Experience Washington state highlights on this classic road trip over rugged mountain passes, past rushing rivers and through lush meadows.
The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway presents Washington’s natural splendors, from mountain ranges and glacial lakes to flowering orchards and glittering Puget Sound. Travel the route over several days. Drive in either direction, visiting friendly towns for accommodations, shopping and dining.
North of Seattle, the loop begins in Snohomish County’s North Country. Heading counterclockwise, visit Mukilteo’s picturesque lighthouse on Puget Sound, see Everett’s large marina and go antiquing in Snohomish.
The Stevens Pass Greenway winds through North Cascades’ western slopes. Explore Wallace Falls State Park, the old mining town of Index and 4,061-foot (1,237-meter) Stevens Pass.
Descend into Coles Corner, drive through Tumwater Canyon and reach Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed alpine village and top destination for fall foliage, outdoor summer adventures and snow-covered winters. Visit a huge nutcracker collection, sample beer and brats, purchase Bavarian-themed gifts and taste local wines and ciders. Bike in Freund Canyon, float the Wenatchee River or hike the Icicle River Valley.
Follow the river to Sleepy Hollow and the Wenatchee Valley, “the Apple Capital of the World.” Try locally grown fruit and tasty wines. Next is glacier-carved Lake Chelan, surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Enjoy the family-oriented waterslide park, beaches and wine-tasting rooms.
Experience Methow Valley’s arts scene; more than 100 artists and craftspeople live here. Observe wildlife in Twisp, attend a music festival, cross-country ski, hike the Pacific Crest Trail near Mazama or float the Methow River.
Jump on the North Cascades Scenic Highway to enter North Cascades National Park, with more than 300 glaciers and peaks taller than 9,000 feet (2,700 meters). Pass the vivid bluish-green Ross and Diablo lakes, learn about local history in Newhalem, hike the upper Skagit Valley and fish the Cascade, Sauk and Suiattle rivers.
Descend westward toward Puget Sound, through Sedro-Woolley and Burlington, before driving deeper into the Skagit Valley, with incredible spring tulip displays. Continue to La Conner and Anacortes to complete your Cascade Loop Scenic Byway road trip. These delightful communities offer artists’ creations, boutiques and delicious seafood.
