North Cascades Highway – Road Trip in one of the most beautiful roads in the US

on April 12, 2024

Introduction:

What? :

As the North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) cross the cascade mountain range from west to east, two hours’ drive north of Seattle WA.

You can drive through this area in few hours, just taking few short stops along the way at the viewing points.

North Cascades Highway considered to be the most scenic drive in Washington State and one of the top ranks drives in the US, and there is a good reason for that.

Along the drive you will pass between jagged mountain peaks with alpine glaciers, rushing waterfalls, and three large man-made lakes with turquoise blueish colors.

On your way you will pass through old-growth dense forests on the western slopes of the mountains and valleys. You will enjoy the view of the rugged mountains ridges towering above, partly covered with pine forests, snow, and glaciers.

The highway has many places to pull over, enjoy the panoramic views and take scenic photos.

There are also many hiking trails along the way.

North Cascades National Park and its wilderness area is spanning on both sides of the road, and it offer endless of hiking and backpacking options.

The North Cascades National Park website:

https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

Where? :

Although highway 20 is much longer the scenic section of the road start at Marblemount on the west side and ends at the small town of Winthrop at its east side. This section of the road is 88 mile long and when driving without taking any stop it is about 2 hours’ drive.

If you are coming from Seattle drive north on highway I-5 and at the city of Burlington, take highway 20 and head east.

Google Map Link

Additional related blogs:

When? :

The highway is open from late May to early October and is closed in the winter due to snow blocking the road.

Due note 1: When open the road itself is in good condition and unlike many other highways crossing the mountain range it is not so twisted or challenging to drive.

Due note 2: Service can be found at Marblemount on the west entrance of North Cascades Highway. And on the east side of the road, it is Winthrop. About 70 miles separate between the two so make sure you have enough gas for this drive.

Due note 3: You can create a few days road trip loop drive starting from Seattle. Head east on highway 2, in Wenatchee head north on highway 97. At Pateros take highway 153 and when reaching highway 20 head west, cross the mountains following North Cascades Highway.

Due note 4: During late summer month (starting from August) you may encounter wildfires that can burn for weeks. Check local weather and other conditions before your trip. When I visit here Sep. 2023 there were several fires going on and many hiking areas where close to public access.

Due note 5: There are practically endless hiking options, but I will not cover them in this blog. I need to visit here and spend many more days before I can can provide such information.

My thoughts:

North Cascades Highway considered to be the most scenic drive in Washington State and one of the top ranks drives in the US, and there is a good reason for that.

As the North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) cross the cascade mountain range from west to east, two hours’ drive north of Seattle WA.

Along the drive you will pass between jagged mountain peaks with alpine glaciers, rushing waterfalls, and three large man-made lakes with turquoise blueish colors.

On your way you will pass through old-growth dense forests on the western slopes of the mountains and valleys. You will enjoy the view of the rugged mountains ridges towering above, partly covered with pine forests, snow, and glaciers.

The highway has many places to pull over, enjoy the panoramic views and take scenic photos.

I visit here for one day, during autumn sunny day, it was nice and sunny but there was wildfire near the road and many hiking trails were closed and during morning hours the smoke cover the valleys.

The Drive:

I will describe my drive from west to east, but you can do it also in the other direction.

If you are visiting here as part of a day trip from Seattle this will probably be driving east and stopping and visiting the different attraction points along the drive and then at the afternoon driving back west to Seattle.

I will describe only locations I visit.

Unfortunately, when I visit here during Sep 2023 there was large fire running in several locations along the road so most of the hiking trails where close for access.

Marblemount:

Marblemount is a small town on highway 20 on both sides of the Skagit River.

You can find here several accommodation options as well as gas, groceries, and a variety of restaurants. Marblemount provide the last large commercial services for those traveling east into North Cascades Highway, the next service city is Winthrop, 70 miles away.

In the town, where highway 20 take a sharp turn left there is a side road following the cascade river. This road leading deep into the North Cascades mountains and remote sections of the National Park.

The first 11 miles of the road are paved and after that it is dirt road. There are few hiking options starting from this road, the one nearest to town lead to Lookout Mountain high viewpoint. Trailhead is located on the road 7 miles after crossing the bridge over Skagit River.

North Cascades National Park West Entrance

There is a small turnout on the right side of the road with the “official” park entrance sign.

North Cascades National Park Visitor Center:

Just before arriving to Newhalem, you will see on our right the entrance to North Cascades National Park Visitor Center.

Cross the one lane bridge and drive up to the visitor center at the end of the road.

Here you can find up to date information on trails conditions and educational information about this large park and wilderness area.

There is a large campground and other camping facilities in this location.

The Park website:

https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm

Newhalem:

The small town was established during the construction of Skagit River Hydroelectric Project that includes a series of 3 large dams with hydroelectric power-generating stations. Today Newhalem is a company owned town and populated entirely by employees of different local or federal agencies, the town is not open to permanent residents.

Gorge Powerhouse and Ladder Creek Falls

Just near Newhalem you can visit Gorge Powerhouse and Ladder Creek Falls. Cross Skagit River via a suspension footbridge and explore Gorge Powerhouse visitor gallery and hydroelectric turbines. Walk and see Ladder Creek Falls in the garden surrounding the powerhouse.

Gorge Dam Viewpoint:

When driving north after passing Newhalem you will pass a short tunnel and after that you will see on your right a sideroad connecting from your right. Keep driving and you will see a small offroad pullout to stop.

From here it is the best Gorge Dam Viewpoint.

Gorge Overlook Trail:

Soon after Gorge Dam Viewpoint heading east you will see a parking lot entrance.

Here you have restrooms. You will see a short, paved trail leading to the other side of the hill. You are located just above the dam and from here you have few viewing points down to the river below.

You can also walk to the highway 20 bridge and look at the gorge below you.

From this point of the road and for the next 11 miles the road following the outskirts line of the three lakes: Lake Chelan, Diablo Lake, and the longest and largest one, Ross Lake.

The three manmade lakes are as a result of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The construction of the three large dams began in 1921 by building Gorge Dam (300 feet) and the first power was delivered to Seattle in 1924. Later in 1930 Diablo Dam (389 feet) was completed and in 1953 the last stage of Ross Dam (540 feet) construction was completed.

Just before crossing with a large bridge over Gorge Lake there is a turn to the left into Diablo itself. When I visit here there was a wildfire, and the road was close.

Colonial Creek South Campground

The road turn to the left into the forest and just before it is crossing Diablo Lake there are two large campgrounds on both sides of the road. Here you can also find boat ramps.

From the bridge itself you have a nice view of the lake arm and towering above west of you the high Pinnacle Peak, Paul Bunyan’s Stump, and the Needle Mountain where below them you can see Colonial Glacier in the creek.

Diablo Lake Vista Point

Enjoy the views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks from this location.

Not matter what are your plan and how much time you have this is a must stop location on your North Cascades Highway drive.

On a clear summer day when there is no wind the view from this point is breathtaking. The lake surround you on both side with his blue turquoise watercolor and the large, massive, and spiky mountain are towering above you and the landscape is covered with the local forest.

I visit here when there was no wind at all and the mountain reflection in the lake water was perfect.

Ross Dam Trailhead

When I visit here there was an active wildfire going on in several locations so this parking lot was close, and I can’t hike down to Ross Dam.

Ross Lake Overlook

This roadside parking overlook is probably the best location to view the largest of all three lakes, Ross Lake. This 20-miles-long lake span over more than miles and even crossing the US – Canada border.

A short stop here and you are off on your drive.

Rainy Pass Picnic Site and Trailhead:

When I visit here there was an active wildfire going on in several locations so this parking lot was close, and I can’t hike to the nearby Rainy Lake.

Washington Pass Observation Site:

Short paved trail from the parking lot will take you to a stunning view of Washington Pass, North Cascades Highway from above, Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires, and Kangaroo Ridge.

From here you will have near-360 views of one of the most iconic spots along the North Cascades Highway.

This is a must stop destination when you are passing here.

This visit was as one day trip out of Seattle and back and it is getting late in the afternoon. I decided to end my travel east along the North Cascades Highway

and drive back to Seattle from this point.

I drove back. On my way I stop at several viewing points.

Additional Pictures:

Comments