North Cascades Highway, WA-20

Driving

by Plot Along: Cascades

Washington State Route 20 through North Cascades National Park, between Marblemount in the west and Winthrop in the east. About 90 miles. Climbs the west slope along the Skagit River past Diablo and Ross lakes, crosses Rainy Pass and Washington Pass at the spine of the range, then descends into the Methow Valley.

The highway closes for winter. Typical season runs late April through mid-November. Washington Pass at 5,477 feet is the high point and the most photographed view on the route, with the Liberty Bell group rising above the road.

Learn more: nps.gov

1
Marblemount
Small town that's the last services westbound before the climb into the park. Final fuel and food stop until the Methow Valley.
2
Diablo Lake Overlook
Signature viewpoint over Diablo Lake's distinctive turquoise water. The color comes from glacial flour suspended in meltwater from upstream peaks.
3
Washington Pass
The highway's high point at 5,477 ft, the spine of the range and the literal divide between the wet west slope and the dry Methow Valley.
4
Washington Pass Overlook
Short paved loop trail at the pass with sweeping views of the Liberty Bell group and the Early Winters Spires, the route's most-photographed vantage.
5
Sagebrush Overlook
Lower-elevation east-side pullout where the forest abruptly transitions to the dry sage of the Methow Valley, a stark rain-shadow contrast.
6
Winthrop
The eastern terminus, a Western-themed town in the Methow Valley where the Riverside Avenue storefronts wear Old West boardwalk facades. The route ends downtown at the corner of Bridge Street and Riverside Avenue.

Marblemount

Diablo Lake Overlook

Washington Pass

Washington Pass Overlook

Sagebrush Overlook

Winthrop