the byway proper.

Who looks after this road

  • Washington State Tourism Div. · 800-544-1800, 360-725-4181
  • Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area · their site

We publish 8 places that sit on this road, listed in the order you meet them. This is not a route and not a drive time — it is the names, so you can put them into whatever navigation you already use.

“Off” is a straight line from the place to the road, rounded. It is not a driving distance, and the road itself is a simplified centre line, so treat a mile or two as noise.

  1. SeattleWA1 mile off

    In our guide: 6 historic sites · 5 animal attractions · 2 parks

  2. Discovery ParkWA6 miles offHistoric site

    This 560-acre natural area on the former Fort Lawton site overlooks Puget Sound, with two miles of protected tidal beaches, meadows, sea cliffs, forest and dunes, and views of the Cascade and Olympic mountains. The Visitor Center is closed until summer 2027; the rest of the park is open.

    Hours
    Park hours: 4:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
    Run by
    Seattle Parks and Recreation

  3. Seattle AquariumWA1 mile offAnimals

    Timed ticketing

    Hours
    daily 9:30–6 (last entry 5)
    Child
    varies by date
    Season
    year-round

  4. Northwest Folklife FestivalWA2 miles offAnnual event

    cultural festival at Seattle Center

    When
    May (Memorial Day weekend)
    Since
    1972
    Runs for
    more than one day

  5. Woodland Park ZooWA5 miles offAnimals

    All tickets sold online only; 10% off 4+ days ahead

    Hours
    Sep 8 2026–Apr 30 2027 daily 9:30–4; May 1–Sep 6 2027 daily 9:30–6
    Season
    year-round
    Parking
    $10 first 2 hrs, $14 daily max (Lion/Penguin/Otter lots); $8/$12 max (Flamingo/Bear lots)

  6. Cougar Mountain ZooWA1 mile offAnimals

  7. Remlinger FarmsWA7 miles offFun park

    farm amusement park; Fall Harvest Sept 26-Nov 1 2026

  8. Snoqualmie FallsWA2 miles off

    No guide of our own yet — the name is here so you can find it.