Best Summer Road Trips from Spokane | Spokane Hyundai

Best Summer Road Trips from Spokane

Spokane sits at the center of some of the most beautiful driving country in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you have a full weekend or just a free Saturday afternoon, the roads leading out of Spokane Valley deliver scenery, adventure, and the kind of drives that remind you why you love being behind the wheel.

Here are the best summer road trips from Spokane for Hyundai drivers ready to explore.

Lake Coeur d’Alene Loop

Just 30 miles east on I-90, Lake Coeur d’Alene is the easiest and most rewarding day trip from Spokane. The drive takes under 40 minutes and drops you into one of the most scenic lakefront towns in Idaho. Follow the lake loop along East Sherman Avenue, grab lunch downtown, and take the scenic drive along Lake Coeur d’Alene Drive for views that never get old. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe handles this quick interstate run beautifully, with enough cargo space for beach chairs, paddleboards, or a full picnic setup.

Highway 2 to Stevens Pass

For drivers who want a longer adventure, Highway 2 west from Spokane is one of Washington’s great scenic highways. The route winds through Leavenworth — Washington’s Bavarian village — before climbing over Stevens Pass toward the Puget Sound. Plan for a full day or an overnight. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is ideal for this route, combining family space with hybrid efficiency that stretches every tank across the mountain miles.

Highway 20 — North Cascades

If you want one of the most dramatic drives in the entire country, Highway 20 through the North Cascades delivers. Starting from Burlington on the west side or connecting from Highway 2, the North Cascades Highway winds through alpine scenery that feels completely untouched. The road is only open seasonally — typically April through November — so summer is the perfect window. AWD confidence from the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid makes the mountain passes feel effortless.

The Palouse Scenic Byway

South of Spokane, the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse create some of the most photographed landscapes in Washington State. The Palouse Scenic Byway loops through Colfax, Pullman, and the iconic Steptoe Butte — a quartzite island rising above the surrounding farmland with 360-degree views of the rolling hills. This is a relaxed, unhurried drive perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Any vehicle in the 2026 Hyundai lineup handles the Palouse roads with ease.

Liberty Lake to Post Falls

For a shorter local loop, the drive from Liberty Lake east to Post Falls and back along the Spokane River corridor is a low-key favorite for locals. Stop at Liberty Lake Regional Park, cross into Idaho for lunch in Post Falls, and return along the river. It is the kind of drive that does not require planning — just a full tank and an afternoon.

Tips for Summer Road Trips from Spokane

Start early on Highway 2 and Highway 20 — these routes get busy on summer weekends and the best light is in the morning. Keep water and snacks in the car for mountain passes where services are limited. And always check road conditions on Highway 20 before heading out, as the pass can close unexpectedly even in summer.

Ready to hit the road? Explore the 2026 Hyundai lineup at Spokane Hyundai and find the right vehicle for every Inland Northwest adventure.