The North Cascade Loop is arguably Washington State’s most iconic road trip. It is a glorious scenic journey that takes you through the heart of the Cascade Mountains, across lush valleys, along serene lakes, and into charming small towns. Spanning approximately 440 miles, the loop offers an unforgettable experience filled with diverse landscapes, rich history, and outdoor adventure.
To truly savor all that the North Cascade Loop has to offer, it’s recommended to spend at least five to seven days exploring the route.
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When to Drive the North Cascade Loop
Spring (April to June): Spring is a time of intense rebirth in the North Cascades, as wildflowers bloom and snowmelt swells the rivers. But in the higher elevations, especially around North Cascades National Park, there may still be snow, and some roads or trails might be inaccessible until late spring. The lower valleys are lush and green, making it a great time for photography and witnessing the region come back to life.
Summer (July to September): Summer is the most popular time to drive the North Cascade Loop, offering the best weather and access to all areas. The roads are fully open, and the temperatures are mild, perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Wildlife is abundant, and the long days give you more time to explore.
Fall (October to November): Fall is a stunning time to visit, with the Cascade Mountains ablaze in autumn colors. The cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make it a peaceful time to explore, especially for photographers and nature lovers. However, be aware that early snow can sometimes close higher elevation roads by late October.
Winter (December to March): Winter transforms the North Cascade Loop into a snowy wonderland, ideal for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. That said, sections of the loop, particularly the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20), are often closed due to snow. Winter travel requires careful planning and is best suited for those familiar with driving in winter conditions.
Best Time to Drive: The best time to experience the North Cascade Loop is during the late summer and early fall (July to September). This period offers the most reliable weather, fully open roads, and a chance to witness the stunning fall foliage if you time it right.
Best Stops to Make on the North Cascade Loop
I’ll be outlining each major stop to make along the North Cascade Loop. You’ll get activity suggestions, hiking opportunities, and where to stay. The stops are in order with the assumption that you are starting in Seattle then heading north for a short drive, then east, then looping around back west. Of course, you can begin this loop wherever its most convenient for you!
Here is a map of the best stops along this 440-mile loop:
Skagit Valley: A Fertile Beginning
Why It’s a Good Stop: Skagit Valley is renowned for its fertile farmlands, colorful tulip fields, and charming small towns. It’s a picturesque introduction to the North Cascade Loop, offering a blend of natural beauty and agricultural heritage.
Activities: In spring, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a must-see, with millions of tulips in bloom. Throughout the year, you can explore local farms, visit the quaint town of La Conner, or take a leisurely drive along the back roads to enjoy the pastoral scenery. Read about my visit during tulip season here!
Hiking Opportunities: Little Mountain Park in Mount Vernon offers a variety of trails with views of the valley and the Skagit River. It’s a perfect spot for a short hike before heading deeper into the Cascades.
Where to Stay: Consider staying at The Wild Iris Inn in La Conner, a charming bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms and a peaceful garden, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
North Cascades National Park: The Crown Jewel
Why It’s a Good Stop: North Cascades National Park is the crown jewel of the loop, often called the “American Alps” for its rugged peaks, deep valleys, and over 300 glaciers. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Activities: Driving along the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) offers breathtaking views of jagged peaks and emerald lakes. Don’t miss the Washington Pass Overlook for a panoramic view of the Liberty Bell Mountain and the surrounding wilderness.
Hiking Opportunities: The Cascade Pass Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, offering stunning views of glaciated peaks and lush valleys. For a shorter hike, the Rainy Lake Trail is a beautiful and accessible option.
Where to Stay: For a rustic experience, consider staying at the Ross Lake Resort, a unique floating resort on Ross Lake. Accessible only by boat or hiking trail, it offers a truly immersive experience in the wilderness.
Winthrop and Methow Valley: Old West Charm
Why It’s a Good Stop: Winthrop, with its Old West-themed downtown, offers a unique cultural experience along the loop. The Methow Valley is known for its wide-open spaces, offering everything from outdoor adventures to peaceful retreats.
Activities: Stroll through Winthrop’s Western-themed shops, visit the Shafer Museum to learn about the area’s history, or go horseback riding through the Methow Valley. In winter, the Methow Valley has some of the best cross-country skiing in the country.
Hiking Opportunities: The Maple Pass Loop is a challenging but rewarding hike, offering stunning views of the North Cascades, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. For an easier option, the Bear Creek Mountain Trail provides beautiful vistas without the strenuous effort.
Where to Stay: Sun Mountain Lodge, just outside of Winthrop, offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Methow Valley. It’s a perfect base for exploring the area, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities or just relaxing.
Lake Chelan: A Serene Oasis
Why It’s a Good Stop: Lake Chelan is a 50-mile-long, crystal-clear lake nestled in the Cascade Mountains. It’s a haven for water sports, wine tasting, and relaxation.
Activities: Take a boat ride up the lake to the remote town of Stehekin, where you can explore by foot or bike. Visit local wineries, many of which have stunning views of the lake. Don’t miss a swim in the lake’s refreshing waters during the summer.
Hiking Opportunities: The Chelan Lakeshore Trail is a beautiful multi-day hike that follows the shoreline of Lake Chelan, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For a shorter hike, the Echo Ridge Trail System provides several loop options with panoramic views.
Where to Stay: Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan offers lakeside accommodations with a private beach, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Wenatchee Valley: The Apple Capital
Why It’s a Good Stop: Known as the Apple Capital of the World, the Wenatchee Valley is rich with orchards, wineries, and outdoor activities. It’s a great place to experience Washington’s agricultural heritage.
Activities: Tour local orchards and sample fresh apples and cider, visit the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center,or explore the charming town of Cashmere, known for its antique shops and the famous Aplets & Cotlets candy factory.
Hiking Opportunities: The Saddle Rock Trail offers a relatively short but steep hike with panoramic views of the Wenatchee Valley and the Columbia River. For a family-friendly option, the Apple Capital Loop Trail is a paved path that runs along the Columbia River, perfect for walking or biking.
Where to Stay: The Warm Springs Inn & Winery offers a luxurious stay in a historic inn surrounded by orchards and vineyards, with easy access to the valley’s attractions.
Leavenworth: A Bavarian Getaway
Why It’s a Good Stop: Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed town that feels like a slice of Germany in the Pacific Northwest. It’s known for its festivals, unique shops, and alpine setting.
I’ve got an entire blog post about the beauty of Leavenworth here!
Activities: Stroll through the charming downtown area, enjoying the Bavarian architecture and visiting local shops. Leavenworth hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Oktoberfest and the Christmas Lighting Festival. In the warmer months, river rafting on the Wenatchee River is a popular activity.
Hiking Opportunities: The Icicle Ridge Trail offers stunning views of Leavenworth and the surrounding mountains. For a family-friendly hike, try the Waterfront Park Trail, which follows the Wenatchee River through town.
Where to Stay: The Bavarian Lodge in downtown Leavenworth offers cozy accommodations with a touch of Bavarian charm, just steps away from the town’s main attractions.
Stevens Pass: A Mountain Adventure
Why It’s a Good Stop: Stevens Pass is a mountain pass and ski resort area, offering outdoor activities year-round. It’s a great place for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
Activities: In the winter, Stevens Pass is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. During the summer, the area offers mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides.
Hiking Opportunities: The Pacific Crest Trail crosses through Stevens Pass, offering challenging hikes with stunning views. For a shorter hike, the Skyline Lake Trail provides a relatively easy hike to an alpine lake with beautiful vistas.
Where to Stay: The Cascadia Inn in Skykomish is a charming historic hotel located just a short drive from Stevens Pass, offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to outdoor activities.
Index: A Riverside Retreat
Why It’s a Good Stop: The small town of Index, nestled along the Skykomish River, is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including rock climbing, rafting, and hiking.
Activities: Index is a popular destination for rock climbers, with world-class climbing routes at the Index Town Wall. The Skykomish River offers opportunities for whitewater rafting and fishing. The town itself is small but charming, with a few local shops and cafes.
Hiking Opportunities: The Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the area, offering stunning views of a cascading waterfall and a serene alpine lake. For a shorter option, the Heybrook Lookout Trail provides a quick hike to a fire lookout with panoramic views.
Where to Stay: The River House in Index is a cozy cabin rental along the Skykomish River, offering a peaceful retreat after a busy day of sightseeing.
Whidbey Island: A Coastal Escape
Why It’s a Good Stop: Whidbey Island is the largest island in Washington State and offers a mix of quaint seaside towns, scenic beaches, and lush forests. It’s a peaceful retreat with a rich maritime history and plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Activities: Explore the charming town of Langley, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and waterfront views. Visit Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, where you can learn about the island’s pioneer history and enjoy stunning views of the Puget Sound. Don’t miss Fort Casey State Park, home to a historic military fort and the iconic Admiralty Head Lighthouse.
Hiking Opportunities: The Bluff Trail at Ebey’s Landing offers one of the most scenic hikes on the island, with sweeping views of the coastline and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. For a forested experience, the South Whidbey State Park Trail takes you through old-growth forest to a beautiful secluded beach.
Where to Stay: The Inn at Langley is a luxurious boutique hotel offering oceanfront accommodations with panoramic views of Saratoga Passage. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty after a day of exploration.
BONUS: Possible Side Trip: Stehekin:
Why It’s a Good Stop: Stehekin is a remote, car-free community nestled at the head of Lake Chelan and is only accessible by boat, seaplane, or a long hike. Situated in the middle of the Cascade loop, it offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the North Cascades. Stehekin is known for its peaceful atmosphere, stunning natural surroundings, and a sense of being truly off the beaten path.
Activities: Take the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan to Stehekin, where you can explore the valley by foot or bike. Visit the Stehekin Pastry Company for delicious baked goods, tour the historic Buckner Orchard, or learn about the area’s history at the Golden West Visitor Center. Fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding are also popular activities in Stehekin.
Hiking Opportunities: The Stehekin Valley offers a variety of hiking trails, from short walks to challenging backcountry treks. The Agnes Gorge Trail is a moderately easy hike that follows Agnes Creek to a stunning gorge with waterfalls. For a more challenging adventure, the Purple Creek Trail offers a strenuous climb with panoramic views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains.
Where to Stay: A popular place to stay in Stehekin, Washington, is the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. This lodge offers cozy accommodations with beautiful views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains. It’s known for its rustic charm, comfortable rooms, and convenient location near the Stehekin Landing, where the ferry arrives.
How to Get to Sehekin
- Ferry:The most common way to reach Stehekin is by taking the Lady of the Lake ferry from the town of Chelan. The ferry operates regularly and offers a scenic journey up Lake Chelan, which takes several hours depending on the service (express or slower boat). The ferry ride provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Seaplane:For a quicker and more unique experience, visitors can take a seaplane from Chelan to Stehekin. Chelan Seaplanes offers flights that provide a bird’s-eye view of the lake and the Cascade Mountains. The flight is relatively short, taking about 25 minutes, and offers a spectacular entrance into Stehekin.
- Hiking:For the adventurous, Stehekin can also be reached by hiking through the North Cascades. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and other backcountry trails lead into Stehekin from various points in the North Cascades National Park. This option is for experienced hikers looking for a multi-day trek through rugged terrain.
