Most scenic byways give travelers a “slice” of their state or region. The Cascade Loop, however, delivers an absolute smorgasbord! Guests are advised to travel the Cascade Loop in a counter-clockwise direction in order to have the easiest, most convenient access to the most iconic, jaw-dropping views. The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway is divided into nine distinct regions, each defined by its unique landscape and environment.
A trip around the Cascade Loop is best enjoyed over the course of several days. Visitors traveling from overseas will spend the most significant amount of time on the byway, followed by visitors from locations throughout the United States and Canada. Guests can travel around the Loop in either direction, but it is recommended that when possible, guests travel the byway in a counter-clockwise direction so that the most iconic views and pullouts are most easily accessible.
Seattle NorthCountry – From the waters of Puget Sound, through fertile farm valleys, to the foothills of the Cascade Range, where vibrant cities and towns serve as gateways to the Cascade Loop.
Stevens Pass Greenway – Lush forests and thundering waterfalls line the scenic route up and over Stevens Pass, traversing through charming historic towns that offer friendly hospitality and remnants of the past.
Leavenworth/Cascade Foothills – A Bavarian village and classic all-American small towns nestled in the foothills of the eastern slope of the Cascades offer a diversity of recreational and cultural experiences.
Wenatchee/Columbia River Valley – Orchards, vineyards, and farmlands roll across the landscape and along the shores of the Great Columbia River, with bustling towns that are commercial hubs of Washington State’s important fruit industry.
Lake Chelan Valley – A pristine, glacier-fed lake slices deeply into the heart of the Cascade Mountains in a setting that offers abundant scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
The Methow Valley – From the confluence of the Columbia River to the crest of the Cascade Mountains, with miles of open range, endless star-filled skies, natural recreation, and a frontier atmosphere of the Old West, year-round experiences are enjoyed by all.
North Cascades – Dramatic mountain peaks and spectacular scenery across national forest and parklands—this is the Cascades at their best—with lakes, rivers, creeks, abundant hiking trails, and travelers’ rests along the way.
Skagit Valley & Fidalgo Island – A proud agricultural heritage, American bald eagles, and colorful carpets of blooms (tulips, daffodils, irises) across the lowland plains to Puget Sound, many experiences await travelers as they descend the Western side of the Cascade Mountains.
Whidbey Scenic Isle Way – Saltwater beaches and historic towns connect to the mainland by bridges and ferries and offer spectacular scenic views of farmlands, forests, and snow-capped peaks of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
