The Ultimate Cascade Loop Itinerary
The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile road trip through some of Washington’s most gorgeous scenery. As it circles through the Cascade Mountains, it’s the best way to explore the North Cascades National Park.
This trip can be completed in one to five days, with epic hikes, waterfalls, and cute towns along the way.
Disclosure: We’ve included affiliate links with recommended hiking gear in this post. If you click through and buy something, we’ll receive a small portion of that sale. You won’t be charged more, and we haven’t been paid by any of these retailers to share their information. These are all our genuine preferences.
Best season
Spring (best for waterfalls)
June
Nearing the end of the rainy season, spring is a great time to chase waterfalls. You won’t have to venture far — there are seasonal falls right off the road! It’s also a great time to find wildflowers at lower elevations, including the famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Summer (best for hiking)
July to September
Summer is when hiking trails at higher elevations are melted out and accessible. This makes it the best time to hike since you’ll have all the trails to choose from and more reliable weather.
Fall (best for fall colors)
October
Washingtonians flock to the mountains in October to see colors changing. Look for the yellowing larches (one of a few deciduous conifers) at high elevations but be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Winter (partial loop, best for winter sports)
November to May
Highway 20, running through the North Cascades National Park, closes in winter, so this section of the loop is impassable. However, the rest of the drive is beautiful in winter – just check the mountain pass conditions on Highway 2 before heading out.
How long does it take to complete the loop?
In all, it’s about a nine-hour drive from start to finish. It’s possible to drive most of the loop in one day with minimal stops, but if you’re wanting to explore more or go at a more relaxed pace, plan to spend up to four days along this route. Find lodging recommendations for each section below.
Weather and road conditions
You’ll want to check weather and road conditions before you start your journey.
View mountain pass reports here.
Check the weather reports throughout the Cascade loop here.
If you’ll be traveling in the early spring or late fall, check to see if Highway 20 is open. Click here to see when it’s opened and closed in the past — the date depends on how much snow the pass gets each winter.
Route
Driving counterclockwise is the most scenic, but this loop can be done in either direction. We’re writing this itinerary starting in Monroe since it’s the most direct route from Seattle, but you can start anywhere along the route that is convenient for you. Scroll on to view the route in this order or click below to skip to a section.
Stevens Pass Greenway
Start your drive along Highway 2. Soon you’ll be driving through towering mountains following the turquoise Skykomish River.
Mileage: 85 mile
Drive time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Start: Monroe
End: Leavenworth
Where to stop
Osprey Park
Located on the Sultan River, Osprey Park has two miles of ADA-friendly trails, this area is a wildlife haven for osprey, birds, beavers, raccoons, and deer. Visit in mid-September through October to see salmon spawning!
Index Bridge viewpoint
You’ll have to venture into the town of Index (a five-minute detour from the highway) to see this sight. Drive by or stop by the bench on the river to take in the views.
Deception Falls
Turning in here will just look like an ordinary rest stop, but if you wander 0.2-miles up the ADA-accessible trail, you’ll find a bridge that overlooks the Upper Falls. If you keep going, you’ll wander into another waterfall before completing the short loop.
Alpine Falls
Alpine Falls is a quick 0.1-mile walk from the parking lot. Find the unmarked trail leading south into the trees. Do be careful on the rocks near the falls — they can be very slippery!
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee is a very popular spot in the summer. Check out the day-use beach, swim, wander, or camp here! Between Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, you can also rent kayaks and paddle boards.
Activity suggestions
Whitewater rafting
Whitewater rafting the Skykomish River is for those with a bit of experience. Only offered in August, it’s a Class V ride with one of the longest and hardest stretches of rapids in the state, amongst other Class III and IV rapids. It’s known for intense action and incredible scenery — well worth your time if you’re up for the challenge!
Although we haven’t rafted this the Skykomish, we’ve done another Class V route with the Wild Water River Guides and highly recommend them.
Scenic Float
If an easy ride is more your style, consider booking this Class I float on the Skykomish River between April and July.
Stevens Pass Ski Resort
At Stevens Pass you can ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, and snowshoe between December and April, and in the summer, ride the scenic gondola, mountain bike, or play disc golf.
ATV tour
Take a tour with Chinook ATV through the Cascade foothills. You’ll climb over 3,500 feet of elevation, view waterfalls, and take in so many views!
Hiking recommendations
Heybrook Ridge
Heybrook Ridge is one of Washington’s newer trails, and it’s one of the best to view the surrounding mountains.
Bridal Veil Falls
It’s a moderate four-mile hike to Bridal Veil Falls. Once you get past the stairs up to it, you’ll be up close enough to get sprayed by the falls, so bring a raincoat! After you stop by the falls, keep trekking to Lake Serene to make the hike twice as long.
Heybrook Lookout
Heybrook Lookout is accessible year-round (via snowshoe in the winter). It offers 360-degree views from the top of the lookout — the perfect spot to watch the sunset!
Mount McCausland
Mount McCausland is so popular in the fall that when we attempted it, we didn’t make it a mile down the forest road before hitting a wall of traffic. Hike here anytime between June and October but make it a weekday if you’ll be visiting in the fall.
Where to eat
Zekes Drive In — good burgers and fries
59er Diner — get a milkshake here
Where to stay
Bush House Inn — a historic hotel
The Sea Containers Su — a modern home made from shipping containers
Gold Bar Cabin — a modern cabin with a pool and sauna
Leavenworth
Set at the base of the Cascades, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed town. It’s such a huge tourist attraction it deserves a section of this blog all to itself! If you’re looking to split this trip into multiple days, we highly recommend making Leavenworth a stopping point.
Activity suggestions
Float
Rent tubes from the Leavenworth Outdoor Center and float down the Icicle or Wenatchee rivers. It’s a relaxing way to spend the day on the water. They also offer kayak and paddle board rentals, as well as a shuttle.
Go for a ride
Choose between seasonal zip lining, horseback rides, snowmobile tours, wagon rides, and sleigh rides! All are beautiful, scenic, and a bit of an adventure.
Climb
Leavenworth has some of the best climbing in the state. Climb on your own, or hire a guide — we recommend the American Alpine Institute.
Leavenworth Adventure Park
Best known for their alpine coaster, the Leavenworth Adventure Park also offers a rock-climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and panning for gemstones. Make reservations in advance.
Shop
Leavenworth is known for its shopping! We love visiting Der Sportsman, The Cheesemongers Shop, Posy Handpicked, and all of the sweet shops, but there are niche shops for just about everyone!
Fish hatchery
Take a self-guided tour of the fish hatchery where 1.2 million Chinook salmon are raised every year. Wander the trails here too — they’re just as scenic as some of the town’s big hikes.
Theater
For those that love theater, the Leavenworth Summer Theater is a must. The Sound of Music is their most renowned play — it starts with Maria on the hillside singing! The theater is outdoors, so bring a seat cushion, extra layers, and blankets to stay warm.
Ski resort
The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club has it all. Ski, snowboard, snowshoe, enjoy Nordic skiing, sledding, tubing, and fat biking throughout winter! In the summer months enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and their summer music series.
Festivals
Check this list for an ongoing list of festivals in Leavenworth. You can expect an art market throughout the summer, Oktoberfest activities in October, a Christmas lighting festival in December, and more events throughout the year.
Hike recommendations
Colchuck Lake
Colchuck Lake is one of Washington’s more infamous hikes. Arrive before 7:00 am on a weekend to get parking, or better yet, hike on a weekday. Once you’re at the lake, enjoy turquoise waters, swim, and keep an eye out for mountain goats (give them plenty of space). Zach prefers starting this hike at 3:00 am and enjoying the lake at sunrise.
Enchantments thru hike
This is an extreme hike, not to be done spontaneously. It’s 20 miles with steep elevation gain and even more elevation loss. If you’re interested, read up on how to thru hike here and treat yourself to some of Washington’s best scenery.
Peshastin Pinnacles Loop
Treat yourself to an easy hike to unique rock formations at the Peshastin Pinnacles Loop. Stay on the main trail — this area is especially fragile. You’ll pass by climbers on the rocks, and once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll have sweeping views of the valley below.
Sauer’s Mountain
Sauer’s Mountain is especially beautiful in April and May when the wildflowers are peaking. However, parking is very limited, so come early or have a backup hike in mind in case the parking lot is full.
Blackbird Island
Blackbird Island is a great spot to wander if you have extra time but don’t want to drive. This little nature sanctuary is at the edge of town. Go birdwatching, and enjoy the sounds of the river, but know that in the summer months it’s a popular spot to go tubing so it won’t be as quiet.
Where to eat
La Javelina — great breakfasts
Yodelin Broth Company and Beer Garden — awesome outdoor space and fantastic food
Where to stay
Post Hotel — high-end hotel and spa, very walkable
Bavarian Lodge — central location
Loge Leavenworth Downtown — shared and private rooms with communal spaces
Loge Leavenworth Riverside — hostel-style lodging
Okanogan
This portion of the drive follows the Columbia River. Since it’s east of the mountains, you’ll notice it’s drastically drier, and it’s full of orchards and vineyards rather than pine trees.
Mileage: 115 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Start: Leavenworth
End: Winthrop
Where to stop
You’ll see many fruit stands along the highway. Stop at one whenever you’re hungry and you’ll find fresh seasonal fruit.
Activity suggestions
Ohme Gardens
Visit the oasis of Ohme Gardens open between April and October. The gardens are not only beautiful themselves, but so are the views overlooking the valley.
Wineries
Welcome to wine country! Take a tour and sample a bit of everything or check out this list to choose your favorites.
Stehekin
While we have a whole post on backpacking to Stehekin, making a day trip is possible, too. Catch the Lady of the Lake ferry there. Then, reserve your spot on the bus tour and you’ll see all the sights — including the infamous bakery, Rainbow Falls, Buchner Orchard, and Harlequin Bridge. If you have time, it’s well worth it to spend a day or two in town. Check out this list to see where you can find lodging in town.
Slidewaters
Slidewaters was Meghann’s favorite activity as a kid. Open between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, trying out every slide, tube ride, and lazy river is the best way to cool off in Chelan!
Mission Ridge
Mission Ridge is a ski resort that offers 36 trails for skiing and snowboarding along with guided twilight snowshoe treks.
Hike recommendations
Sage Hills
Since Sage Hills is exposed, this hike is best done in the morning or evening. Visit in the spring to find meadows filled with wildflowers.
Chelan Butte
Chelan Butte is steep and exposed, so start early and bring sun protection. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views.
Silver Falls
The hike to Silver Falls is worth a quick jaunt from the car. It’s 1.7 miles round trip and flows throughout the summer.
Where to eat
The Wild Huckleberry — fantastic breakfast and lunches
La Fuente — authentic Mexican food
County Line Eat & Drink on Woodin — great mocktails, cocktails, and sandwiches
Where to stay
Lakeside Lodge and Suites — cute hotel across from waterfront park in Chelan
Inn at Gamble Sands — stay on a rural golf course
Twisp River Suites — modern riverfront hotel
Winthrop
Winthrop is an adorable western-themed town. It’s an outdoorsman’s paradise, with year-round activities just minutes from town. If you have the chance, stay here, and enjoy the views.
Activity suggestions
Float
Rent kayaks and paddle boards from the Sun Mountain Lodge or Silver Lake Resort, or rent tubes from Winthrop Tubing and float down the Methow River. All options here are beautiful and scenic!
Views from Sun Mountain Lodge
Star gaze
The Methow Dark Sky Coalition has helped Winthrop keep their skies dark — some of the darkest skies in the lower forty-eight states. This makes for great stargazing! To view the most stars, time your viewing with a new moon, after the moon has set (if it sets early in the evening), or before it rises (if it rises late at night/early in the morning).
Summer at the Loup Loup Ski Bowl
The Loup Loup Ski Bowl offers scenic lift rides, disc golf, bike rentals, and camping in the summer months.
Winter recreation
Check out the Loup Loup Ski Bowl for downhill skiing and tubing, Sun Mountain Lodge for Nordic skiing and sledding, and Abbycreek Inn for sledding closer to town.
Fat bike
With over 200 kilometers of groomed trails in and around town, you can fat bike for hours in Winthrop. Do check the trail reports before heading out. Rentals are available at Methow Cycle and Sport, Winthrop Mountain Sports, Abbycreek Inn, and Bear Creek Golf Course.
Hot air balloon festival
The hot air balloon festival always happens the first week of March. The event is free to attend, but reserve a spot with Snohomish Balloon Ride, Balloon Depot, or Seattle Ballooning if you’d like to fly. Make sure to stick around for the evening night glows in town, too!
Hike recommendations
Pipestone Canyon
Hiking Pipestone Canyon is a must for wildlife lovers! Scope out the canyon walls for golden eagle nests and the fields for coyotes. Visit in the spring and you’ll see meadows of wildflowers as well.
Goat Peak Lookout
You can view Goat Peak Lookout from just about anywhere between Mazama and Winthrop. It’s a historic lookout, and once you reach the top of the steep trail, you’ll be treated to grand views of the North Cascades.
Where to eat
Mazama Store — come early for the cinnamon rolls
Methow Valley Ciderhouse — best pulled pork sandwiches we’ve ever had
Old Schoolhouse Brewery — fun atmosphere
Three Fingered Jacks — shops close up early here but this restaurant has the best hours (it’s also the oldest saloon in Washington!)
Where to stay
Sun Mountain Lodge — high end lodging in the mountains outside town
River’s Edge Resort — these book out far in advance, but they have hot tubs and cabins along the river right in town
Methow River Lodge & Cabins — riverside hotel and cabins
North Cascades National Park
Only open between mid-April to mid-November, the North Cascades National Park is one of the best scenic drives in Washington. Keep an eye out for deer when you’re near Winthrop, and stock up on gas, water, and snacks before entering the park.
Mileage: 140 miles
Drive time: 3 hours
Start: Winthrop
End: Skagit Valley
Where to stop
Washington Pass Overlook
Stop at the Washington Pass Overlook and walk up a very short (0.25-mile roundtrip) trail to overlook the highway you just drove up and picturesque peaks.
Diablo Lake Overlook
Diablo Lake is the most infamous spot in the North Cascades, and for good reason. The turquoise lake is surrounded by the most beautiful mountains. The color of the lake comes from glacier melt, and it changes based on the time of year and lighting. Sometimes it has a milky turquoise color, and other days it looks bright blue or green.
*This meadow overlook near is no longer accessible. Please stay at the overlook by the parking area.
Newhalem
Stop in Newhalem to walk the Trail of Cedars, check out Ladder Creek Falls, the Gorge Power House Overlook and the Sterling Munro Viewpoint.
Activity suggestions
Boat ride
Between June and September, you can tour Diablo Lake with the North Cascades Institute by boat!
Where to hike
Cutthroat Lake or Pass
Especially popular in the fall, Cutthroat Lake is one of the easier hikes in the North Cascades. If you’re looking for something more challenging hike to Cutthroat Pass instead.
The top of Cutthroat Pass
Rainy Pass
Rainy Lake is the perfect place to walk if you’re looking to stretch your legs along this drive without committing to a big hike. It’s a paved two-mile trail, and the lake is so clear you can see fish swimming.
Heather Maple Loop
Although it’s a moderately hard hike, Heather Maple Pass is known for providing a lot of bang for your buck. You’ll find wildflowers in the summer months, views of Lake Anne, jagged mountains, and larches in the fall. If you plan to hike during fall, arrive before 6:00 am to get parking on weekends and expect crowds.
Soudough Mountain
We’ve rated Sourdough Mountain as one of the best hikes in Washington. Hike here in August to have the best views of wildflower meadows over Diablo Lake – just know that’s it’s a steep one!
What to eat
5b’s Bakery — Meghann’s thrilled everything here is gluten free
Annie’s Pizza Station — the perfect after-hike stop
Where to stay
Ross Lake Resort — Stay in the North Cascades National Park – just plan transportation to the resort in advance and know that booking here is very competitive
Cascade Mountain Lodge – closest to the North Cascades National Park on the west side
Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn — adorable hotel near the ferry terminal to Orcas Island
La Conner Channel Lodge — waterfront hotel
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is said to be “the shortest distance to far away” because it’s so close to Seattle, yet so different. One visit here and you’ll fall in love with its slow pace and natural beauty.
If you’re heading back to Seattle, take this route. If you’re looking for more adventure, skip to the next section to see where you should go next.
Mileage: 65 miles
Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Start: Skagit Valley
End: Whidbey Island
Where to stop
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass is Washington’s busiest state park. It’s surrounded by bright waters, and beautiful trees, with plenty of hiking trails and beach access. It’s also in the rain shadow, so you’ll have good chances of having nice weather throughout the year.
Fort Ebey State Park
A stop at Ebey’s Landing is well worth it. From the main parking lot, walk towards the water to view remnants of World War II forts and beautiful views.
Fort Casey State Park
Another World War II fort, Fort Casey has more bunkers than Fort Ebey and they make for great exploring on rainy days! While there, check out the Admiralty Head Lighthouse as well.
Activity suggestions
Tulip festival
Like tulip farms in Holland, you can choose between visiting four tulip farms throughout the month of March to see daffodils and April to see tulips. This is such a popular activity that we recommend arriving early to beat the crowds – otherwise, expect to wait in traffic.
Climb
Climb at Mt Erie with the American Alpine Institute or on your own. Climbs here are incredibly scenic, overlooking the San Juan Islands.
Boat tours
Take a jet boat tour around Deception Pass or book a whale-watching excursion between June and September with Deception Pass Tours.
Meerkerk Gardens
Although there is a $5 donation to enter the gardens, it has 10 acres of gardens and 43 acres of woodland trails to explore. Check here to see what will be in bloom during your visit.
Paddle
Take a guided tour or rent kayaks and paddleboards from Whidbey Island Kayaking. Just make a reservation in advance!
Ferry
Catch a ferry back to the “mainland” from Clinton, or to the Olympic Peninsula from Fort Casey. Both rides are quick (and every Washingtonian’s favorite mode of travel). Download the Ferry Friend app for up-to-date information on schedules, availability, and delays.
Hike recommendations
Lighthouse Point
Rosario Head is the more popular choice of hikes here, and while it’s an easy add-on, we prefer hiking to Lighthouse Point. You’ll have amazing views with significantly fewer people. Each time we’ve visited, we’ve seen eagles and seals!
Views along the Lighthouse Point trail
Ebey’s Landing
We love wandering at Fort Ebey! You’ll walk through forests, along bluffs, and can venture down to the beach. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
Double Bluff Beach
Double Bluff Beach is a four-mile roundtrip walk on the beach where you’ll have views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, the Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains. Look for eagle’s nests amongst the cliffs and orcas in the Puget Sound.
Where to eat
The Shrimp Shack — get your seafood fix
The Caribbean Lunchbox — only open weekdays
Greenbank Pantry and Deli – great sandwiches
Where to stay
Captain Whidbey — unique, nature focused cabins
The Inn at Penn Cove — cute historic hotel
The Inn at Langley — waterfront hotel and spa
Not done with your road trip yet? Here’s where to go next:
Mount Baker
After arriving in the Skagit Valley, head north instead of exploring Whidbey Island (you can see it on your way back to Seattle) and go to Mount Baker instead. Stay in Bellingham if you’d like easy access to restaurants and amenities or Glacier if you’d like a serene stay in nature.
The Olympic National Park
Instead of wandering through all of Whidbey Island, take the ferry at Fort Casey to Port Townsend to reach the Olympic Peninsula. Enjoy Port Townsend, an adorable Victorian town, with great seafood and other Forts to explore before going on to explore the Olympic National Park.
San Juan Islands
To visit the San Juan Islands, be sure to reserve a ferry in advance. Again, save touring Whidbey Island for your return trip to Seattle.
Mount Rainier
It’s about a half-day drive to Mount Rainier from the North Cascades. Once there you’ll enjoy more stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and lush forests.
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “beach”, “hiking”, or “Olympic National park”.
