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Nine Unique Destinations

We divide the Cascade Loop into nine distinct regions to help you plan your road trip based on the different landscapes you'll pass through, their unique attributes and the activities you can do along the way. AND even though Seattle isn't technically on the Loop, we know most folks flying in from out of state or country are flying in to Sea-Tac and hitting the city too, before they hit the open road, so we're adding them to help with your planning as well.

And speaking of planning, the easiest way we've found to plan your trip is to figure out the things you really want to do based on what you love, and then, take a little "walk" through each region and check out what makes them special. Part of what makes doing the Loop such a hugely memorable trip is finding soooo many ways to do the things that you love in places that are new to you; the other part of what makes the Loop special is its ability to introduce you to new pursuits. Love to hike? Find a hike to do in each region and plan a "Hike Around the Loop" vacation. But while you're at it, throw in some time at Aviation history museums or take a horseback ride. In a nutshell, try something new as well--you'll be so glad you did! The nine regions of the Cascade Loop each have their own personality, character, and local color. Whatever your passions are, plan to enjoy a little time in each region and make enough time to get out and explore.

And last but not least, we recommend that folks travel the Loop counter-clockwise. The views are most easily accessible when you drive this way!

Seattle Northcountry

From the waters of Puget Sound, through fertile farm valleys, to the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, vibrant cities and towns serve as gateways to the Cascade Loop. Communities: Mukilteo, Everett, Arlington, Snohomish, Monroe

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Stevens Pass Greenway

Photo by Andy Porter. Lush forests and thundering waterfalls line this scenic byway up and over Stevens Pass, traversing through charming historic towns that offer friendly hospitality and remnants of the past on the drive across the Cascade Mountains. Communities: Sultan, Startup, Gold Bar, Index, Skykomish

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Leavenworth/ Cascade Foothills

A Bavarian village and classic all-American small towns nestled together in the foothills of the eastern slope offer a diversity of recreational and cultural experiences. Communities: Leavenworth, Plain, Peshastin, Cashmere

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Wenatchee/ Columbia River Valley

Orchards, vineyards and farmlands roll across the landscape and along the shores of the great Columbia River, with bustling towns that are commercial hubs of Washington's important fruit industry. Communities: Wenatchee, Entiat

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Lake Chelan Valley

A pristine, glacier-fed lake slices deeply into the heart of the Cascade Mountains in a setting that offers abundant scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The state's 11th viticultural area and home to over 360 acres of vineyards. Communities: Chelan, Manson, Stehekin

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Methow Valley

From endless starry skies to open rangelands and jagged mountain peaks in the distance, the Methow Valley is Washington State's Wild West! Consider a winter trip to the Methow Valley. This area is home to the largest nordic trail system in the US! Communities: Pateros, Methow, Carlton, Twisp, Winthrop, Mazama

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North Cascades

Photo by Andy Porter. Dramatic mountain peaks and spectacular scenery across National Forest and Park land-- this is the Cascade Mountains at their best--with lakes, rivers, creeks, abundant hiking trails and travelers' rests along the way. Communities: Diablo Lake, Newhalem, Marblemount, Rockport, Concrete, Darrington

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Skagit Valley

Explore fields dotted with farmhouses and heritage barns, blankets of blossoming daffodils and tulips in spring, and acres of produce year-round. This area is a birder's paradise as well as a seafood lover's dream come true. Communities: Sedro-Woolley, Burlington, Mount Vernon, La Conner, Anacortes

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Whidbey Island

Saltwater beaches and historic towns connected to the mainland by bridge and ferry, offering spectacular scenic views of farmland, forests and snow-capped peaks of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Communities: Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, Clinton

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Sea-Tac Airport & Seattle City Break

Most folks who come to visit the Cascade Loop fly into Sea-Tac International Airport, operated by the Port of Seattle. Here, travelers  rent a vehicle at the airport and head toward the city for a  city break in Seattle before they hit the Loop

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Mt Index Skykomish River


While the Cascade Loop is one BIG byway on it's own, it is actually also home to three independent, resident byways in their own right: the Stevens Pass Greenway, the North Cascades Scenic Byway and the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way.

Plan to spend several days exploring the scenic beauty of the Cascade Loop, and the unique regions, landscapes and diverse cultures you will find. 


Traveling from out of state? Check out the Scenic Byways you can explore as you head this way, on National Scenic Byway Foundation's Travel Byways website!

Whidbey Island Sunset