National Scenic Byway · Washington

Cascade Loop

A 440-mile loop through the North Cascades, the Methow Valley and Puget Sound, with the North Cascades Highway open roughly May to late fall.

Also known as Cascade Loop Scenic Byway

  • Length440 miles[1]
  • Drive timeAt least one day; two to four days at a leisurely pace[1]FHWA's "time to allow"
  • RoadsIncludes SR 20, the North Cascades Highway[2]
  • Start and endA loop through the North Cascades, eastern Washington and Puget Sound, including the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry[1]
  • Fees and passesThe Clinton-Mukilteo ferry, part of the byway, charges a fare.[1]
  • Best seasonSpring to fall, when the North Cascades Highway is open[2]
  • SurfaceNot verified
  • Vehicle notesNot verified
  • Seasonal closuresThe North Cascades Highway (SR 20) usually closes in late November or early December and reopens in early May.[2]

Before you go

Road status and weather can change quickly. Check the official road-conditions link before you go.

Facts last checked against the sources on October 22, 2026.

About the drive

The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile circuit through Washington: green forest and jagged peaks in the North Cascades, the valleys and lakes of the east side, and the waters of Puget Sound, crossed by ferry between Clinton and Mukilteo.

The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) is the high point. Diablo Lake Overlook looks down on the turquoise lake, and Washington Pass, at about 5,477 feet, is the top of the road. On the east side the loop passes through Winthrop and Leavenworth.

SR 20 closes for snow every winter, usually from late November or early December until early May. Plan at least a full day, or two to four days to enjoy it.

Stops along the way

  1. Winthrop

    Western-themed town in the Methow Valley.

    Official information · 48.47793, -120.18621 · about 0.0 mi from the route line

  2. Washington Pass

    The highest point on the North Cascades Highway, at about 5,477 feet.

    Official information · 48.52403, -120.65428 · about 0.1 mi from the route line

  3. Diablo Lake Overlook

    Pull-off above Diablo Lake on SR 20.

    Official information · 48.70981, -121.09715 · about 0.1 mi from the route line

  4. Leavenworth

    Bavarian-themed town on US 2.

    Official information · 47.59624, -120.66149 · about 0.0 mi from the route line

Stops are listed in order along the route; the numbers match the map. Stop locations come from the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey place-names database, the stop's own official page or, where noted in the data, OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors).

Food along the way

Farmers markets within about 25 miles

  • Leavenworth Community Farmers MarketLeavenworth, WA · about 0.0 mi from the route
  • Oak Harbor Farmers MarketOak Harbor, WA · about 0.0 mi from the route
  • Cashmere Farmers MarketAt The Cashmere Museum Cashmere, WA · about 0.1 mi from the route
  • South Whidbey Tilth Farmers' MarketLangley, WA · about 0.1 mi from the route
  • Mukilteo Farmers MarketMukilteo, WA · about 0.1 mi from the route

Markets keep their own seasons and hours, so check with the market before you go. Find more in the Farmers Market Finder.

In season during the best months to drive

The drive's best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Typical U.S. seasons from our Fresh Market Guide; local harvests vary.

Sources

  1. America's Byways: Cascade Loop (FHWA) (checked 2026-10-22)
  2. Road Conditions, North Cascades National Park (NPS) (checked 2026-10-22)
  3. Route line: U.S. DOT scenic byways map service (geo.dot.gov), retrieved 2026-10-22.

Written by VanillaGoods from the cited official sources. This is a drive to know, not a ranking. Road status and weather can change quickly; check the official road-conditions link before you go.

Spot something out of date? Email help@vanillagoods.com (help@vanillagoods.com).

More drives in Washington · All scenic drives