Share Post:
If you’re looking for a road trip that checks all the boxes – snow-capped peaks, sunlit lakes, charming towns, and salt-kissed coastline – the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway is it.
Not a figure of speech, not a stretch. This 440-mile loop through Washington State is one of the most varied and rewarding drives in the country. And summer? That’s when it truly comes alive.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in it for the alpine hikes, the wine, the waterfalls, or just the quiet satisfaction of watching the landscape shift dramatically around every bend, this route’s got something for you. Let’s break it down in a way that helps you get the most out of every single mile.
How Long to Take
You can technically whip through the loop in two days. But that means 200+ miles of driving daily and not much time to stretch your legs.
A 4–7 day window is far better. Five days is the sweet spot—enough time to hike, eat well, sleep in, and take a few detours without racing the clock.
Which Direction to Drive
Most people go counterclockwise, starting in Everett. That gets you to the mountains sooner, keeps the most dramatic vistas on your side of the road, and offers an easy finish via ferry on Whidbey Island.
That said, the loop is flexible. If you’re coming from Bellingham or Spokane, you can hop in at other entry points.
Key Tips Before You Start
- Gas Up: There are no gas stations between Mazama and Marblemount. That’s 85 miles of nothing but wilderness. Fill up in Mazama or Winthrop.
- Permits: Overnight hikes in North Cascades and Alpine Lakes Wilderness need permits. Day hikes don’t. For permits, call (360) 854-7245.
- Maps: Cell service is spotty in the North Cascades. Download offline maps or grab a physical one.
- Clothes: Even in summer, the mountains can cool off fast. Bring layers.
- Highway 20: The crown jewel of the loop, it’s usually open mid-April to mid-November. As of 2025, it reopened April 22.
- Bitcoin Access: If you’re traveling with crypto in mind—whether as an investment strategy or with plans to make a major purchase like a vehicle in preparation for your drive—it’s worth knowing there are many bitcoin ATMs available along the route.
5-Day Itinerary
View this post on Instagram
Day 1: Everett to Leavenworth via Stevens Pass Greenway
Distance: 85 miles | Drive Time: 1 hr 45 min
Start in Everett. Grab breakfast and head toward the mountains.
Worth a Stop
- Mukilteo Lighthouse Park: Nice view to kick off your trip.
- Osprey Park, Sultan: Quick leg stretch and river breeze.
- Deception Falls: An easy walk to a thundering waterfall.
- Alpine Falls: Quick pull-off. Big payoff.
Activities
- Raft the Skykomish River (August is peak season).
- Hike Bridal Veil Falls or Heybrook Ridge for views.
End in Leavenworth. Walk through town, grab bratwurst, maybe float the river with Leavenworth Outdoor Center. Stay the night at Hotel Pension Anna for full Bavarian immersion.
Leavenworth also has modern amenities – plenty of cell coverage, and access to essentials.
Day 2: Leavenworth to Mazama via Wenatchee and Lake Chelan
Distance: 115 miles | Drive Time: ~2 hours
You’ll head east, following the Columbia River before climbing back toward the mountains.
Stops to Make
- Wenatchee: Pybus Public Market is a great snack stop. Ohme Gardens (April–Oct) is peaceful with a killer view.
- Lake Chelan: Consider taking the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin. It’s remote, wild, and completely off-grid.
Ideas
- Go wine tasting. Chelan Wine Tours can help you hit multiple spots without driving tipsy.
- Hike Chelan Butte or the Sage Hills for open-sky views.
Night in Mazama. Don’t miss the Mazama Store. They bake everything fresh, and their back patio is a solid place to regroup. Mazama Country Inn is a cozy basecamp.
Day 3: Mazama to North Cascades National Park
Distance: 140 miles | Drive Time: 1 hour
This stretch is why people drive the loop. You’ll pass through the most dramatic alpine terrain in Washington.
Must-See Spots
- Washington Pass Overlook: Paved path, epic view. Zero effort.
- Diablo Lake Overlook: Unreal turquoise water—looks like a photoshopped postcard.
- Newhalem: Hike Ladder Creek Falls or the Trail of Cedars.
Trail Recommendations
- Heather-Maple Pass Loop: 7.5 miles of pure beauty. Wildflowers, ridgelines, the works.
- Blue Lake: 4.4 miles round trip. Quieter, quicker.
Where to Stay
- Campgrounds along Highway 20.
- Or loop back to Mazama or forward to Marblemount.
Day 4: North Cascades to Anacortes via Skagit Valley
Distance: ~2 hours
Start your descent from the mountains into farmland and eventually to saltwater.
Places to Pause
- La Conner: Known for its tulips in April, but it’s charming all year. Artsy, walkable, good coffee.
- Mount Vernon Riverwalk: Chill spot for a lunch break.
Optional Activity
- Whale watching tour from Anacortes. Chances are high you’ll see orcas or gray whales.
Spend the night in Anacortes and enjoy the harborside vibe. It’s relaxed, less touristy than you’d expect.
Day 5: Anacortes to Everett via Whidbey Island
Distance: 65 miles | Drive Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cross Deception Pass Bridge (sunrise or sunset is ideal). You’ll wrap up the trip along Whidbey Island before hopping the ferry back to the mainland.
Stops
- Deception Pass State Park: Short trails, dramatic cliffs.
- Fort Casey State Park: Old bunkers, big open fields—bring a kite.
- Greenbank Farm: Pie. Marionberry if they have it. Trust that.
Final Stretch
- Hike Ebey’s Landing if you’ve got energy left. Coastal bluffs and views of the Olympics.
- Board the ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo. No reservations needed for vehicles going westbound.
Why the Cascade Loop in Summer?
From July through September, you’ll get the best of everything the loop has to offer. Trails are open. Lakes are swimmable.
The North Cascades Highway—often closed by snow until late spring—is fully accessible. And with daylight stretching deep into the evening, you’ve got time to linger in the good spots.
- Seattle NorthCountry
- Stevens Pass Greenway
- Leavenworth & Cascade Foothills
- Wenatchee & Columbia River Valley
- Lake Chelan Valley
- Methow Valley
- North Cascades
- Skagit Valley & Fidalgo Island
- Whidbey Scenic Isle Way
Each brings something different to the table: Bavarian kitsch in Leavenworth, high-alpine drama in the North Cascades, mellow coastal energy on Whidbey Island. The variety makes it impossible to get bored.
View this post on Instagram
What Not to Miss by Region
| Region | Attractions | Activities |
| Stevens Pass | Deception Falls, Alpine Falls | Hiking, rafting, waterfalls |
| Leavenworth | Bavarian village | Festivals, ziplines, river floats |
| Lake Chelan | Chelan wineries, ferry to Stehekin | Wine tours, hiking |
| Methow Valley | Mazama Store, Winthrop | Stargazing, horseback riding |
| North Cascades | Washington Pass, Diablo Lake | Backpacking, wildlife watching |
| Skagit Valley | La Conner, Tulip fields | Whale watching, galleries |
| Whidbey Island | Deception Pass, Fort Casey | Coastal hiking, ferry ride |
Where to Sleep
- Leavenworth: Hotel Pension Anna (walkable and charming)
- Lake Chelan: Mountain View Lodge in Manson (pool and lake access)
- Mazama: Mazama Country Inn (quiet, great food)
- North Cascades: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin if you ferry in
- Whidbey Island: Garden Isle Cottages near Langley (quaint and private)
RV travelers are welcome nearly everywhere on the loop. Roads are smooth, and most towns have campgrounds with hookups.
EV drivers can plan using the Cascade Loop’s charging station guide—it’s updated for 2025 and includes Tesla and universal stations.
A Few Last Tips
- Always carry snacks and water, especially on Highway 20.
- Leave no trace—pack out trash, stay on trails, be respectful.
- If you’re heading into alpine zones, carry bear spray and store food properly.
- Early starts help you beat traffic in busier spots like Leavenworth or Deception Pass.
Final Thoughts
The Cascade Loop isn’t just a drive—it’s the kind of trip that sticks with you. You’ll go from alpine passes to cherry orchards, then down to coastal bluffs, all without leaving Washington.
It’s doable in under a week, rich in experiences, and it’ll leave you planning your next loop before you’re even done with the first.
If you’re hitting the road in summer 2025, few routes can match the Cascade Loop’s mix of scenery, variety, and freedom. Gas up, pack a windbreaker, and let Washington do the rest.
