Washington's Cascade Loop Scenic Driving Tour

The Cascade Loop is a scenic driving tour that takes you through diverse sections of the beautiful state of Washington. Cities and towns on the loop route include Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes, and Coupeville.

Washington is an incredibly diverse state that includes lush forests, fertile orchards, jagged mountain peaks, sage-covered desert, urban centers, and island communities. By taking the Cascade Loop scenic driving tour, you can experience all of this and more.

The Cascade Loop scenic driving tour covers 440 miles. You can't do the whole loop in one day. While the entire loop is on improved highways, there are stretches where you won't make the same progress you experience on an Interstate freeway. To allow time to enjoy the many attractions and activities found along the Cascade Loop, we recommend a 4-5 night trip. If your time is limited, a two-day trip is feasible. No matter how long you spend doing the Cascade Loop, you'll be left with a list of things to check out "next time." The loop can be done clockwise or counterclockwise.

If you plan to drive the entire Cascade Loop, schedule your trip between June and October. The section of the loop through the North Cascades Highway is always closed during the winter months.

Contact the Cascade Loop Association to request a free travel guide.

Everett, a waterfront city located 27 miles north of Seattle, is known for its huge Boeing manufacturing facility and for its Naval Station. As you travel east from Everett along Highway 2, you'll pass through the pastoral towns of Snohomish and Monroe. Snohomish offers unique shopping, including a number of antique shops.

• Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour
  Interactive exhibits and displays designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of technology as applied to the science of flight.
• Flying Heritage Collection
  Historic aircraft, primarily from World War II.
• Mukilteo Lighthouse
  This picturesque 1906 lighthouse offers exhibits and a gift shop and is open weekends and holidays, noon to five, April through September.
• Centennial Trail
  This recreational trail, which runs 17 miles from Snohomish to Arlington, is suitable for walking and biking.
• Antique Shopping in Snohomish
  You'll find dozens of antique malls and shops, most within walking distance of each other.

• Snohomish Bakery
  Located along First Street in the historic shopping district, this cozy bakery offers wonderful bread and pastries, breakfast items, and pizza.
• Nana Carmela's
  This popular Italian family restaurant is located at the golf course in Monroe.

You'll make your way through the Cascade Mountains via Highway 2 over Stevens Pass. Along the way you'll travel through lovely forest and mountain scenery, occasionally passing beside the Skykomish River.

• Hike the Iron Goat Trail
  The 6-plus miles of this scenic trail run along an abandoned section of the Great Northern Railroad. As you hike along you'll see the remains of the historic railroad, including old tunnels, walls, and equipment. You can choose to do some or all of the Iron Goat Trail. This trail is family friendly; much of the trail is wheelchair accessible.
• Wonderful Waterfalls
  There are several waterfalls located along the stretch of Highway 2 between the town of Gold Bar and Stevens Pass. Bridal Veil Falls, Sunset Falls, and Deception Falls can be seen from the highway. Wallace Falls, located near Gold Bar, can be reached via a 2.5-mile hike.
• Stevens Pass Ski Resort
  Skiing and snowboarding are available at this full-service ski resort, open during the winter months.

• Zeke's Drive-In
  This roadside food stand, located in Gold Bar, is beloved for its burgers and shakes.

Located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a fun Bavarian-themed town. The surrounding mountains and rivers provide an opportunity for recreation in summer and in winter. While in Leavenworth, spend an afternoon wandering the shops and strolling in Waterfront Park. Combine that with great food, charming lodgings, and fantastic festivals and you have everything you need for a great Northwest getaway. When doing the Cascade Loop, Leavenworth makes an excellent place to stop for a night -- or two!

• Nutcracker Museum
  You'll see more ways to crack nuts than you ever imagined.
• Outdoor Recreation
  Leavenworth is heaven for hiking, biking, rafting, and skiing. Stop by the ranger station located on Highway 2 in the main part of town for maps and information.
• Festivals
  Leavenworth finds reasons to celebrate throughout the year.
• Shopping
  Leavenworth offers a variety of shops and galleries.
• Wine Tasting
  Enjoy wine tasting in town or visit a nearby winery.
• Cashmere
  The town of Cashmere, a few miles east of Leavenworth, has a wonderful Museum and Pioneer Village. While in Cashmere, take the Applets & Cotlets Factory Tour to learn about candy making, enjoy some tasty treats, and check out their gift shop.

• Gustav's
  Awesome bratwurst and beer.
• Café Mozart
  Fine Bavarian dining for a special evening with that special someone.

• Run of the River Inn
  This amazing bed and breakfast inn is perfect for a memorable romantic getaway.
• Enzian Inn
  An outdoor pool, free putting course, and ​a buffet breakfast make The Enzian Inn a good choice for families.

Sunny Wenatchee is a rich agricultural center, home to orchards and vineyards. Located on the Wenatchee River, it is also a great place for outdoor recreation.

• Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail
  This 13-mile riverside trail is popular with bicyclists, joggers, skaters, and walkers.
• Ohme Gardens
  This charming oasis, which looks out over the Wenatchee Valley, is filled with stone paths and features, interesting water features, and lush greenery.
• Washington Apple Commission Visitor Center & Gift Shop
  Take a short stop to view the commission's extremely interesting film about apple production in the state of Washington. While there, you can sample apple products, check out their exhibits, and pick up an apple-themed gift item. A must-see for Washingtonians.
• Ice Age Floods Driving Tour
  This geological side tour will give you some insight into one of the region's great untold stories. Along the way, you'll learn about the ice age floods that helped shape much of the Northwest landscape. You can pick up a self-guided driving tour map in Wenatchee.
• Raft the Wenatchee River
  There are a number of local outfitters that offer whitewater rafting trips on the Wenatchee River.
• Skiing and Snow Sports
  From Wenatchee, you can access Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort as well as cross-country and snowshoe trails in the Wenatchee National Forest.

• McGlinn's Public House
  Offers upscale pub dining in the historic Garland Building.
• Caffè Mela
  Enjoy fresh-roasted coffee drinks, pastries, salads, and panini in a welcoming setting.

Wenatchee offers some fine bed and breakfasts as well as a number of chain hotels. If, as part of your Cascade Loop driving tour, you plan to stay more than one night, it's a good idea to choose accommodations in Leavenworth or Chelan.

In a region filled with lakes, Lake Chelan stands out. Fed by glaciers, this skinny lake is over 50 miles long and reaches depths of close to 1500 feet.

• Lady of the Lake Ferry to Stehekin
  From the town of Chelan, you can enjoy a scenic 50-mile Lake Chelan cruise to Stehekin. Fast and slow options are available, depending on whether you want to savor the tour or just get to Stehekin as efficiently as possible.
• Golfing
  Chelan offers several championship golf courses with magnificent views, including Desert Canyon Golf Resort and Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course.
• Boating and Water Sports
  A 50-mile long lake makes for great water recreation, including boating, water skiing, kayaking, and fishing.
• Wine and Wineries
  Lake Chelan was recently designated as an official American Viticultural Area. There are over a dozen wineries in the Chelan Valley.

• Apple Cup Café
  This popular breakfast place serves all day.

• Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan
  This popular lakeside resort hotel is great for families.
• Best Western Lakeside Lodge & Suites
  You'll appreciate this hotel's access to the lake and park.

As you follow Highway 153 and then Highway 20, you'll wind through the scenic Methow Valley, passing through the towns of Pateros, Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama.

• Hiking
  The Methow Valley is home to some great hiking trails. Popular hikes include Goat Peak and Rainy Lake. Trails are also available for biking and horseback riding. You can find Methow Valley trail maps on the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association website.
• Hot Air Ballooning
  Experience a truly incredible view of Methow Valley and the surrounding hills and mountains. Morning Glory Balloon Tours offers morning balloon rides followed by a light gourmet picnic.
• Shopping in Winthrop
  The Old-West-themed town of Winthrop offers surprisingly good shopping. Many artists make their home in the Methow Valley; you can view and purchase their work in local galleries.
• Snow Sports
  With over 120 miles of groomed trails, the Methow Valley is a wonderland for cross-country ski enthusiasts

• Sun Mountain Lodge Dining Room
  Not only will you enjoy a fabulous view of Methow Valley and the North Cascades, you'll experience excellent food and service at this highly-acclaimed restaurant.
• Twisp River Pub
  Home of Methow Valley Brewing Company, this fun pub serves great food with a variety of ethnic influences.
• Duck Brand Cantina
  This Winthrop hangout offers burgers, salads, Mexican food, and a full bar.

• Sun Mountain Lodge
  This destination resort has everything you might want for a truly memorable getaway. The rooms are elegant, yet comfortable, with magnificent views. On-site services and amenities include a spa, a bar and grill, special event space, outdoor pools, tennis courts, a network of hiking and biking trails, and more.
• Chewuch Inn & Cabins
  Located within walking distance of Winthrop's frontier-themed shopping district, this a bed and breakfast provides modern, high-quality accommodations. Guests can choose from rooms in the inn or cabins. All have kitchenettes with microwaves, mini refrigerators, and coffee makers. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the rustic breakfast room and includes a delicious assortment of hot and cold items.

Ancient forests, craggy peaks, and blue-green lakes make the North Cascades stretch of the Cascade Loop driving tour unforgettable. While driving this section of Highway 20 you'll pass through the North Cascades National Park and the towns of Diablo, Rockport, and Marblemount.

Note: The Northwest Cascades Highway between Mazama and Newhalem closes from late fall through mid-spring.

• Diablo Lake Cruise
  Seattle City Light offers 2 different boat tours of Diablo Lake. You'll meet near the Skagit General Store in Newhalem to board a bus that will take you to the boat dock just above the amazing Diablo Dam. The boat tour traverses the length of Lake Diablo up to the Ross Dam powerhouse and back. If you take the dinner tour, the bus will stop at the dining hall for a family-style meal on the way back from the boat trip.
• Stop at Scenic Overlooks
  As you drive along Highway 20 in the North Cascades you'll come across scenic viewpoints where you can get out of your vehicle and take in the beauty of the lakes and mountains. There are overlooks at both Diablo Lake and at Ross Lake.
• North Cascades National Park Visitor Center
  After you check out the visitor center's exhibits on local natural and human history, take a hike on one of the nearby nature trails.

• The Eatery
  This Rockport food stop is known for its fresh cinnamon rolls and other home-baked goodies.
• Buffalo Run Restaurant
  This historic roadhouse specializes in buffalo and game meats. They also serve steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.

• Clark's Skagit River Resort
  This resort's cozy cabins come in a variety of sizes and themes. In addition to the cabins, Clark's offers tent and RV space.

The Skagit Valley, known for its annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, is a great getaway throughout the year. The fertile valley and water views inspire many artists, giving rise to a number of shops and galleries. You can also choose from a variety of outdoor activities, including bird watching and rafting.

• Bird Watching
  Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and great blue herons are among the birds that call the Skagit Valley home during portions of each year. Hot bird watching spots include the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and along the Upper Skagit River.
• Skagit Valley Casino Resort
  This full-service casino resort offers a hotel, gambling, live entertainment, a lounge, a buffet, and fine dining.
• La Conner Shops and Galleries
  This charming waterfront community provides a wonderful setting for strolling among the shops and galleries. You'll find a great selection of fine crafts and home furnishings at such shops as The Wood Merchant, Earthenworks Gallery, and Two Moons Gallery & Gifts.

• Nell Thorn Restaurant and Pub
  Foodies will relish their gourmet menu, which features fresh local ingredients.
• Skagit River Brewery
  Microbrews and great pub food in a casual setting.

• Wild Iris Inn
  This bed and breakfast inn is a fine choice for a romantic retreat.

Once on Whidbey Island, you can relax and just wander. You'll find fun places to stop and check out in every direction. The towns of Coupeville and Langley offer the chance to stroll, shop, and dine. Fort Casey State Park and Deception Pass State Park are both great for hiking and for taking in gorgeous water views.

• Greenbank Farm
  This historic farm has been turned into a picture-perfect complex that includes event space, gardens, galleries, shops, and a winery.
• Fort Casey State Park
  The grounds of this sprawling park include the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and a historic artillery post.
• Deception Pass State Park
  Miles of hiking trails wander through this park's rocky terrain, while great water views can be had in every direction.
• Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens
  Over 4 miles of nature trails wind around this lovely display garden.

• Whidbey Pie Cafe
  This Greenbank Farm eatery serves fresh loganberry pie as well as other lunch items.
• Fraser's Gourmet Hideaway
  Seasonal Northwest cuisine in an intimate and elegant setting.

• The Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
  The floral-themed rooms at The Farmhouse B&B are perfectly appointed to make you feel comfortable and at home.
• The Coachman Inn
  Located in Oak Harbor on the north end of the island, The Coachman offers comfortable and affordable hotel rooms.