Along the Cascade Loop, you’ll see a little slice of all that makes Washington great: a series of mountain passes, rivers, and lakes that feel distinctly Pacific Northwestern. The roadway passes through the spiky summits of North Cascades National Park, past the fertile farmlands of the Skagit Valley and the apple orchards of Wenatchee, and along the shorelines of Lake Chelan. You’ll stop in charming small towns like the Bavarian-style Leavenworth and the Western-themed Winthrop. Yep, we’re claiming this as one the most beautiful road trips in the United States, and we’re not alone in that thinking: in January 2021, the Cascade Loop was designated as one of the country’s 34 National Scenic Byways.

You could drive the Cascade Loop in a weekend, but give yourself four or five days to truly experience it. The North Cascades Highway, or State Route 20, is closed in winter and reopens each spring, usually by late May. Plan on heading out between June and October, but check the Washington State Department of Transportation site for the latest information on opening dates. Driving an electric car? You’ll find plenty of charging stations along the way. Though you can drive the loop in either direction, go counterclockwise for the best views. Start in the town of Everett, 30 minutes north of Seattle, then make your way east on Highway 2 along the Skykomish River and over Stevens Pass. Here are some stops worth pulling off for.

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