Check Out These Scenic Summer Drives

Summer is a great time to hit the road. The days are long, the weather is good and the roads are clear. Add in some gorgeous windshield views along the way, and a scenic drive is the perfect summertime activity. With that in mind, here are some favorite scenic summer drives to add to your vacation list.

Pikes Peak Highway

Located just west of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Highway (emerginghorizons.com/drive-the-pikes-peak-highway/) tops the list of scenic summer drives. The tollgate is located just off Highway 24 in Cascade; but be forewarned that advance reservations are required to drive this scenic route. The 20-mile drive winds up to the 14,115-foot summit, with some drop-dead gorgeous views along the way. Some good wheelchair-accessible stops include Crystal Reservoir, Halfway Picnic Area and Glen Cove. Up at the top there’s another impressive view, along with a cafeteria, gift shop and some interpretive exhibits. A must-see on any Colorado trip.

North Cascades Scenic Highway

This scenic drive traverses part of North Cascades National Park (emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-washington-national-parks-for-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/) in Northern Washington. Closed during the winter, the route runs from Winthrop to Rockport, crosses Washington Pass and continues past glacier-fed lakes and old growth forests. There’s no shortage of great windshield views along the way, but suggested wheelchair-accessible stops include the the Happy Creek Forest Walk, Sterling Munro Boardwalk and the Trail of the Cedars. And don’t forget to stop at the Skagit General Store in Newhalem for some delicious homemade Skagit fudge.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Located in Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-gl

acier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/), scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road is not for the faint of heart. It climbs up a winding mountain route to scenic Logan Pass, with beautiful views along the way. That said, this two-lane road is filled with hair-pin turns, dramatic drop-offs and expansive views of the glacier carved valley. Wheelchair-accessible stops along the way include the Trail of the Cedars, Lake Mc Donald and Logan Pass. And there’s no shortage of scenic pullouts to stop and enjoy the views.

Chinook Scenic Byway

Another mountain route, the Chinook Scenic Byway (emerginghorizons.com/drive-the-chinook-scenic-byway/) traverses the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and crosses Chinook pass. This route also winds in to the eastern portion of Mount Rainier National Park and offers some spectacular ridgetop views. Notable wheelchair-accessible highlights along the way include Federation Forest State Park, Sunrise Point and Tipsoo Lake. And don’t miss a stop at Whistlin’ Jack’s Outpost and the Naches Trading Post on the east side.

The International Selkirk Loop

A classic drive, the International Selkirk Loop (emerginghorizons.com/the-international-selkirk-loop-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/) winds through two states and two countries. It begins in Northeastern Washington, and heads through Northern Idaho, then up to British Columbia, before it returns to Washington. This 280-mile loop is definitely a multi-day trip, with many scenic stops along the way. Highlights of the route include Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, Creston Wildlife Management Area, the Mill Pond Historic Site and Sweet Creek Falls. And don’t forget the Kalispel Tribe’s buffalo herd. Enjoy this scenic jaunt through the Selkirk Range.

Mount Hood Infinity Loop

As its name implies, the Mount Hood Infinity Loop (emerginghorizons.com/drive-the-scenic-mount-hood-infinity-loop/), snakes around the namesake mountain. This Northern Oregon drive runs along the Columbia River and travels south through the Dalles orchards, before it climbs up Mount Hood and circles back up north. Along the way there’s a Bigfoot exhibit, a few wheelchair-accessible hikes, some beautiful Mount Hood views and several fun museums. And if you’d like to take your time, you can even overnight in a wheelchair-accessible treehouse.

Columbia River Waterfall Corridor

A classic drive, the Columbia River Waterfall Corridor (emerginghorizons.com/explore-the-historic-columbia-river-highway-waterfall-corridor/) winds along a two-lane road in Northern Oregon and passes a number of scenic waterfalls. It can be easily completed in one day and it’s also a favorite for bicyclists. Although the scenery is great along the route, several wheelchair-accessible waterfalls are worth a stop. These include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your meal alfresco at one of the picnic areas along the way.