The North Cascades Scenic Highway (SR 20) traditionally closes with the first heavy snowfall in early December, so fall is a great time take this drive. The Cascade Loop officially begins with SR 20 off I-5 in Sedro Woolley, but it can also be accessed by taking the Mountain Loop (SR 92) from Granite Falls or SR 530 from Arlington through Darrington to Rockport. This is beautiful country offering magnificent scenery, great fall colors, and access to trails in the Boulder River Wilderness Area and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Check with the Verlot Ranger Station for conditions at the Ice Caves in Silverton or stop at Granite Falls and its Fishway, one of the world's longest fish ladders. If you choose to take I-5, plan to spend time at some of the major staging areas and wintering grounds for the multitude of birds that migrate here each fall; visit Spencer Island near Everett, the Skagit Wildlife Area on Fir Island, and the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Reserve situated along the tide flats of the bay.
Liberty Bell Mtn., Highway 20
Once on the North Cascades Highway, follow along the Skagit River. From mid-November into winter you may be lucky enough to spot bald eagles feeding on the annual salmon runs at the river's edge; stop at the Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, the Washington Eddy lookout (mile post 99), the Sutter Creek Rest Area (mile post 100), or the Skagit View Trail in the Rockport State Park (winter snow will preclude access here). Visitors must confine their viewing to these areas - eagles are sensitive to human presence so be especially quiet and take care not to disturb them. Continue on the highway through the North Cascades National Park, past waterfalls, lush river valleys, and snowcapped pinnacles; pass high above Ross Lake, climb to Washington Pass, and then descend into Mazama, Winthrop, and the Methow Valley. At Twisp travelers can elect to go east on SR 20 through the Okanogan Highlands or continue on this two-day loop by taking SR 153 to Pateros and then US 97 and US 2.
Be sure to visit the towns of Chelan, Wenatchee, Cashmere, and Leavenworth, as well as the many smaller communities along the way; they will welcome you with genuine Washington hospitality. Don't forget to stop at the local fruit stands for apples and fresh cider. In late September, Leavenworth celebrates the return of the salmon up the Wenatchee River at the National Fish Hatchery, along with the arrival of fall colors to the mountains. Begin the final leg of the tour by driving over Stevens Pass. Be ready for an awesome display from the leaves of our native vine maples turning a flaming yellow, orange and scarlet and the needles of the western larch changing to a brilliant yellow and orange. Follow the Skykomish River past Deception and Alpine Falls, and through the tiny mountain towns of Skykomish, Index, Gold Bar, and Startup; at Index visit Sunset Falls or take a side trip up the North Fork of the Skykomish to Troublesome Creek.
From Monroe either stay on US 2 which takes you into the historic town of Snohomish, or hop on SR 522. Before returning to Seattle wine lovers might want to stop off in Woodinville to tour the wineries in this area; most are located along SR 202, including the picturesque 87-acre estate which is home to Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Take this trip in spring and summer and enjoy a virtual paradise for outdoor recreation. Hike in the Cascades, take a whitewater adventure out of Leavenworth, boat on Lake Chelan, or golf at Desert Canyon overlooking the Columbia River. Summer fruit is abundant at roadside stands throughout the Wenatchee Valley. More wildlife information can be found under Flora & Fauna in our Outdoor Fun section and Parks, Gardens & Nature Areas in Distinctly Washington. National parks, forests, and wilderness areas and Washington State Parks are all covered in Outdoor Fun.
For more information about the Cascade Loop, contact:
Cascade Loop Association
PO Box 3245, Wenatchee, 98807
(509) 662-3888
