North Cascades Highway is one of Washington's Ultimate Road Trips
Usa, north-america
702 km
1,669 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable adventure on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) in Washington's North Cascades National Park! This paved beauty is a key piece of the Cascade Loop, a 436-mile journey through the stunning Cascades.
Starting near Discovery Bay and winding all the way to the Idaho border near Newport, this road climbs to a breathtaking 5,477 feet (1,669m) at Washington Pass. It's the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range, so get ready for some serious alpine scenery!
Now, a heads-up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect a winter closure – usually from late November/early December to sometime between April and early May, between Ross Dam Trailhead (MP 134) and Silver Star Creek (MP 171) – due to heavy snow and avalanche risks.
But when it's open, oh boy! You're in for a treat. Think mind-blowing vistas, lush alpine meadows, and incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting. Starting near Sedro Woolley, this drive isn't just a road; it's an immersive experience into a landscape teeming with life, dramatic geology, and ever-changing climate. Seriously, carve out a couple of days to truly soak in the whole Cascade Loop – you won't regret it!
Where is it?
North Cascades Highway is one of Washington's Ultimate Road Trips is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6245, -99.7847
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 702 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,669 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.6245, -99.7847
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