Don't Just Get There, Enjoy The Drive

Dan Putnam, co-host of the Avants Podcast, has created a collection of the best drives in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. From short trips to help you unwind to longer multi-day excursions, you’ll find it here.

“Life's too short to not embrace the joy that can be found in the spaces between destinations. Don't just get there, enjoy the drive.” 

Single Day

Seattle-area based drives that you can do in a single day.

Multi Day

The tougher, but more rewarding drives that require multiple days to complete. Sort of like a road trip, but the focus is on the route and not the destination.

OVERLAND

Routes specifically designed to get you off the pavement.

Beyond PNW

Routes beyond the PNW. These routes are of specific roads in various popular areas of the US and Canada.

Featured
A Driver's Date Day
A Driver's Date Day

This is one of my favorite drives to just drive straight through, but instead of making this into a "pass blast", you can turn this into a great little day trip date adventure by hitting the right stops and taking in the sights.

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A Driver's Date Night
A Driver's Date Night

Make sure you're ready for this drive - It's date night, so don't be lazy! Get flowers. Get cash for the valet. Make sure the car is clean. Make sure you have a full tank. Dress up a little. Iron your damn shirt. Pre-order champagne. Treat him/her right and actually put a little effort in for once. Make this fun!

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The North Sound Island Adventure
The North Sound Island Adventure

Not all of my drives are intended to keep your adrenaline pumping. While I do start this drive by taking Pioneer Highway to La Conner, this drive is filled with several stops and exploring Whidbey Island as well as a ferry ride to end the drive.

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A Little Fun Up North 101
A Little Fun Up North 101

This drive is at its absolute best on a sunny weekend, but the really ideal way to do this drive is to spend the night at the Alderbrook, have breakfast, and then do the drive. You'll skip traffic and really have an easy relaxing day.

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No Sleep Till, BROOKLYN! TAVERN!
No Sleep Till, BROOKLYN! TAVERN!

True story, I found out about this place while talking to a guy who was drunk out of his mind who just got out of prison while at Nitro Circus. He kept rambling about this awesome dive bar he found in the middle of nowhere with a spittoon in the floor until his friend passed out and puked all over the floor and they had to leave.

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The North End Tour
The North End Tour

This comfortable day drive will take you over to the quiet town of La Conner, up the famous Chuckanut Drive into Fairhaven, around Lake Whatcom, down the twisty fun of Highway 9, and out the back roads of Arlington, Granite Falls, and Snohomish.

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The North Cascades Loop
The North Cascades Loop

This is probably the longest single-day drive I recommend as it really does take a lot out of you, but it’s worth it.

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The Local 2.0
The Local 2.0

The (in)famous Highbridge Road, Ben Howard Road, and now Sultan Basin road! Please don’t die. This a scenic drive, not a race.

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Meandering Up Middle Fork
Meandering Up Middle Fork

Not every drive needs to test your limits. In fact, the really good ones you’ll enjoy regardless of the speed you drive them at.

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The Stress Reliever
The Stress Reliever

This is my most popular drive to date. Far enough away but close enough to not take your whole day away.

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Winding Up to Whistler
Winding Up to Whistler

It’s time to crank up the Bryan Adams and drive north. On this classic drive up to Whistler, you’ll see the best parts of the Lower Mainland and take that road that “goes up that hill on the right” you always wanted to.

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The Endurance Drive (TED)
The Endurance Drive (TED)

The Endurance Drive, or “Ted” as it has been affectionately named by those who partook in the first one, is the most intense drive I have put together to date. Starting in Walla Walla and snaking around both sides of Hells Canyon, up the Whitebird Hill Climb, up and down the Lewiston Hill Climb, and more, this drive was one of the most rewarding, but it was also the hardest on the cars.

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The Wider WABDR - Section 4A
The Wider WABDR - Section 4A

While all sections of the WABDR are passable by just about any vehicle with moderate clearance and decent tires, this is probably my favorite go-to section and it’s one of the most scenic.

The Backyard Overlander
The Backyard Overlander

This is my go-to local drive when I want to test something on the Land Cruiser or just go play in the snow with friends.

Where The Deer and The Antelope Play
Where The Deer and The Antelope Play

I’ve been wanting to take this drive for years, so I finally did while living in McCall for a month. This deceptively long, 75 mile drive takes you up and around the Payette lakes and over to Riggins on Highway 95.

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Featured
The Scottsdale Test Drive (AZ)
The Scottsdale Test Drive (AZ)

While long drives are fun, Scottsdale car week is a busy time of year. Sometimes you just need a quick getaway to try out that new ride you got at auction or maybe you just want a fun place to visit that isn’t an all day thing. This is the drive for you.

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Wine In The Desert (AZ)
Wine In The Desert (AZ)

This is actually the very first “Dan’s Drive”. A long time ago I wanted to find a reason to drive across several states and see what was along the way, so I chose my destination to be Caduceus Winery in Jerome, AZ since I was a Tool fan.

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The La Sal Loop (UT)
The La Sal Loop (UT)

Moab is the undisputed off-roading capitol of the world, but it’s got some amazing lesser known pavement too. The La Sal loop is an incredibly scenic drive out of Moab and up into the La Sal mountains, just to the east of town.

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View All Drives Beyond the PNW