7 Best Spots Along the Cascade Loop Drive in Washington
One of the top road trips in the United States, and certainly the best one yet in Washington, the Cascade Loop running 440 miles through the state offers a rich experience for adventurers who want to hit the road, lay back, and enjoy the views. The loop covers a lot of the landscape Washington has to offer, and the quantity and quality of the cities, mountains, and coasts ensure a diverse experience for visitors looking for a bit of everything. Below are the top 7 spots you cannot miss on your next road trip!
Skagit Valley
After visiting the shimmering waters of the river valleys and the wild unkempt forestry of the mountains, you are bound to find nothing more soothing than setting your eyes on the blankets of berry and tulip fields exploding with color in the Skagit Valley. The Skagit Valley is home to the largest commercial flower bulb industry outside of Holland. You can enjoy the annual Tulip festival event attended by thousands of people running from April 1 till the 30th.
North Cascades National Park
If you are looking for a place to unleash your inner wild and connect yourself to nature, the North Cascades National Park has got you covered. From jagged peaks to flowing waterfalls, the park certainly succeeds in providing an environment for lovers of hiking, camping, and even boating. The mountains stretch to elevations falling between 7,000 to 9,000 feet, with the highest peak being recorded at Mount Shuksan in the west, at an elevation of 9,131 feet. In addition, both plant and animal wildlife are diverse and abundant there, with more than 1,600 vascular plant species identified and more than 200 species of birds sighted.
Leavenworth
You can now visit Europe without leaving the U.S.; the Bavarian village of Leavenworth offers a unique atmosphere with its German-style architecture and Alpine terrain. The town certainly does not stop there, as it features one of the biggest Oktoberfests outside Germany. From parks and museums to spas and outdoor yoga classes, there are certainly a lot of activities fit for diverse demographics to make the most out of their stay in the view of its European aesthetic.
Stevens Pass Greenway
Stretching 90 miles from Snohomish County to Chelan Country, the Stevens Pass Greenway is recognized as a National Scenic Byway by the United States Department of Transportation for its noteworthy scenic and natural qualities. The byway forms the southern section of the Cascade Loop and connects significant towns for tourists to stop by such as the previously mentioned town of Leavenworth. The road enables visitors to experience a bit of everything; from pastoral farmland to pine forests, it certainly succeeds in keeping tourists entertained by the constantly changing landscapes.
Lake Chelan
The Cascade Loop drive certainly quenches the thirst of many mountain lovers, however, it does not stop there. One of the major attractions you can find is Lake Chelan, the second largest lake in the state at 33,340 acres of crystal-clear glacier-fed waters and the third deepest in the United States at a depth of 1,486 feet. The climate in that region features deeply distinct seasons, making it suitable for guests to plan their visit and enjoy the kind of weather they prefer, along with 300 days of sunshine. Lake Chelan is also known for its excellent fruit, most noteworthy of them being apples, growing in the orchards along its shores.
Wenatchee
The world-renowned apple farms might have started from the shoreline of Lake Chelan, however their true glamour shine in the “Apple Capital of the World”, Wenatchee City. Wenatchee is located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers. If you are satisfied with the abundant sunshine and the natural fields, you can head down to Wenatchee National Historic District for an artistic view of outdoor collections and galleries. In the warmer months, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing attract visitors for a nice day in the clear waters under the Summer sun.
Methow Valley
Only a five-hour ride from the busy city of Seattle, the Methow Valley represents a relatively close getaway for people looking to spend a calm weekend in nature’s embrace. The Methow Valley has it all; from the scenic beauty of the rolling hills to observing the heritage and art available at its dedicated museum, there is no shortage of activities that can be done in this place, whether you are a fan of mountain-biking and skiing to fishing in the meeting spot of the Methow and Columbia rivers.
The Cascade Loop route certainly presents the best Washington state has to offer and certainly ranks among the top touristic spots one can get out of the U.S. There are numerous diverse landscapes and sceneries for one to experience, succeeding in making the visit suitable for people with different tastes looking for a bit of everything.
