The Mountains to Sound Greenway National Scenic Byway is a picturesque section of Interstate 90 that spans across the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area (Greenway NHA) from Seattle to Thorp. This dramatic cross-state passage serves as a corridor to view wildlife and natural beauty in the Greenway NHA, as well as highlighting local historic and cultural sites, recreational opportunities, and tourist attractions.
What is a National Scenic Byway?
Receiving its designation in 1998, the Mountains to Sound Greenway was the first interstate highway in the nation to become a National Scenic Byway. You might be wondering, what does this designation mean? National Scenic Byways are exceptional roads that exemplify regional characteristics of the nation’s culture, history, and landscape. With the help of the Greenway Trust’s coalition and planning, the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Scenic Byway joined many other state and federally designated scenic byways across the nation, bringing tourism and economic benefits for towns and tourist sites in the Greenway NHA. Explore other national and state scenic byways here.
Explore the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Scenic Byway
Spanning across the Greenway NHA, the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Scenic Byway is a perfect route for your next road trip. This beautiful drive starts in Seattle and extends all the way to Thorp, providing countless opportunities for exploration, sight-seeing, and responsible recreation in the Greenway NHA.
Check out this itinerary created in partnership with Scenic Washington to start planning your trip! Choose your own adventure and travel at your own pace with this road trip inspiration. Journey from the vibrant Puget Sound area, through thick forests, into historic towns, over a mountain pass, and onto the farms and sagebrush hills of central Washington. These 18 stops will highlight the best of the Greenway NHA, spanning from Seattle to Kittitas County.