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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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