Every great destination deserves a great road trip to match. Sun Mountain Lodge sits on a mountain crest above Washington’s Methow Valley, and getting here is half the adventure. With the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) officially open for the season, the full 440-mile Cascade Loop is restored, giving you two spectacular routes to choose from and one incredible destination waiting at the center of it all.
Whether you cruise east over Stevens Pass through Bavarian mountain towns, glacial lake country, and wine valleys, or save the dramatic alpine peaks of Highway 20 for your drive home, the Methow Valley is wide open and waiting. Pack the camera, roll the windows down, and start planning your mountain escape.
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Now that the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) is officially open, the full, legendary Cascade Loop is restored. This isn’t just a drive—it’s one of America’s premier road trips, taking you on an incredible 440-mile journey through every distinct landscape Washington has to offer.
Here are the standout regions waiting for you along this world-class loop:
With the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) officially open, the full 440-mile Cascade Loop is ready for your ultimate road trip. Make Sun Mountain Lodge your mid-loop sanctuary and trade the driver’s seat for horseback riding on pristine trails, rafting down the Methow River, or mountain biking through alpine meadows. To celebrate the reopening of the pass, we invite you to linger a little longer in the high country.
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Distance: 33 miles | Elevation: 0-300 feet
Seattle to Snohomish Valley:
The Snohomish River Valley is where the Seattle to Sun Mountain Lodge drive starts to feel like a real road trip. You’re leaving the city behind and stepping into river towns, farmland, and a slower pace the moment you cross into Snohomish County.
For travelers heading clockwise from Seattle, this is the first stretch that starts to feel like the Cascade Loop. The Snohomish River connects a string of towns shaped by water, farming, and local history.
One of Washington’s major waterfront cities, Everett blends industrial history with marina walks and waterfront views. Grand Avenue Park offers sweeping bluff-top views and an iconic pedestrian bridge down to the marina for a perfect first stop before you head deeper into the drive to Sun Mountain Lodge.
Wander down First Street and the slower pace sets in immediately. This is a river town that hasn’t forgotten its roots. Duck into an antique shop, browse a local gallery, grab a coffee. It’s an easy, unhurried start to a drive that gets more dramatic with every mile. Sun Mountain Lodge and the peaks of the Methow are waiting—but there’s no reason to rush.
The area also connects to the Snohomish County Centennial Trail, a paved multi-use path that follows an old railroad corridor and makes for an easy stretch break.
Located near the confluence of Skykomish River and Woods Creek, Al Borlin Park is a peaceful stop with wooded trails and river access that works well as a shaded break. The park features a 1.2-mile network of easy, flat gravel trails that lead directly down to gravelly beach areas and serene viewpoints along the roaring Skykomish River.
Monroe marks the point where the route starts shifting from valley to foothill. It’s still a working town, but it also feels like the first real step toward the mountains.
Distance: ~45 miles | Elevation: 300-4,068 feet
Stevens Pass Corridor:
Highway 2 climbs east from the foothills into the Cascades, and the scenery changes quickly. You pass logging towns and river valleys as the mountains rise and the drive becomes more dramatic on the way to Sun Mountain Lodge. By the time you reach Stevens Pass, you’ve moved from foothills to alpine.
The mountains are getting closer. Lock in your room at Sun Mountain Lodge before you hit the next stretch.
A timber town sitting at the confluence of the Sultan and Skykomish Rivers, Sultan has a working-town feel and easy river access that fits the early part of the mountain drive.
Gold Bar is a convenient stop for Wallace Falls State Park and a good place to stretch your legs before the higher climbs. The park entrance is located just two miles off Highway 2 right in town, making it an effortless detour.
One of Washington’s most photogenic mountain towns, Index sits beneath the dramatic granite face of the Index Town Wall and gives the corridor a more rugged feel. If you want a quick 5-minute leg-stretcher here, visit the historic Bush House Inn or walk across the 5th Street Bridge over the river for the ultimate photo op.
Skykomish has a strong historic rail-town feel, and its old depot adds to the sense that you’re moving deeper into the mountains.
As you crest Stevens Pass, pull over and breathe it in. Granite peaks crowd the skyline, wildflowers push through the alpine meadows in summer, and the air has that sharp, cold edge that only exists above the treeline. It’s a preview of the mountain scenery waiting for you at Sun Mountain Lodge—just with a panoramic room, a hot meal, and a spa treatment on the other side.
These distinct cascades showcase the power of mountain water. While Wallace and Bridal Veil Falls require dedicated hikes on the west side, Deception Falls is an easy stop right off Highway 2 just east of the summit. It features a short, lush trail and plenty of rushing water, making it the perfect quick leg-stretcher on your Seattle to Sun Mountain Lodge road trip.
Distance: ~25 miles | Elevation: 1,200-3,500+ feet
Leavenworth & Wenatchee Valley:
Region 3 is where the route descends the eastern crest of the Cascades, transitioning into dramatic canyons and sunny, pine-filled valleys. Centered on Leavenworth, this stretch adds vibrant mountain-town energy, easy access to world-class hikes, and some of the most iconic, sun-drenched scenery. Now you’re in the heart of the Cascades. Sun Mountain Lodge is just a few hours north—lock in your room before you hit the road.
The iconic Bavarian-themed alpine village and outdoor recreation hub of the Cascades. Leavenworth serves as the gateway to hiking, skiing, climbing, and mountain adventure, with a walkable downtown and access to trails ranging from casual riverside walks to challenging alpine climbing.
An exceptional side-trip detour, the drive up the Icicle River valley follows a narrow gorge with increasingly dramatic mountain views. The valley offers hiking trailheads, river access, and a sense of ascending into deep wilderness as the road climbs toward alpine terrain before looping back to town.
As you leave the mountain foothills behind and head further east, the scenery opens up dramatically. This stretch brings sprawling fruit orchards, sweeping river views, and a sunny, high-desert feel that is completely different from the west side of the drive. Wenatchee anchors the region as the valley’s heart, and from here you can taste wine country, explore historic gardens, and hit the waterfront trails on your way to Sun Mountain Lodge.
Distance: ~27 miles | Elevation: 650-900 feet
Once you cross the pass, the scenery opens up. This east-side stretch brings orchards, river views, and a high-desert feel that is completely different from the west side of the drive. Wenatchee anchors the region as the valley’s heart, and from here you can taste wine country, hike through waterfalls, explore historic gardens, and hit the trails.
Wenatchee is the anchor of the valley, where the Columbia River widens and the pace feels more relaxed. Framed by riverfront parks and local orchards, it’s a premier stop for dining at Pybus Public Market, strolling the waterfront, and enjoying a sunny break from the mountain climbs on the way to Sun Mountain Lodge.
A popular riverfront marketplace featuring local restaurants, artisan shops, coffee, wine tasting, and access to the Apple Capital Loop Trail.
A beautifully paved, traffic-free 10-mile multi-use waterfront trail that hugs both sides of the wide Columbia River. Perfect for a refreshing riverside walk rather than a backcountry hike, you can park right at Pybus Public Market and step directly onto the trail to enjoy gorgeous views of the desert bluffs and the river canyon.
A spectacular hidden oasis perched on the high desert bluffs overlooking the Columbia River. This nine-acre garden features enchanting stone trails, rushing waterfalls, and lush mountain foliage that seem impossible in the arid climate. Truly a peaceful, surprising detour on your road trip. Open seasonally from April 15 to October 15, daily from 9 AM to 6 PM (note: last entry is at 5:15 PM; sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended).
A small river town with genuine character sitting at the confluence of the Entiat and Columbia Rivers. Acting as the gateway to the scenic Entiat River Road and deep national forest trail access, this quiet, authentic stop rewards travelers who slow down to enjoy the peaceful waterfront city park or take a quick detour to the thundering Silver Falls trail.
The valley surrounding Wenatchee offers incredibly distinct walking paths depending on your energy level:
A quiet, rural corner of the valley located just 10 minutes southeast of Wenatchee. It perfectly blends rich agricultural roots and rugged river access to provide the feeling of genuine backcountry despite its proximity to the city. It is highly popular for its sweeping fruit orchards and hidden hillside vineyards like Malaga Springs Winery, making it a rewarding detour for wine lovers looking to escape the main highway crowds.
A sweeping Columbia River waterfront park with serious views. You can park right at the water’s edge, watch the massive river move, and capture spectacular photos of the desert bluffs. It is a peaceful, underrated stop that helps you understand how the river shapes the entire valley, with immediate access to the paved Apple Capital Loop Trail.
Located exactly halfway between Leavenworth and Wenatchee, this is one of the most underrated stops on the route. This immersive small-town museum offers a fascinating look into early Washington history, featuring a massive collection of local artifacts indoors and a spectacular outdoor village of 20 original, preserved pioneer buildings. With its charming western storefronts and rustic textures, it is also a premier hidden photography stop along the highway. (Note: Open seasonally, typically from April through October).
Located just 7 miles north of Wenatchee along the highway, this completely transformed, four-story facility is an absolute must-visit. It seamlessly combines jaw-dropping Columbia River gorge views with high-tech interactive exhibits where you can steer a steamship or crank a turbine. Head down to the underground viewing room to look giant salmon and steelhead right in the eye as they navigate the fish ladder upstream.
Open Tuesday–Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM; admission to the center, the 38-acre arboretum park, and the playgrounds is completely FREE.
Distance: ~25 miles | Elevation: 700-1,100 feet
Lake Chelan changes the feel of the Seattle to Sun Mountain Lodge drive yet again. After passing through river valleys and desert canyons, the scenery suddenly opens into a massive, striking 50-mile-long glacier-fed lake. Walled by sun-baked hills and terraced vineyards, this region introduces a distinctly vibrant, summer-vacation energy to your route.
The Chelan Valley is home to some of the most scenic wineries in Washington State. Compared to larger wine regions, the atmosphere here feels more relaxed and discovery-driven, utilizing unique glacial soils and a lake-tempered climate to craft award-winning varietals. Many tasting rooms overlook pristine vineyards, towering mountains, and the deep blue lake itself. Popular stops include:
Whether you stop for a single tasting or a long lakeside lunch, wine country adds a completely different energy to the drive.
Before heading north toward the Methow Valley, Lake Chelan offers the perfect adventure stop. Spend a few hours:
Lake Chelan brings vibrant summer energy and adventure into the middle of the drive, making the route feel far more dynamic than a direct highway trip.
The Pateros Gateway: Alta Lake State Park
As you leave the Columbia River behind at Pateros and turn north onto SR-153 toward the Methow Valley, make a quick stop at Alta Lake State Park. Tucked safely away from the highway basin beneath towering, 1,000-foot rocky bluffs, this quiet mountain lake offers peaceful shaded picnic spots, excellent trout fishing, and calm waters. It provides the ultimate relaxed breather to stretch your legs before pushing into the upper valley. **(Note: Open seasonally from April 1 to October 31; a Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle parking). **
Distance: ~30 miles | Elevation: 1,000-2,100 feet
You’ve arrived. After passing through roaring river valleys, dense alpine passes, and vibrant lake country, the Methow Valley feels like the rewarding final stretch of the trip. This is where the landscape transitions into the true North Cascades wilderness, opening wide under an endless sky.
Three distinct communities anchor the valley—Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama—offering a rich blend of local arts, western heritage, and backcountry access. Perched on a mountain crest right in the heart of this valley, Sun Mountain Lodge marks your final destination, offering panoramic alpine views that make every mile of the journey worth it.
Whether you prefer a cozy lakeside cabin or a luxury room with peak views, we’ve got a room for you.
The definitive heart of the valley. Winthrop features spectacular, historic Old West charm packed with genuine frontier character. Wooden boardwalks lead you past local art galleries, boutique shops, and riverside restaurants. It’s the ultimate walkable downtown where you can grab homemade ice cream at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe, tour the outdoor pioneer cabins at the Shafer Museum, or step inside Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon—the oldest legal saloon in Washington. This is where the Methow comes alive with vibrant mountain energy. (Pro-Tip: Skip the main street traffic and park at the Winthrop Barn lot for an easy, scenic pedestrian bridge walk into town).
Located right on the southern edge of Winthrop just minutes below the lodge road, this beautiful park sits peacefully along the banks of the Methow River. Dedicated to river conservation, it features a series of stunning local art installations and hand-forged metal salmon sculptures by a local artist. An easy, flat interpretive trail winds through restored wetlands, making it a quiet, deeply moving sanctuary to visit before checking in to your room.
Smaller, quieter, and deeply artistically alive. Twisp is the creative capital of the valley, defined by a vibrant community of local makers and galleries. It is the perfect place for a slower stop, exceptional espresso at Blue Star Coffee Roasters, and a genuine sense of cultural connection. Be sure to explore TwispWorks, a multi-acre historic campus where you can tour open artisan studios, visit a local nano-brewery, and discover authentic Methow Valley art.
The ultimate gateway to the rugged North Cascades wilderness. Mazama is a tiny, high-elevation alpine village where the mountain landscape gets incredibly serious. It serves as a world-class access point for multi-pitch rock climbing on Goat Wall, backcountry winter skiing, and high-alpine hiking trails. No trip here is complete without stopping at the legendary Mazama Store, a famous crossroads general store where you can stock up on mountain gear, local wine, and their world-renowned, fresh-baked baguettes.
This is outdoor recreation at its purest. Managed by Methow Trails, this world-class network features hundreds of miles of impeccably maintained paths for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The system offers everything from rugged alpine lake treks and panoramic high-ridge walks to flat meadow strolls. Travelers can step right onto the Methow Community Trail for an easy, scenic riverside walk between Mazama and Winthrop. Best of all, Sun Mountain Lodge serves as its own major trailhead hub, giving you immediate, front-door access to miles of pristine forest trails tailored to every skill level.
This is “the Methow way” at its most authentic. To truly experience the deep frontier and ranching heritage that defines this valley, you can saddle up and explore the landscape from horseback. Trails wind up through rolling sagebrush hills, pine forests, and wide-open mountain meadows. Best of all, Sun Mountain Lodge features the largest resort stables in the region right on-site, allowing you to easily step out of your room and book guided trail rides, youth lessons, or an authentic evening cowboy wagon ride complete with a lakeside BBQ dinner.
The ultimate grand finale to your journey. Shielded by towering peaks and protected by the advocacy of the Methow Dark Sky Coalition, this region boasts some of the absolute darkest and clearest night skies in the entire United States. The lack of light pollution reveals an endless, brilliant tapestry of stars and a jaw-dropping view of the Milky Way that will completely change your perspective.
After winding through river towns, Bavarian villages, glacial lakes, and wild alpine wilderness, there’s a moment on the final switchback road up to the lodge when the entire Methow Valley unfolds below you. That’s when it clicks: the drive wasn’t just the way to get here. It was part of the experience.
At Sun Mountain Lodge, the pace shifts completely; and intentionally. Trade the driver’s seat for some of the best outdoor adventure in Washington:
Distance: ~60 miles | Elevation: 2,100-5,477 feet
The Mountain Crest Corridor:
Leaving the valley floor, the route climbs aggressively into the jagged, granite spires of North Cascades National Park. This freshly reopened stretch is pure alpine drama—frequently referred to as the “American Alps”—where massive fields of glacial ice sit framed against deep, forested canyons.
As you clear the highest elevations of the pass, the dense pine forests of the east side give way to dramatic, sheer drop-offs and sweeping overhead views of the peaks. This is the wild, high-altitude crown jewel of the Cascade Loop, offering a driving experience defined by tight mountain switchbacks, roaring roadside waterfalls, and raw Pacific Northwest wilderness.
The absolute highest point on the Cascade Loop (5,477 feet). A short, paved pathway brings you to an incredible viewing platform hanging directly over the highway’s famous hairpin turn, with the sheer granite wall of Liberty Bell Mountain towering right in front of you.
Famous for its unreal, electric-turquoise color caused by fine glacial flour suspended in the freezing water. This mandatory roadside stop provides panoramic photo ops of the lake basin and the massive peaks that ring the canyon.
A quieter but equally stunning viewpoint just up the road, giving travelers a massive look down into the deep, glacier-carved fjord of Ross Lake stretching out toward the Canadian border.
A historic, emerald-green company town deeply tied to the region’s hydroelectric history. It is an ideal spot to stretch your legs along the easy, family-friendly Trail of the Cedars suspension bridge path or to grab detailed trail maps at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center.
Distance: ~77 miles | Elevation: 0-500 feet
As you descend from the high-alpine granite peaks of the pass, the landscape softens into the lush, emerald greenery of the Upper Skagit River Valley. This region transitions beautifully from dense old-growth timberlands into wide, rolling agricultural plains, eventually tracking the water all the way to where the Skagit River meets the saltwater of the Salish Sea at Fidalgo Island.
This stretch of the loop is rich with Pacific Northwest heritage, defined by historic logging towns, world-famous farm country, a vibrant local culinary trail, and unmatched views of the massive, snow-capped silhouette of Mount Baker. It offers a relaxed, sea-level cruise that grounds the journey perfectly after the adrenaline of the high mountain pass.
The wild entry outposts to the upper valley. Positioned right on the river, this area is highly famous for its winter bald eagle migrations. Be sure to pull over at the Cascadian Farm Roadside Stand in Rockport for an organic pit stop and a scoop of their legendary, house-made wild blackberry ice cream.
A historic mountain town built entirely on its industrial heritage. Take a stroll down Main Street to see the vintage 1920s concrete theater, photograph the historic Henry Thompson Bridge, or stop at Annie’s Pizza Station—a classic mid-point favorite for loop travelers.
Officially known as the gateway to the North Cascades. This welcoming logging town boasts a charming historic downtown lined with unique chainsaw-carved wooden sculptures that showcase the rugged character of the region.
The agricultural heart of the valley. Depending on the time of year, this flat valley floor transforms into a literal ocean of color, famous globally for its sweeping spring tulip and daffodil fields. It’s the perfect zone to hop on the Skagit Food Trail to sample artisan farmstands and local craft breweries.
Where the highway meets maritime history. This coastal capstone to Region 8 offers a vibrant waterfront district, saltwater marina walks, and serves as the official ferry launching point for travelers looking to extend their adventure out into the San Juan Islands.
Distance: ~55 miles | Elevation: 0-500 feet
This is where the Cascade Loop leaves the mainland entirely and takes to the sea. Accessed via the iconic, towering span of the Deception Pass Bridge, Region 9 runs down the 55-mile spine of Whidbey Island. Here, the landscape transitions from the rugged agricultural flats of the Skagit into windswept coastal bluffs, quiet saltwater coves, and pastoral farmlands wrapped in dense island forests.
Whidbey Island injects a slower, deeply restorative maritime pace into the tail-end of your journey. Known for its rich military history, historic coastal farming communities, and incredibly fresh local seafood, it offers the ultimate scenic runway back toward the city. It is a place where you are never more than a few minutes away from a pebble-strewn beach, a local farmstand, or a sweeping view of the shipping lanes cutting through Puget Sound.
Washington’s most visited state park and a breathtaking gateway to the island. Park just before the bridge to walk the pedestrian pathway hanging 18 stories above the swirling, roaring tidal currents of the pass below, then drive down to the North Beach area to walk the driftwood-strewn shoreline.
A stunning, protected slice of historical farmland that sits right on the water’s edge. Hike the famous ridge trail for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, then stroll into downtown Coupeville to sample world-famous Penn Cove mussels right where they are harvested.
A massive, turn-of-the-century military installation designed to defend Puget Sound. Families and history buffs will love exploring the dark concrete bunkers, viewing the historic ten-inch disappearing guns, and photographing the beautiful Admiralty Head Lighthouse standing guard on the bluff.
Perched on a bluff overlooking Saratoga Passage, this highly artsy, historic village is packed with independent bookstores, glass-blowing studios, and local eateries. It is a premier spot to grab a bite to eat or look out over the water to catch a glimpse of passing gray whales or resident orca pods.
The grand finale of your Cascade Loop adventure. Pull your car right onto the Washington State Ferry at the southern tip of the island for a beautiful, relaxing 20-minute cruise across the water, dropping you right back on the mainland corridor just minutes north of Seattle.
Ready to plan your loop?
The best trips aren’t about rushing from point A to point B—they are about the worlds you discover along the way. By transforming your drive into a complete, full-circle journey through Washington’s most iconic mountain passes, sunny wine valleys, and wild coastal islands, the Cascade Loop turns a simple vacation into an unforgettable road trip masterpiece.
Whether you are pulling up our mountain road for the very first time on Day One, or using our alpine crest as your peaceful basecamp to recharge before tackling the high peaks of Highway 20, Sun Mountain Lodge is proud to be the heart of your adventure.
The loop is wide open, the scenery is calling, and the ultimate Pacific Northwest road trip is waiting for you.
Now that the full Cascade Loop is open, you have two scenic choices. Driving the newly reopened North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) takes about 4 hours of straight driving time (roughly 200 miles). Taking the southern route via Stevens Pass (Highway 2) takes roughly 4 to 4.5 hours.
Because both paths are packed with world-class sights—like Diablo Lake on the northern pass or Leavenworth on the southern route—we highly recommend budgeting a full day (6 to 8 hours) to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy the ultimate Washington road trip.
Keeping kids entertained is easy since the loop’s scenery changes so fast. On the southern side, families love stretching their legs on the free miniature train rides in Skykomish, riding the alpine mountain coaster in Leavenworth, or looking giant salmon right in the eye at the free Rocky Reach Dam Discovery Center in Wenatchee. If you need to cool off, Lake Chelan offers safe swimming at Manson Bay Park and high-speed waterslides at Slidewaters. Along the northern pass, the flat boardwalk at the Happy Creek Forest Walk is a perfect quick leg-stretcher, while the historic concrete bunkers and wide-open kite-flying bluffs at Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island make for an unforgettable final stop.
Because road conditions and repair timelines can shift, always double-check real-time updates before departing. You can monitor live progress and opening announcements on the WSDOT Travel Alerts page or verify local travel patterns via the Cascade Loop Travel Alerts map.
Yes! The seasonal highway has successfully reopened in both directions, meaning the full, unbroken Cascade Loop is completely accessible. Travelers can now seamlessly drive directly over Washington Pass and Rainy Pass to move between Western Washington and the Methow Valley. Because this is a seasonal highway that closes during the heavy winter avalanche season, we always recommend keeping an eye on the WSDOT real-time travel map right before your trip for daily road conditions.
We look forward to welcoming you. (509) 996-2211
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