Cascade Loop

Have you got a weekend? I’d like to suggest doing the Cascade Loop. This National Scenic Highway will let you see the best parts of Washington State.

The Cascade Loop starts 30 miles north of Seattle in Everett and takes you 400 miles into the Cascade Mountains…

…over Stevens Pass and into fertile Columbia River Valley apple and wine country.

It then goes up the river to Lake Chelan…on north to North Cascade Highway and back west through Washington Pass, through the North Cascades National Park wilderness and into the Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island.

It’s a wonderful adventure! It’s best covered by car. However, there are several tour companies offering escorted 2-3 day Cascade Loop trips.

Let’s get started!!

Travel north from Seattle on Interstate 5 to Everett. Once there, you’ll leave the port city of Everett and head east on Highway 2 though towns like Snohomish, Sultan, Gold Bar and Skykomish as you climb up over 4,000 feet to Stevens Pass.

There are several bakeries and shops to check along this stretch of the road. Consider picking up food for a picnic here because the shops at the pass are only open during the winter ski season.

Highway 2 goes through superb whitewater rafting and fishing areas on the way to the top.

Stevens Pass is one of the prime winter downhill and cross-country ski areas in the Cascades.

Stop at the Pass in the summer for a hike along trails for sweeping views of the forests and meadows.

Traveling down the east slopes of the pass takes you through Tumwater Canyon along the Wenatchee River and into the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth.

I mean this is the real thing with German restaurants, shops filled with imports and local crafts, a beer garden and local merchants in authentic costumes. It’s easy to spend the whole day here.

If time gets away from you, consider an overnight in an Austrian pension or a rustic mountain inn. It’ll add to the fun. There’s lots more information about the many attractions in my travel video:

Leavenworth Washington State's Bavarian Village

Wenatchee is the next stop on the Cascade Loop. This town calls itself the ‘apple capital of the world’! There are fruit orchards and vineyards all around this part the state. Watch for the mighty Columbia River flowing through town. Water sports, especially river rafting, jet skiing and kayaking are popular.

You’ll get an amazing view of the Columbia River Valley when you drive to Ohme Gardens, perched on a bluff outside of town. I like to forget the road and enjoy a relaxing break in an alpine garden.

The Cascade Loop goes along the Columbia River to Lake Chelan. The little town of Chelan is the starting point for the 50 mile boat trip on the Lady of the Lake to Stehekin, the southern gateway to North Cascades National Park. Advance reservations are required for this long cruise. The Stehekin Valley is great for hikes, horseback riding and whitewater rafting.

You leave the Columbia River at Pateros and drive into the Methow Valley. Hold on to your hat because the Wild West town of Winthrop is the highlight here. It’s like stepping back into a frontier town with colorful main street, boardwalks and hitching posts.

I think the top place to stay in the Valley is Sun Mountain Lodge. You can get a horse or a mountain bike and explore the backcountry. The food and wine cellar are legendry.

The Methow Valley disappears as you drive west on Hiway 20 into the North Cascades National Park wilderness. One of my favorite views of along the Cascade Loop is at Washington Pass, the highest road in Washington. From the ‘Outlook’ trail get a billion dollar view of Liberty Bell Mountain and other craggy Cascade peaks.

Descending down the west slope, Ross and Diablo Lake offer lovely forest and mountain Highway lookouts.

These lakes are part of the Seattle City Light Project begun in 1919 to harness the Skagit River to provide power for Seattle. For a fun tour, board the ‘Alice Ross’ at the Seattle City Light Dam for a cruise on Diablo Lake. Again, advance reservations are required.

While in Newhalem, stop at the North Cascades National Park Visitors Center to get the latest information on camping and hiking. You’ll find trails for every skill level in this wilderness area. Check out the Skagit General Store for provisions on the trail. They have EVERYTHING!

Highway 20 follows the Skagit River through towns like Marblemount, Concrete and Sedro Woolley. The rich Skagit Valley is prime farming area for spring tulips, summer berries and vegetables.

The Cascade Loop passes over I-5 and goes on to Whidbey & Fidalgo Islands.

If you want to take time for the San Juan Islands, Washington State Ferries run from Anacortes to the three major San Juan Islands. Orca whale watching and wildlife viewing top the attraction list. You will need a passport or other proof of citizenship as this is an international route crossing Canadian waters.

On the other hand, you can finish the Cascade Loop by taking Highway 20 across the Deception Pass Bridge and onto Whidbey Island.

Stop at Cranberry Lake just across the bridge for a picnic and walk on the beach. Oak Harbor, Coupeville and Langley are historic towns with fun main streets of shops and cafes to explore.

The Cascade Loop adventure ends at Clinton where you catch a Washington State Ferry to Mukilteo and then travel back to Seattle.

Now you can see why this trip will take at least two or three days. There is so much to see on the Cascade Loop!

My travel video: Washington State's Cascade Loop has lots more details of places to see and things to do on this adventure. It’s a great travel planner and wonderful DVD to show your family and friends.