This Washington Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime

Washington offers a remarkable variety of landscapes, from rugged mountains and dense forests to fertile valleys and sparkling waterways. The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, one of the state’s most breathtaking routes, is a 440-mile drive that showcases this diversity. It passes through emerald forests, jagged alpine peaks, glacier-fed lakes, fertile valleys, and the steely-blue waters of Puget Sound.

Along the way, travelers pass through towns such as Everett, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, and Mazama, with opportunities to explore outdoor destinations, local eateries, and small-town attractions. The route features hiking trails, rivers and lakes for fishing or kayaking, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and snow-capped peaks. Scenic viewpoints appear throughout the byway, providing a comprehensive look at the state’s natural beauty and charm.

Day 1: Everett To Leavenworth

Most travelers begin the loop in Everett, just north of Seattle. From there, the drive heads east along US 2, following the Snohomish Valley and the winding Skykomish River up to Stevens Pass Greenway. Along the route, dense evergreens line the roadside, rivers rush through rocky channels, and jagged peaks rise in the distance, giving a glimpse of the alpine landscapes ahead.

A short detour to Wallace Falls State Park offers a 265-foot waterfall framed by moss-covered trees and forest trails. The park is open year-round, with a small entry fee or an annual pass. In the town of Index, whitewater rafting is available through the Outdoor Adventure Center, and Tumwater Canyon offers colorful foliage in the fall months. For a casual break, Espresso Chalet provides coffee and pastries with views of the river and surrounding hills.

From there, continue along the byway until you reach Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village tucked into the Cascade foothills. Timbered streets, German-inspired eateries such as München Haus and Andreas Keller Restaurant, and a bustling town square define the village. Stroll past shops and colorful murals or enjoy performances by local musicians. Overnight accommodations range from Icicle Village Resort to Posthotel Leavenworth.

Day 2: Leavenworth To Chelan

Leaving Leavenworth, the route moves through the Wenatchee Valley and Columbia River Valley, landscapes dominated by orchards and vineyards. Wenatchee, known as the “Apple Capital of the World,” features the Pybus Public Market, where travelers can enjoy coffee or a pastry from Cafe Columbia or Little Red's Bakery & Espresso while looking out over the riverfront and rolling hills.

Continuing north, the drive passes rolling farmland, river corridors, and distant mountain peaks. Hiking opportunities abound at Horse Lake Trails, where paths meander through grasslands, forested hills, and wildflower meadows. Along the trails, it’s common to spot deer, eagles, or other wildlife.

As the road enters the Lake Chelan Valley, where the glacier-fed, 55-mile-long Lake Chelan stretches below forested slopes and vineyard-covered hills. Scenic pull-offs offer panoramas of the sparkling water and surrounding mountains. At the lake, activities include boating, cruises, or relaxing on sandy beaches. For casual dining, Local Myth Pizza near Riverwalk Park serves meals with lake views.

In the summer months, Slidewaters Waterpark is ideal for families, with a lazy river and multiple water slides. Surfers can enjoy Lakeside Surf, where waves reach up to six feet high and more than 50 feet wide. Overnight stays in Chelan place travelers close to the water and provide convenient access to surrounding trails and viewpoints.

Day 3: Chelan To Mazama

From Chelan, the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway continues north into the Methow Valley, a wide-open landscape of rivers, forests, and skies framed by the rugged peaks of the North Cascades. Mazama, a town that sits at the base of these mountains, offers access to trails that wind through alpine forests, past crystal-clear lakes, and up to panoramic viewpoints. The Methow River and nearby streams provide opportunities for fishing, while the valley’s meadows and river bends enhance its appeal.

Note that State Route 20 through Washington Pass closes each winter, typically from mid-November until late April or early May, so this section of the loop is only drivable seasonally.

Entering North Cascades National Park, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. Snow-capped peaks rise above 9,000 feet, waterfalls appear around nearly every corner, and over 300 glaciers still shape the high country. Visitors can hike to turquoise alpine lakes, kayak on Ross Lake, or observe wildlife. The park is open year-round, with its full operational season from late May through late September, when the North Cascades Visitor Center is open (hours vary annually). There is no entry fee to enter the park, and most campgrounds charge a small nightly rate, with one site available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

For meals, Mazama Public House offers hearty dishes and craft beers, while The Mazama Store & Bakery serves fresh, locally sourced meals and baked goods. Overnight stays in Mazama place travelers close to trails, rivers, and mountain peaks, making it a convenient base for exploring the park and surrounding wilderness.

Beyond The Loop

Travelers can extend their journey beyond the main loop to include Skagit Valley, known for tulip fields and eagle sightings, or the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way, with saltwater beaches, historic towns like Coupeville, and fresh seafood from Puget Sound. Spring visitors may align trips with the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, while fall features the Festival of Family Farms, including pumpkin patches and harvest tours. Travelers should check ferry schedules when exploring Whidbey Island, particularly on weekends.

Returning to Everett, the waterfront offers fresh seafood, kayaking, and nearby museums such as Boeing’s Future of Flight. A passenger ferry to Jetty Island allows for beach time and wildlife viewing, rounding out the outdoor experiences of the loop.

Traveling Along Washington’s Cascade Loop Scenic Byway

The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway winds through the heart of Washington, past glacial lakes that shimmer beneath alpine peaks, valleys dotted with orchards, and forests alive with wildlife. Along the route, towns from Everett to Mazama invite travelers to explore local restaurants, stroll along trails, and take in rivers, waterfalls, and colorful wildflower meadows. Each viewpoint offers a new perspective, while every trail and river provides a chance to connect with the natural world. This loop brings it all together, creating a memorable drive that captures the state’s most iconic landscapes and leaves visitors with a lasting sense of awe and wonder.