How to Explore the North Cascades Scenic Byway in Washington

Breathtaking beauty!

The North Cascades Scenic Byway is a 400-mile long loop through the mountains of the north Cascades. Beginning on the shores of Puget Sound and traveling through the mountains into the high desert of Eastern Washington, this circular route will take you through stunning scenery, quaint small towns and several lakes with campgrounds. There are many ways to see this beautiful highway. There are also many places to stop and explore along the way.

Instructions

1. Start in Everett. When driving the loop, most people begin in the busy port town of Everett. To reach Everett, take I-5 north through Seattle. It is about 30 minutes directly north of Seattle. Take some time to explore the Boeing Airplane Assembly plant. Go on a whale-watching cruise while you are there.

2. Drive east on Hwy 20 until you come to the town of Snohomish. Here, you will find over 400 antique buildings in a four-block section of the town. These blocks include restaurants, shops and homes. Continue to follow the highway east up the west slope of the mountains.

3. 

   Stop at the top of Stevens pass. The elevation is 4,061 feet. You will find a trail that leads to several unnamed waterfalls. Pack a lunch. Hike in to enjoy the view and cool spray from the waterfalls. If you wish to enjoy even more water, continue along the pass a short way. Stop in Coles Corner to access Lake Wenatchee. This is where you can boat, swim and enjoy the lake.

4. Camp a day or two! Camping is a great way to enjoy the North Cascades Scenic Byway. If you are planning a multiple day trip, some popular camping places include Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake, Lone Fir Campground near Winthrop is great, too. There are over 22 car campgrounds along the route. There are also over 30 that are only accessible by horse or boat. See our Resources information for a link to a longer list of campgrounds.

5. 

   Continue along Highway 20 until you come to the authentic Bavarian Village of Leavenworth. It is an absolute must to spend at least one day here shopping! Every building in town is decorated in lavish Bavarian motifs, and there is a huge autumn festival in the fall.

6. Continue driving. As you continue along the highway, you will come to the east side of the Cascade mountains. This region is drier and warmer. It boasts Lake Chelan. This is one of the top summer freshwater recreation areas in the state of Washington. Here you can camp, swim and just enjoy the warm weather!

7. 

   Follow the highway and the Columbia river out up to the Methow River Valley. Stop at the waterfront park in Pateros for a nice lunch or a round of golf on the waterfront golf course. Make your way to Winthrop. Winthrop was created to look like the set from a Western movie, complete with hitching rails and false-front buildings. Camp at one of the campgrounds around Lake Winthrop.

8. Continue along the highway as it sweeps south. You will see the 7,600 foot Liberty Bell Mountain, a huge wall of granite. The highway will take you up to the top of it. Stop at the top off-road viewpoint. Pull out your camera to take pictures of the amazing views. There are also many hiking trails along the road that all lead to the same amazing views.

9. 

   Heading back west now, you will come to the Skagit Valley. The valley has a thriving tulip industry and a festival celebrating tulips in April. Consider stopping in the city of Mount Vernon. There is a downtown area along the river that is great for walking.

10. Visit an island. As the highway takes you back to the Puget Sound, consider ending your trip with a visit to one of the many spectacular islands dotting the water. Fidalgo Island features the city of Anacortes, which is considered to be the gateway to the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island in British Columbia. You can take a ferry from Anacortes to four of the other San Juan Islands, and also to Victoria, B.C. Spending time on an island is a lovely way to finish off your trip!

Tips & Warnings

• Get some wheels! If you are planning on making the entire 400 mile round trip, your best bet is to travel in a car or RV. Even a motorcycle might be uncomfortable, as the weather can change quickly into something cold and nasty. If you are only doing a small portion of the trip, you can use bicycles.

• Take your camera! Nicknamed "The American Alps" and heralded as one America's most spectacular drives by National Geographic, the North Cascades Scenic Byway is one trip where a camera is not just recommended. It is practically required.

• Always take an emergency kit in your car with you when traveling, especially on long road trips!

Resources

• Cascade Loop Website
• North Cascades Loop/Scenic Byway information
• North Cascades Loop Campgrounds