Come along on the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, through the breathtaking Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, and glacier-fed Lake Chelan.
Highway 2
Start 30 minutes north of Seattle, and follow Highway 2 east into the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Wind through small towns with logging and mining histories, a plethora of hiking trails, including the picturesque Wallace Falls in Gold Bar, and follow the Skykomish River, a kayaking and fishing haven. At peak elevation is Stevens Pass, a mountain biking resort in summer and ski resort in winter. From here, the drive leads to Leavenworth, a destination for its Bavarian theme, many places to enjoy beer and wine, and as an outpost theme, to outdoor activity in every season. Continuing out of the mountains through Cashmere, famous for its fruit candy industry, Highway 2 ends in Wenatchee, apple capital of the world.
WHERE TO STOP along Hwy 2: Gold Bar, Stevens Pass Nordic Center, Leavenworth.
Highway 97
Turn north onto Highway 97, which follows the Columbia River upstream toward sparkling Lake Chelan. Lake Chelan is brilliant blue and reaches 50 miles from the North Cascades to the city of Chelan at its south end. Because it’s glacier-fed, the water is refreshingly cold and impressively clear, attracting thousands of visitors year-round for boating, mountain biking, and wine tasting. The majority of resorts are in Chelan, with its restaurants, beaches, and movie theater. Seven miles up lake is Manson, a smaller town with wineries, farms, and access to the trails of Echo Ridge. At the north end of the lake is Stehekin: gateway to the North Cascades. Only accessible by boat, ferry, or seaplane, Stehekin is beautifully rugged with its many trails and 312-foot Rainbow Falls.
WHERE TO STOP along Highway 97: Wenatchee, Lake Chelan Valley wineries: C.R. SandidgeWines, Karma Vineyards, Tsillan Cellars, and more.
Highway 20
Leaving Chelan, Highway 97 leads to Highway 20: the North Cascades Highway. It’s on our bucket list, because of its vistas, turquoise lakes, and sharp glaciered peaks. Take a break in the tiny town of Twisp, heart of the wildlife-filled Methow Valley, then try on some cowboy attire in the Westernthemed town of Winthrop. After an hour of twists and turns, shimmering Ross Lake and emerald Diablo Lake are excellent places for camping and hiking. Finally, the highway reaches Burlington and the Puget Sound comes into view. Here the road trip ends, but the memories of outdoor fun and Washington’s striking beauty will last a lifetime.
WHERE TO STOP along Highway 20: Twisp, Winthrop, Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Concrete.