Famous route

Cascade Loop Scenic Highway

A 440-mile National Scenic Byway loop through Washington, from Puget Sound over Stevens Pass to Lake Chelan and back over the North Cascades Highway. SR 20 closes in winter.

State: Washington
Length: About 440 mi
Suggested time: Several days
Best season: Late spring to fall
Passes: Stevens, Rainy

What should you know before visiting Cascade Loop Scenic Highway?

No toll roads expected for a car.

The loop is about 440 miles, roughly 710 km, and the official site divides it into nine regions. Plan several days rather than a single push.
The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) closes in winter because of snow and avalanche danger. WSDOT closes it when conditions threaten safety, historically from November or December until April or May.
When SR 20 is closed, you backtrack instead of completing the circle. Check the WSDOT pass reports for SR 20 and Stevens Pass before you leave.
Snow can fall in the eastern foothills into March and at altitude from November to February. The western side is milder with rain and fog.

The drive

The loop links the Snohomish River Valley, Stevens Pass, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, Pateros and the Methow Valley. It then crosses the North Cascades by Highway 20 over Rainy Pass to the Skagit Valley, Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island. Most travelers drive it in either direction; the official site lists towns, viewpoints and events by region, which helps in splitting the stages.

Planning

Check WSDOT pass and road reports for SR 20 and Stevens Pass, and the North Cascades National Park page for conditions in that area. Winter traction rules can apply on passes, so carry the required equipment in the cold season. The route runs through populated valleys, so fuel and food are usually easy to find, but services may be sparse on the mountain stretch of SR 20. Closing the loop from Whidbey Island means the car ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo, about 20 minutes; check Washington State Ferries for schedules and vehicle rules.

Camping

Campgrounds are spread along the loop, from state parks and national forest sites to private RV parks in the towns. Many are seasonal and busy in summer, so check opening times and reservation rules with the operators. Dispersed camping on national forest land is generally permitted under local rules, but not in national parks outside designated sites. Fire bans are common in dry summers, so ask the Forest Service or Washington State Parks about current limits.

FAQs

How long is the Cascade Loop?

The official site gives 440 miles, about 710 km, divided into nine regions. It does not state a fixed driving time, so most travelers plan several days with stops.

When does the North Cascades Highway close?

Usually in November or December because of snow and avalanches, and it reopens in April or May. Dates depend on weather, so check WSDOT, the road authority, before planning the circle.

Can I drive the loop in winter?

Not as a full circle, since SR 20 is closed. You can still drive large parts and return the same way. Stevens Pass can require traction devices, so check WSDOT reports.