Leavenworth to Hood River Trip

If you can extend your journey, rather than return to Seattle, you might want to consider heading south across the Oregon border and follow our recommendations along the Columbia River. It takes about five hours to cover the distance to the Columbia Gorge. From Leavenworth, it is an easy and beautiful drive taking Hwy 97 up the forested valley, across the Blewett Pass, down Hwy 90 and east to the university town of Ellensburg. The numerous, red brick buildings reflect the history of the town. Back in 1898, on the eve of a public vote to determine whether Ellensburg or Olympia would be the capital of Washington, the town of Ellensburg burnt to the ground; and by default, Olympia became the seat of government. Conservatively, when Ellensburg was rebuilt, brick replaced wood. Just outside of Ellensburg jog onto Hwy 82, and then take Route 821 that follows the path of the Yakima River, a beautiful drive through this undeveloped River Canyon. This is reputed to be one of the best areas for spotting bald eagles, osprey and hawk. The 821 rejoins the 82 just north of Yakima, referred to as the “Palm Springs of Washington.” Continue on Hwy 82, twenty miles southeast of Yakima, and then pick up Hwy 97, traveling through a landscape of farmland. At Goldendale, travel 25 miles along Hwy 142–a road considered by many to be one of the most scenic in Washington. The two-lane road weaves a path through rolling farmland, at times banded by sweeps of the Klikckitat River. Should you be blessed with a clear day, you will look across to the 12,276-feet high snowcapped peak of Mount Adam on the Washington side, and Oregon’s highest peak Mount Hood at 11,239 feet, rising impressively in the distance. The 142 delivers you to the east side of the Columbia River and Gorge.