Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway

Stevens Pass Greenway

Length: 90 miles, US- 2

Driving Time: 2 hours

Local Planning Resources: cascadeloop.com

NORTH CASCADES SCENIC HIGHWAY

Length: 140 miles, SR-20

Driving Time: 3 hours

Local Planning Resources: cascadeloop.com

WHIDBEY SCENIC ISLE WAY

Length: 54 miles, SR-20 & SR-525

Driving Time: 75 minutes

Local Planning Resources: whidbeycamanoislands.com

At A Glance

1 Everett

Everett is an all American city with a one-of-a-kind personality, a mashup of the extraordinary and the offbeat. Explore the scenic waterfront, or discover historic downtown.

Explore cozy restaurants and historic lumber towns or hike through the forests beneath towering mountain peaks.

3

A Bavarian Village in the mountains, fun in every season, enjoy world-class wine, food, beer and loads of outdoor recreation.

4 Apple Capital

Visit apple country located in the Wenatchee Valley. This fertile valley is the leading producer of apples, cherries and pears in Washington.

5 Lake Chelan

The perfect place to jump into summer! Swimming, waterslides, and outdoor recreation options are endless in this sun-kissed valley.

6 Twisp

Sunny days and crisp nights await in this artists haven. Stroll the shops and galleries; be sure to stop in at Cinnamon Twisp Bakery for their namesake treat!

7 Methow Valley Trails

120-miles of world class Nordic ski trails in the heart of the Methow Valley. Ski in winter, hike in summer!

8 Washington Pass Overlook

Stretch your legs at one of the most stunning reststops in Washington!

9 Diablo Lake Overlook q La Conner

The views here are breathtaking - from the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake below to the soaring mountain peaks. This is a rest area you shouldn't miss!

Charming waterfront town known for its friendly people, boutiques, art galleries and annual daffodil festival.

The Cascade Loop is the ultimate Washington road trip and has recently been designated as a National Scenic Byway. Circling the heart of Washington through jaw-dropping landscapes, this 440-mile byway includes three other scenic byways (Stevens Pass Greenway, North Cascades Scenic Byway, Whidbey Scenic Isle Way) in its loop.

It’s a place of snow-capped mountain peaks, sparkling lakes and rushing rivers, evergreen forests, bountiful orchards and more. The outdoor recreation and culinary experiences are endless.

Hike deep into forests and up mountain trails, dip into rivers and lakes, play cowboy or cowgirl, stand under the pink haze of apple blossoms in spring, pick up luscious fruit at road side stands later in the summer, and stop at local wineries during the fall harvest. You’ll discover small towns that delight with amazing local eats, brews and festivals. Bring a hearty appetite for farm fresh food, fun adventures and save room in the car for goodies (cherries, apples, pears, wine) to take home.

Everett Waterfront

Spend some time strolling along one of the west coast’s largest marinas where you’ll find plenty of waterside dining and the local farmers market. Check out historic downtown Everett with its locally owned boutiques, eateries and the vibrant Schack Art Center.

Stevens Pass Greenway

Head east from Everett and follow the 90-mile byway along the Skykomish River. It winds past evergreen forests and waterfalls, climbs over rugged mountains and drops down into orchards. It ends in Peshastin, where the best pears in the world are grown.

Above clockwise:

Diablo Lake Overlook

©Cascade Loop

Rafting the Wenatchee River

©Cascade Loop

Snowshoeing ©Carina

Skrobecki Swain

Sky Valley & Stevens Pass

You will pass through small historic towns in the Sky Valley that delight travelers with spectacular scenery and year-round outdoor fun. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular on the Skykomish River. There are hundreds of gorgeous hiking trails to choose from—Wallace Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Iron Goat Trail are among the most popular. Nearby Stevens Pass Recreation Area is one of the state’s premier winter destinations for skiing and snowboarding and converts to a mountain bikers dream in summer.

Leavenworth Bavarian Village

The architecture is right out of Bavaria but then again, so is the rugged alpine landscape and outdoor recreation. Leavenworth delivers high-voltage Bavarian memories year-round with everything from yodeling to schnitzel. Enjoy festive outdoor beer-andbratwurst gardens, wine-tasting rooms, and hugely popular festivals such as Maifest, Oktoberfest, and Christmas Lighting. Whether inside or out, the environment is so authentic you’ll feel like you just got dropped into the heart of the Alps.

They Speak Beer Here

Prost! Taste some of the most awarded beers in the state of WA in the authentic setting of a Bavarianstyle village.

Farm fresh Wenatchee

From Leavenworth, continue on to Wenatchee. Located on the Columbia River, Wenatchee is best known for its apples, but it has a nice outdoor sculpture collection and the unique Pybus Public Market (open yearround). The nearby river and surrounding mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and wildlife watching.

Lake Chelan

A favorite family summer destination for generations, have fun boating, waterskiing and swimming in Lake Chelan. Enjoy wine tasting at over 30 wineries that hug the breathtakingly beautiful lake shore. Be sure to also schedule some time cruising up the lake to the remote village of Stehekin.

North Cascades Scenic Byway

This 140-mile scenic highway is one of those roads people line up for-literally. In spring when the road re-opens after the winter closure (November-May) there’s a line of cars waiting to take this spectacular route. The landscape changes dramatically as you pass from the Methow Valley and ascend into the jagged mountain peaks and glaciers of North Cascades National Park and then descend into the green, pastoral Skagit Valley.

Twisp

Beautifully situated in the heart of the Methow Valley, there are plenty of good reasons to pull over in Twisp. From a worldclass coffee roaster to a great bakery and vibrant arts community—not to mention near unlimited outdoor recreation, Twisp is worth a stop.

Arts and culture thrive — galleries, music, live theater and festivals abound. Visit the rotating art exhibits at the Confluence Gallery & Art Center along with an amazing gift shop featuring the talents of local artisans. Well over 100 artists and craftspeople call the Methow Valley their home, and their work encompasses practically every medium.

Old West Winthrop

Just a few miles up the road, you’ll enter the old west town of Winthrop. Put on your cowboy hat or boots and have fun exploring the downtown with its Wild West flair and the oldest saloon on the West Coast. Look for restaurants serving locally grown fare and walk, bike (or ski) the 124 miles of trails running through town that link the entire Methow Valley. With trails that take you from the valley floor to the mountain tops, from the national forests to state wildlife lands to the North Cascades National Park, the scenery here can't be beat.

Washington Pass Overlook

Everyone—even non-hikers—can enjoy the soaring Liberty Bell Mountain views from the top of Washington Pass, (5,477 feet) the highest point on the highway. A paved path cuts through pine-scented forest to

Visit The Old West In Winthrop

The mystique of the old west is still part of the Methow Valley experience. Almost completely surrounded by wilderness, Winthrop and the upper Methow Valley beckon adventurers of all kinds.

North Cascades National Park

With over 300 magnificent glaciers, spectacular wildflower-covered mountains, and glimmering alpine lakes, this park is sure to inspire you! Enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping and snow sports.

the overlook, where Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires dominate the view.

Diablo Lake

Another “must do” is the pull out to Ross and Diablo lakes. The beautiful turquoise-blue color of the water is the result of glacial silt. If you want more gorgeous views, take the popular boat tour of Diablo Lake.

Entering the Skagit Valley

You’ll descend from the mountains into the bountiful Skagit Valley. This area is perhaps best known for the annual Daffodil and Tulip Festivals in March-April. Over 90 different crops are grown in these fertile fields dotted with quaint farmhouses and heritage barns. Pick up some farm-fresh fruit and veggies at local markets. Visit Burlington during Berry Days in June, when they celebrate local berry harvests and dairies. Don't miss a side-trip to the Bow-Edison area to experience the charm of a one street town and some great local food, cafes, bakeries, as well as eclectic art galleries.

As you head west, take an easy side trip to La Conner. This cute waterfront town is the stuff of dreams for die-hard browsers—but with plenty of options for those who would just prefer to sit and contemplate life with a hot cup of coffee in hand or stroll through the renowned Museum of Northwest Art.

Deception Pass to Whidbey Island

Don't miss this beautiful "island" part of the Cascade Loop. Hike, fish, walk the unspoiled beaches or explore the quaint seaside towns along this charming coastal "sea leg" of the Cascade Loop.