Route Guide: The Cascade Loop

Washington’s Ultimate Road Trip

Some road trips are just about getting from point A to point B. The Cascade Loop? This one’s about everything in between. As we continue our route guide series—where we’ve tackled the remote solitude of the North Rim and the high-altitude drama of Beartooth Highway—it’s time to shift gears to Washington’s most iconic road trip.
Spanning 440 miles, the Cascade Loop takes you from the misty shores of Puget Sound to the jagged peaks of the North Cascades, then winds down into the rolling farmlands and sun-drenched vineyards of Central Washington. Sure, you could power through it in a couple of days, but that’d be like shooting back a pour of Macallan 25—technically possible, but a disgrace to something meant to be savored. This is a trip that rewards patience, detours, and a willingness to pull over every time the view demands it (which, fair warning, happens a lot).

Where to Start & How to Drive It

The Cascade Loop forms a giant circle through Washington, so you can technically start anywhere. Most people begin near Seattle, heading north toward Stevens Pass before looping east through Leavenworth, up through Winthrop, and back west over the North Cascades Highway. Driving counterclockwise gives you the best views on the way down from the North Cascades, so that’s our preferred route.

This route was practically made for an Alaskan Camper. You’ll be winding through remote mountain passes, stopping at scenic pullouts that demand a closer look, and camping wherever the view makes it impossible to keep driving. Forget hotel reservations—half the fun of the Cascade Loop is leaving them behind. While there are plenty of campgrounds along the way, the real magic is in the spots you won’t find on a booking site. We’ve included some dispersed camping tips in our quick guide so you can skip the crowded RV parks, claim your own patch of wilderness, and wake up to fresh air and mountain views—not traffic or the hum of a generator.

Our route guide begins outside Seattle and heads southeast—traveling counterclockwise…

Stevens Pass Greenway: The Road to the Mountains

Leaving the Seattle area, you’ll head east on Highway 2 and immediately find yourself climbing into the Cascades. This stretch follows the Skykomish River, passing through tiny mountain towns that exist mostly for hiking, fishing, and serving up questionable gas station burritos.

Stops Worth Making:

• Index & Gold Bar – Tiny logging towns turned rock-climbing meccas. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Heybrook Lookout Trail, a short but steep hike to a fire lookout with sweeping views.
• Skykomish – Classic mountain town vibes with an old-school railroad history.
• Deception Falls – Right off the highway, this waterfall is an easy stop that punches well above its weight in scenery.
• Stevens Pass – In the winter, this is a top-notch ski resort. In summer, it’s all about mountain biking and hiking.

💡Pro Tip: If you’re traveling in winter, check WSDOT road conditions—this pass gets serious snow.

Leavenworth: A Bavarian Detour

Just over the pass, you’ll roll into Leavenworth, Washington’s own little slice of Bavaria. What was once a dying timber town is now a fully committed Alpine-themed destination, complete with half-timbered buildings, lederhosen, and an unreasonable amount of bratwurst.

Things to Do:

• Explore downtown – Yes, it’s touristy. But if you can’t enjoy a good schnitzel and a stein of beer in a town that really leans into the whole Bavarian thing, you might be dead inside.
• Hike to Colchuck Lake – One of the most stunning alpine lakes in the state. If you’re up for a challenging hike, this is your spot.
• Float the Wenatchee River – When the temps climb, this is the best way to cool off.

💡Pro Tip: Skip the crowded town campgrounds and head to Lake Wenatchee State Park or the surrounding Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest for better scenery and fewer RV generators.

Wenatchee: Apple Capital & Columbia River Views

As you drop out of the mountains and into the foothills, Wenatchee marks the transition from alpine wilderness to Washington’s famous fruit country. This is where the Cascade Loop flirts with the Columbia River, and you’ll find orchards, vineyards, and farm-fresh everything.

Worth a Stop:

• Pybus Public Market – Local produce, coffee, craft beer, and a solid spot to restock your road trip provisions.
• Apple Capital Loop Trail – A scenic paved trail following the Columbia River, perfect for stretching your legs.
• Saddle Rock Hike – A quick but steep hike with panoramic views over Wenatchee and the Columbia River valley.
• Ohme Gardens – A quirky, hand-built alpine garden with winding stone pathways and killer views.

💡Pro Tip: Wenatchee Confluence State Park has great riverside camping, or head up into the hills for dispersed spots with fewer neighbors.

Lake Chelan: Sun, Water, and Wineries

After leaving Leavenworth, the Cascade Loop drops you into the sun-drenched foothills of Central Washington, where you’ll find Lake Chelan—a 50-mile-long glacial lake known for summer fun, wineries, and the fact that it’s still one of the best places to just be in the sunshine.

Stops Worth Making:

• Stehekin – A tiny, roadless town at the far end of the lake. You’ll need to take a boat or floatplane to get there, but it’s worth it for the solitude, incredible hiking, and world-famous Stehekin Pastry Company.
• Lake Chelan State Park – Good camping and even better swimming.
• Wineries – Chelan has quietly become one of Washington’s best wine regions. Check out Benson Vineyards for incredible views with your glass of Syrah.

Methow Valley: The Wild West of Washington

Heading north, the Cascade Loop takes you into Winthrop and the Methow Valley, a place where the Old West meets outdoor adventure. This is where you’ll find some of Washington’s best cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and general outdoorsy goodness.

Don’t Miss:

• Winthrop – A Western-style town that somehow manages to feel authentic rather than gimmicky.
• The Mazama Store – A legendary stop for fresh pastries, local goods, and gear.
• Hiking & Biking – Check out Cutthroat Pass or Maple Pass Loop for some of the best mountain views on the Loop.

💡Pro Tip: There’s tons of dispersed camping in the surrounding Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest if you prefer a more scenic, off-grid stay.

North Cascades Highway: The Crown Jewel

From Winthrop, the road climbs into the North Cascades, one of the most rugged, glacier-covered mountain ranges in the Lower 48. This is where the Cascade Loop goes from great to absolutely unreal.

Stops Worth Making:

• Washington Pass Overlook – A quick stop with jaw-dropping views of the Liberty Bell spires.
• Diablo Lake Overlook – That insanely blue lake you’ve seen on Instagram? This is it.
• Ross Lake Resort – If you have time, rent a kayak and explore this remote, boat-in wilderness.

💡Pro Tip: This highway closes in winter, so plan accordingly.

Concrete & Rockport: The Road Less Traveled

As you wind down from the North Cascades toward the Skagit Valley, most travelers breeze through the tiny towns of Concrete and Rockport without a second thought. But if you like quirky roadside history and local charm, these stops are worth a pause.

Worth a Stop:

• Concrete’s Historic Silos – A relic from the town’s cement production past, now a landmark that looms over downtown.
• Baker Lake Road – A scenic detour leading to a beautiful alpine lake with camping and hiking.
• Howard Miller Steelhead Park – A great stop for fishing, picnicking, or just taking in the Skagit River views.
• Bald Eagle Watching (Winter Only) – The Skagit River hosts one of the largest winter gatherings of bald eagles in the U.S.

💡Pro Tip: Free dispersed camping can be found along Baker Lake Road, or grab a spot at Rasar State Park.

Skagit Valley & Whidbey Island: The Loop’s Grand Finale

As the Loop winds back west, you’ll trade mountains for rolling farmland, rivers, and the salt air of Puget Sound.

Stops Worth Making:

• Skagit Valley – If you time it right (April), the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a must.
• Deception Pass State Park – Washington’s most-visited state park, with incredible views and a famous bridge.
• Whidbey Island – Quaint seaside towns, more hiking, and the perfect place to grab some fresh seafood before wrapping up your trip.

From Whidbey, a short ferry ride back to the mainland brings you full circle, closing out one of the most scenic road trips in the country.

Final Tips for the Cascade Loop

The Cascade Loop isn’t just a road trip—it’s a full immersion into everything that makes Washington worth exploring. One minute, you’re winding through moss-covered forests, the next, you’re cruising past high desert plateaus or staring down a glacial lake that looks too blue to be real. It’s the kind of route where planning is helpful but spontaneity is rewarded. So gas up when you can, pack for every possible forecast, and don’t be afraid to follow a dirt road just because it looks interesting. The best spots usually aren’t marked on a map anyway.