What is the North Cascades Loop?

The Cascade Loop is a scenic driving tour that takes you through diverse sections of the beautiful state of Washington. Cities and towns on the loop route include Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes, and Coupeville.

Where does the Cascade Loop Start?

Everett, Washington
Where does the Cascade Loop begin? The Cascade Loop officially begins when you turn onto Highway 2 from Interstate 5 in Everett, Washington, about 30 miles north of Seattle.

Are the North Cascades worth visiting?

However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (Olympic and Mount Rainier are also well worth the visit). You could drive Highway 20, stop at Diablo Lake, and then hike a few miles to Blue Lake at Washington Pass.

How long should you spend at North Cascades National Park?

You need a bare minimum of one full day for North Cascades National Park. Of course, more time is always better. With one day in North Cascades National Park, drive North Cascades Highway, visit the overlooks, and do one or two hikes. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob.

How long does it take to drive the North Cascades Loop?

two to four days
Though it can be done in as little as a day or stretched out as long as a few weeks, the average trip on this—one of the nation’s most scenic highways—takes two to four days.

What are the Cascades known for?

The Cascade Range is best known for its tall volcanoes and deep evergreen forests. While the North Cascades contain an extremely rugged cluster of jagged peaks, it is the long line of snowy volcanic cones running from Mount Baker south to Lassen Peak that dominate the range for its entire length.

Where does the North Cascade highway start and end?

The route follows State Route 20 from Sedro-Woolley in the west to Twisp in the east, passing through the North Cascades National Park complex, a sprawling wilderness area that extends from the north end of Lake Chelan up to the border of Canada.