From the Methow the Cascade Loop heads straight up into mountain paradise in the North Cascades. Region 7 is home to the North Cascades National Park with its frighteningly jagged and glorious alpine peaks and many waterfalls. Known as the “North American Alps,” the North Cascades Highway takes you past amazing spiked peaks, gorgeous valleys and hundreds of glaciers. This part of the highway is usually only open May through late November due to high snowfall.
You cannot miss the massive bulk of Liberty Bell and Early Winters spires as you climb toward Washington and Rainy Pass. Look for lots of trails including a beautiful short trail off from Washington Pass Overlook, the highest point on the North Cascades Highway.
Trekking on a section of the Pacific Crest Trail or the popular Blue Lake trail (2 miles) gives visitors a good look at what the mountains really hold.
Beyond the summit, look for the 30-mile stretch that traverses the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Be warned, from the Ross and Diablo Lake overlooks you can see the most glaciated valley in North America outside of Alaska.
Plan ahead to save time for a Seattle City Light cruise on Diablo Lake or take the shuttle between Diablo and Ross Lakes. As you drive down the west side of the Cascades, Marblemount is the first full-service community you come to on Highway 20. Nearby, Rockport State park offers more hiking with views of the Skagit River as well as rafting, fishing , camping and wildlife watching.
What is your favorite stop on the North Cascades Highway?
