he Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway is a 440-mile love letter to Washington State, praising her natural beauty and charisma. The route contains three of the state’s designated scenic byways—the Stevens Pass Greenway, North Cascades Highway and the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way. From the waterfront cities of Mukilteo and Everett, head east over Stevens Pass where alpine villages welcome and snowy spires beckon. Drop from pine forests into fertile orchards and take in the pink haze of apple blossoms in the spring. Pick up luscious seasonal fruit from roadside stands, then take a dip in the Columbia River or Lake Chelan as the sun bakes high desert hills. Play cowboy in the Methow Valley.
Head back west past iconic Liberty Bell Mountain through the North Cascades National Park, and then descend into Skagit Valley with its acres of bulb fields and farmlands and abundant bird life. At last, cross over dramatic Deception Pass to Whidbey Island, where gentle hills and seaside towns offer a soft place to land. No matter if you take in the entire loop, or just visit portions of it, you will come to learn that the Cascade Loop is Washington State’s Ultimate Road Trip!
Key points of interest:
- Leavenworth – Known around the country as Washington’s Bavarian Village, Leavenworth has amazing festivals in the spring and fall, and during the winter is alight with over half a million Christmas Lights! Nestled at the mouth of the Wenatchee River where it exits the Tumwater Canyon (plan to visit when the autumn leaves are changing!) and merges with the Icicle River – Leavenworth is a mecca for summer and winter recreation with river rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and snow sports. Enchantment Park offers a pump track, skate park, wooded trails along the river, and kids playground equipment. Looking for a great variety of dining options? You won’t be disappointed!
- Lake Chelan – The Lake Chelan Valley offers four distinct seasons of recreation, including a ski hill and groomed ridge-top cross-country and snowshoe trails in winter, and amazing hiking and mountain bike trails the rest of the year. The long-time apple and grape producing area is now the 11th AVA in the state, and along with great wineries and tasting rooms has a charming shopping district and a century-old movie theater in the historic downtown. The 50-mile lake is a mecca for watercraft during the summer, and 5th generation run Campbell’s Resort with its Pub & Veranda has been the perfect place to wrap up a long day in the sun or snow since 1901!
- Winthrop – Welcome to Winthrop – a tiny old Western town with old-time boardwalks, fabulous boutiques, restaurants, luxurious to cozy overnight options, and every outdoor recreational pursuit you could ask for! The pristine Okanogan National Forest is our backyard and your playground. Winthrop is a year-round wonderland acclaimed for the largest network of cross-country ski trails in the Western Hemisphere. We are a year-round getaway destination you’ll want to experience for yourself.