Traveling can be quite expensive. Even the cost of road trips in Washington can add up. But if wanderlust has hit you hard and you’re intent on setting out to explore, how about an affordable road trip in WA? With this itinerary, you can visit five incredible sites for less than $100.

This trip is 194 miles and just over five hours of driving time. You can take a look at our interactive map link to help you plan. Read to visit some awesome and affordable places in Washington? Let’s go!

Pack some road trip snacks and gas up the car... it's time to hit the road on the most affordable road trip in Washington. Each destination along the way is either inexpensive or free to visit.
Google Maps
1. Grand Coulee Dam
Grand Coulee Dam, Visitors Access Route, Grand Coulee Dam, Coulee Dam, WA 99116, USA
Bureau of Reclamation/Flickr
The first destination on this affordable road trip is the Grand Coulee Dam. Open to the public, you can enter the Visitor Center and take a guided tour from late May through the end of October for free. Learn about the history of the dam and its effects on the area. Visit the Bureau of Reclamation website for more information.
2. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, 1008 Crest Dr, Hunters, WA 99137, USA
Kenneth Crary/Google Reviews
Close to Grand Coulee Dam is the 130-mile-long Lake Roosevelt. This lake was formed from the damming of the Columbia River by the Grand Coulee Dam. This recreational area is free to visit and offers plenty of scenery as well as boating, fishing, and hiking. You can learn more on the National Park Service website.

Related Stories

Point Defiance Park Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Washington That's Affordable

Point Defiance Park Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Washington That's Affordable

 7 Quick Road Trips In Washington You Can Take This Weekend

7 Quick Road Trips In Washington You Can Take This Weekend

 10 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Washington That Won’t Break The Bank

10 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Washington That Won’t Break The Bank
3. Riverside State Park
9711 W Charles Rd, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026, USA
Kirsten Snyder/Google Reviews
Our next stop is the absolutely gorgeous Riverside State Park. Upon entry, you can either purchase a day pass for $11.50 or a $35 Annual Washington State Discover Pass that will get you into all of the state parks...the choice is yours! While you're here, spend enough time to take in the views before moving on to the next location.
4. Centennial Trail
Centennial Trail, Spokane, WA 99201, USA
Thaddeus Roan/Wikimedia Commons
The Centennial Trail goes through both Washington and Idaho. However, 39 miles of this trail are in Washington alone and start within Riverside State Park. Take a stroll or take a bike and discover the beauty along this National Recreation Trail. You can learn more on the Centennial Trail in this article.
5. Looff Carrousel
Looff Carrousel, 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201, USA
Looff Carrousel/Facebook
The last stop is perhaps the most fun. Located at Riverfront Park, the historic Looff Carrousel was built in Spokane in 1909 and is still in operation today. Take a spin around this whimsical attraction for $3 a single ride or purchase a $7 unlimited day pass. Children ages 2 and under ride for free. Learn more on this Washington attraction in this article. Whee!

Would you ever want to take this affordable road trip in Washington? What are some of your favorite inexpensive or free places to visit around the state? Your picks for the most budget-friendly day trips in WA? Tell us in the comments below — we’re always looking for suggestions and day trip inspo!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Affordable Road Trips in Washington

Sarah M. | February 10, 2023

What are some other affordable and budget-friendly things to do in Washington?

We are big fans of day trips in Washington; these excursions offer accessible, bite-size adventures without the need for multiple meals or lodging, making them generally quite easy on the wallet! Here are some of our favorite day trips in WA that fit the (budget-friendly) bill:

  • Palouse Falls. If you've never seen Palouse Falls, Washington's official state waterfall, you owe it to yourself to take a trip to this beautiful state park. It's fairly easy to reach from most of Eastern and Central Washington, and it's spectacular.
  • Blake Island Marine State Park. Located in Kitsap County between downtown Seattle and the town of Manchester, Blake Island may be little, but it is big on natural beauty. Getting there is limited to privately owned tour boats, kayaks, and seasonal tour boats, so you'll have to plan accordingly — but it's well worth it.
  • Dry Falls. The Dry Falls cataract is one of Washington's top natural wonders. Located in the heart of the Grand Coulee, it shows the remains of an ice age from thousands of years ago. In fact, speaking of natural wonders in Washington, here are some of our favorite places that are FREE to visit!
  • Lake Wentachee State Park. Just a short, scenic drive from Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee State Park is the perfect place to spend a summer day. Take a dip in the lake, walk on the trails, or just relax by the water and take in the views.
  • Speaking of which... there's never a bad time to go to Leavenworth, Washington. But if you can make a trip over when the holiday lights are on, you're in for a visual delight. Bonus: the lights in Leavenworth typically stay up through February! 

Related Articles