Hit the Road: Funky Family Road Trips From Seattle

Distance from Seattle: 180 miles each way, 3.5 hours of driving time

Get an early start for this one, grabbing a hearty breakfast before spending the rest of the day sampling fresh fruit at roadside stands as you drive through the orchard-lined Wenatchee Valley. Get your apples and pears in fall; and cherries, peaches and plums in summer. During the summer you’ll want to hit the popular Slidewaters Waterpark, one of the many attractions of Lake Chelan!

The route: From Seattle, head north on SR-522 East through Snohomish, then take U.S.-2 East through the heart of the Cascade Mountains, passing through Leavenworth, and all the way to Wenatchee. From there, choose US-97 Alt North to Lake Chelan.

Mile 24: The Maltby Cafe (Snohomish): Find favorites such as country eggs Benedict, old-fashioned oatmeal with marionberries and mammoth cinnamon rolls.

Mile 75: Deception Falls (Stevens Pass): Stop and stretch your legs by taking a walk on the short interpretive trail to feel the cool mist from this tumbling, tiered waterfall.

Mile 118: München Haus (Leavenworth): Enjoy German bratwurst with spicy mustard and apple-cider kraut in the courtyard at Leavenworth’s most essential nosh stop.

Mile 121: Smallwood’s Harvest (Peshastin): Moo! This kid-oriented farm stand has a cow train, a petting zoo and fresh-picked fruit for sale.

Mile 130: Aplets & Cotlets (Cashmere): Whew! It almost closed but thank goodness this sweet candy company is still open! It’s a real candy factory where the workers make and sort pretty confections on conveyor belts and stir piping-hot vats of candy ingredients. 

Mile 150: Pybus Public Market (Wenatchee): Shop the best local produce and artisan goods at this unique market.

Where to stay

Comfort Suites (Wenatchee): Family-friendly suites make this a top pick in Wenatchee.

Campbell’s Resort (Chelan): This family-run resort offers an old-school vacation vibe right on the shore of Lake Chelan.

Next up: Mount Rainier