How long is the Cascade Loop: Washington's Mountain and Lake Road Trip route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Everett to Everett in Washington State, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is June to October: when the passes are open.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure, Food & drink.

Cascade Loop: Washington's Mountain and Lake Road Trip

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The route · 7 stops

6 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Everett

1 night

Puget Sound gateway and the official start of the loop. Pick up the car, stock up, and walk the marina before heading east on US 2. A practical first night to settle in and beat jet lag before the mountain driving begins.Puget Sound gateway and the official start of the loop. Pick up the car, stock up, and walk the marina before heading east on US 2. A practical first night to settle in and beat jet lag before the mountain driving begins.

Recommendations

2h 13m · 160 km drive to Leavenworth

Leavenworth

2 nights

A Bavarian-themed alpine village over Stevens Pass, ringed by Cascade peaks. Worth two nights: riverside trails, the Waterfront Park, summer festivals, and German bakeries and beer halls. The most popular overnight on the loop, so book well ahead.A Bavarian-themed alpine village over Stevens Pass, ringed by Cascade peaks. Worth two nights: riverside trails, the Waterfront Park, summer festivals, and German bakeries and beer halls. The most popular overnight on the loop, so book well ahead.

Recommendations

1h · 72 km drive to Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan

1 night

A 55-mile glacial lake in dry, sunny country, fringed by beaches, orchards and vineyards. One night is enough to swim, rent a boat, or tour a winery before continuing up the Methow Valley. The water stays warm well into September.A 55-mile glacial lake in dry, sunny country, fringed by beaches, orchards and vineyards. One night is enough to swim, rent a boat, or tour a winery before continuing up the Methow Valley. The water stays warm well into September.

Recommendations

1h 18m · 93 km drive to Winthrop

Winthrop

1 night

An 1890s Old-West town with wooden boardwalks, the gateway to the Methow Valley. Browse the main street, then ride or hike the valley's renowned trail network. A relaxed one-night stop before the climb over the North Cascades passes.An 1890s Old-West town with wooden boardwalks, the gateway to the Methow Valley. Browse the main street, then ride or hike the valley's renowned trail network. A relaxed one-night stop before the climb over the North Cascades passes.

Recommendations

1h 17m · 92 km drive to North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park

1 night

Cross Rainy and Washington Passes on Highway 20 into the wild heart of the North Cascades. The turquoise Diablo Lake Overlook is the signature stop, with short trails at Newhalem and Ross Lake nearby. Base around Marblemount or Newhalem for the night.Cross Rainy and Washington Passes on Highway 20 into the wild heart of the North Cascades. The turquoise Diablo Lake Overlook is the signature stop, with short trails at Newhalem and Ross Lake nearby. Base around Marblemount or Newhalem for the night.

Recommendations

2h 21m · 169 km drive to Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island

1 night

Drop through the Skagit Valley to Whidbey Island, crossing the dramatic Deception Pass Bridge. Explore historic Coupeville on Penn Cove, then take the Clinton to Mukilteo ferry back toward Everett. A scenic, low-key final night on saltwater.Drop through the Skagit Valley to Whidbey Island, crossing the dramatic Deception Pass Bridge. Explore historic Coupeville on Penn Cove, then take the Clinton to Mukilteo ferry back toward Everett. A scenic, low-key final night on saltwater.

Recommendations

On the way

Everett
48m · 58 km
Close the loop back at Everett after the ferry. Drop the car, or stay a final night before flying out of nearby Seattle. The short run down I-5 returns you to where the trip began.Close the loop back at Everett after the ferry. Drop the car, or stay a final night before flying out of nearby Seattle. The short run down I-5 returns you to where the trip began.
Recommendations

Cascade Loop: Washington's Mountain and Lake Road Trip