Landscape reflection Mount Shuksan and Picture lake, North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA
SoisudaS/Shutterstock.com

Cascade Loop Road Trip: Our Ultimate Itinerary (with Map)

Updated by Pat Dorri on November 13 2024

Located in Washington State, the stunning Cascade Loop is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip through beautiful mountains and small towns. Discover everything from alpine wonderlands to serene lakes, gorgeous forests to expansive valleys and popular ski villages along this popular road trip route.

The Cascade Loop extends for 440 miles in Washington State and will take you about four to five days to drive, including overnight stops. You will visit the best sights in Washington, including national and state parks, mountain ranges and stunning lakes.

Deservingly designated a National Scenic Byway in 2021, the Cascade Loop is fully open during the months between June and October but can be enjoyed in segments at any time of the year. Keep scrolling to discover a truly stunning road trip experience!

Where is the Cascade Loop?

The Cascade Loop is located in Washington State in the Northwest. It forms a larger loop through much of the state, with stops in towns and cities like Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes and Coupeville.

The loop itself is located about twenty-five minutes from Seattle, the largest city in the state, and includes stops through several parks and forests, namely the North Cascades National Park, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Your route will depend on where you are traveling from. For a dramatic change of scenery, you can follow the Cascade Loop from Whidbey Island and Padilla Bay all the way to deep within the mountainous region, where rugged views and amazing outdoor adventures will be at your doorstep.

View of Ross Lake from high up with forested mountains visible in the distance on a sunny day

🚗 430 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

Cascade Loop is a stunning drive through majestic mountains, river valleys and beautiful forests. Click below to see the full itinerary for this scenic drive.

Where does the Cascade Loop begin and end?

The Cascade Loop is (not surprisingly!) a circular route, which means that you can start from anywhere along the route and still get to experience the bounty that it has to offer in its entirety.

That being said, there are a couple of popular starting points, namely Mukilteo and Everett, both about a thirty-minute drive from Seattle. If starting here, the endpoint will typically be either Langley or Clinton before the ferry to Mukilteo.

Maple Pass Loop in North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA
The Maple Pass Loop in North Cascades National Park gives you plenty of opportunities to admire the stunning views all around.Luca R Stewart/Shutterstock.com

How long is the Cascade Loop, and how long will it take to drive its entire length?

Comparison of road trip routes along the Cascade Loop
RouteDistanceDriving Time
The Cascade Loop440 miles7 hours 30 minutes
Driving from Seattle470 miles8 hours

The Cascade Loop is about 440 miles in length and will take several days to drive to do it justice. The driving time required will vary, especially as part of the loop is closed during the off-season. Realistically, we recommend planning for about four to five days to get the full Cascade Loop experience.

If you're coming from Seattle, the total mileage will be closer to 470 miles, as Seattle is 30 miles from the start of the loop. Make sure to add another thirty minutes to your itinerary if you plan to return to Seattle after completing the Cascade Loop.

Sunset view of the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park, in Seattle, Washington, USA
You could either begin or end your trip with a stop at Seattle, a city full of great architecture and plenty of fantastic hotels to enjoy.ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

Best way to drive on the Cascade Loop

Due to the circular nature of this route, there's really only one way to drive the Cascade Loop, though we should add that you can always just drive part of the loop and save the rest for another trip.

We've added an optional itinerary that includes the drive from Seattle to the start of the loop, as many road-trippers will typically stop in the city for a car rental before continuing onto the Cascade Loop.

Driving the entire length of the Cascade Loop

" Please zoom out of the map to see the entire Cascade Loop route

The Cascade Loop is one of the best road trips you can enjoy in Washington State, featuring dozens of cities and towns along its route and offering travelers a rare opportunity to discover the state's stunning nature in-depth at their own pace.

The whole route encompasses several national parks and forests, including a visit to North Cascade National Park, and takes traveler from the waters of Puget Sound to the beautiful mountains. The loop is broken up into 9 regions, further detailed on the itinerary above.

While you could certainly explore a segment of the route without driving the entire loop, part of the appeal of this road trip is the jaw-dropping variety of scenery offered across the Cascade Loop, from wineries and small-town restaurants to gorgeous valleys nearby, where you'll find pretty lakes and majestic mountains.

Boundary of North Cascades National Park on the Lake Ann / Maple Pass Trail.
If you're driving the entire length of the Cascade Loop, you'll get to stop by the many parks along the way.Mason Vranish/Shutterstock.com

The route for this loop is relatively straightforward: starting at Everett, you'll travel along US-2, following road signs for the Cascade Loop. You'll eventually merge onto US-97, and then WA-153 and WA-20, before finally getting to WA-525 which takes you back to the starting point!

Driving on the Cascade Loop from Seattle

To get to the Cascade Loop from the beautiful city of Seattle, you'll have to exit the city via Interstate 5. This highway will take you all the way past Lake Washington and straight to Everett, where you can get onto Highway 2.

Once you've reached the Cascade Loop, you follow the same route that we highlighted and expounded upon above.

Best places to stay along the Cascade Loop

While you could certainly do the Cascade Loop in one long drive, our recommendation is to take your time with this gorgeous drive. After all, you don't want to rush from town to town or natural wonder to natural wonder without having the opportunity to enjoy each attraction.

That's why we suggest stopping for at least one overnight stay in one of the many adorable towns along the Cascade Loop. Keep scrolling to discover our favourite stopover spots!

A nature escape in Winthrop

Located about halfway along the Cascade Loop, Winthrop is a popular stopping point as it offers tons of attractions in its small area, including some gorgeous nature getaways.

Winthrop, North Cascades Mountains, Washington, USA with Arnica in meadows in full bloom in the foreground and rolling hills in the background.
Take a walk from Winthrop and you'll find beautiful meadows in full bloom if you time your visit in spring or summer.Marina Poushkina/Shutterstock.com

One of the reasons Winthrop is such a popular stopping point is its proximity to the North Cascades National Park, probably the biggest attraction in the loop—after all, that's where it gets its name—and conveniently located just west of Winthrop.

This small town really has the ultimate cozy vibe, oozing with charm throughout its adorable downtown center. If you're thinking about stopping in this town, we definitely suggest stopping in Downtown Winthrop, which is filled to the brim with adorable restaurants and individually-owned shops.

Winthrop is also known for its proximity to the Methow Valley, which houses the continent's largest network of cross-country ski trails. To top it off, the town also is the perfect gateway to the Sa Theekh Wa Bridge and Trail!

As usual, we've got you covered for accommodations with our recommendation of the Sun Mountain Lodge, one of the most luxurious lodges along the Cascade Loop.

The hotel boasts two restaurants with gorgeous views and a full-service spa, as well as a fabulous outdoor pool, two tennis courts and an activities center offering seasonal activities like mountain biking, fly fishing and horse riding.

This hotel is ideally located about 20 minutes from Winthrop, providing guests with tons of access to nature and privacy. It's also right by Highway 20 which takes you back onto the Cascade Loop.

Bavarian luxury in Leavenworth

If you're looking for something a little different for an overnight stop, we recommend Leavenworth, an adorable, Bavarian-inspired town that is a highlight of the Cascade Loop.

Leavenworth, Washington, USA taken during fall at the Bavarian themed village of Leavenworth, Washington, with themed sidewalk cafes and shops on the pedestrian main street.
The fascinating Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth is a memorable place to explore.Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock.com

Leavenworth is a beautiful Alpine village that offers a “taste of Bavaria”, including wonderful dining experiences, several spas and unique shops. It's especially gorgeous in the winter, decked out in Christmas lights.

The town has tons on offer when it comes to attractions, including the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, the Leavenworth Town Center and the Enchantments, a pristine alpine wonderland that's only accessible via a pretty challenging hike.

You'll have lots of accommodation options in Leavenworth, though our recommendation is the stunning Bavarian Lodge. Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, and Bavarian-inspired décor with village and mountain views, the Bavarian Lodge is one of the most highlyrated lodges in Leavenworth.

The hotel is also in fabulous location, close to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, Front Street Park and the picturesque town center. Best of all, it's close to the highway which will take you back onto the Cascade Loop in the morning.

Things to see on a road trip on the Cascade Loop

There are dozens and dozens of attractions along the Cascade Loop—here's a selection of some of our must-visits for your trip.

Lake Washington, Seattle, USA taken at sunset.
Take to the waters at Lake Washington or simply enjoy a picnic by the shore.Cascade Creatives/Shutterstock.com

The entire length of Cascade Loop

  1. Everett - A popular starting point for the Cascade Loop, Everett has tons to offer including an Arboretum, a unique children's museum, and the Shack Art Centre.
  2. Lake Washington - Just outside of Everett, you'll find gorgeous Lake Washington, perfect for exploring via canoe or simply to enjoy from its stunning shores.
  3. Snohomish - If you're into antiquing, Snohomish is for you, boasting a renowned collection of antique shops and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  4. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, just outside of Leavenworth, offers several lakes as well as countless trails and walking paths perfect for an exploratory adventure.
  5. Leavenworth - Historic and cozy, Leavenworth is Washington State's premiere Alpine ski village, inspired by the Bavarian Villages of Europe and offering tons when it comes to spas, restaurants, and other attractions.
  6. Wenatchee - Referred to as the “Apple Capital of the World” due to its many orchards, the Wenatchee Valley is charming and perfect for a pit-stop or day's visit.
  7. Chelan - Lake Chelan and the nearby town of Chelan are both highlights along the Cascade Loop, boasting many apple orchards and a small but peaceful lake.
  8. Winthrop - The nearest town to the Methow Valley, Winthrop is known for its western flair and small-town vibe; it also boasts the continent's largest network of cross-country ski trails.
  9. Methow Valley - Methow Valley is a four-season recreational wonderland, offering tons of mountains, rivers and lakes that will keep you eager to explore this wonderful area.
  10. North Cascades National Park - Boasting a beautiful alpine landscape, North Cascades National Park is a highlight of the Cascade Loop, known for its stunning scenery and many hiking trails.
  11. Anacortes - Access the San Juan Islands via Anacortes, a popular and sunny destination for boaters and water-sport fanatics.
  12. Coupeville - There are tons to see in the small but mighty town of Coupeville, though you'll want to start by sampling its famous Penn Cove Mussels, which are exported to fine dining restaurants around the world.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Cascade Mountains, Washington, USA with a view of the Pacific Crest Trail Near Snoqualmie Pass.
Outdoor adventurers will find plenty of great hiking trails at the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.Tobin Akehurst/Shutterstock.com

Things to see driving from Seattle

  1. Boeing Future of Flight - Discover this wonderful museum, which is located just outside of Seattle and offers a look into the history and future of aviation.
  2. Marina Beach Park - Take in the beauty of Puget Sound from the vantage point at Marina Beach Park, which offers a serene beach as well as grounds for picnicking.
Methow Valley, Mazama, Washington, USA taken during a misty fall morning over the Methow River Near Mazama, Washington. Aerial drone view at sunrise of the historic Methow Valley with colorful views of the aspen trees changing to their autumnal colors.
Enjoy all four seasons at the beautiful Methow Valley where you can admire rivers forests and mountains.Edmund Lowe Photography/Shutterstock.com

Best time to drive on the Cascade Loop

The Cascade Loop is only accessible in its entirety between the months of June and October, so while you can certainly explore and enjoy many of the attractions on this loop year-round, the only way to get the full experience is to travel during these months.

To see what kind of weather might await you on your trip, make sure to visit the dedicated website for more information.

Summer is the most popular season for exploring the Cascade Loop due to the wonderful weather this area gets during the hotter months. You'll find that tourism typically peaks during this time, but don't let that deter you; the loop is large and spread out enough that you shouldn't feel an overwhelming tourist presence.

Summer temperatures in Washington will range between the upper 80s and mid 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter in Washington State can be quite snowy and wet and will typically last into the late months of spring. As parts of the loop are closed during this season, we recommend against travelling during this time and instead choosing a time during the summer or early fall to take this trip.

That being said, some of the attractions (like Leavenworth, the Bavarian village) would be absolutely stunning during this time. Winter temperatures can easily dip into the 20s and 30 degrees in Washington state.

Closures affect access to the loop throughout all of spring, though by the end of the season, you'll find most of the route re-opened and ripe for exploration. Fall, on the other hand, is a truly perfect time to take the Cascade Loop, as tourism is typically lower than in the summer and the fall foliage is stunning. Many of the apple orchards along the trail will also be ready for harvest, so you can enjoy harvest activities.

There are several events happening in the small towns and cities along this route—highlights include the Lake Chelan Winterfest in January, the Village of Lights: Winter Karneval in January, the Manson Apple Blossom Festival in May, and the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival in June.