1 / 6
North Cascades Highway · 5 days
Traverse the 'American Alps' along the scenic WA-20 corridor. This journey highlights the dramatic jagged peaks, turquoise glacial waters of Diablo Lake, and the high-alpine beauty of Washington Pass before descending into the Methow Valley.
5days
15stops
270km
Itinerary
Day 1 · Gateway to the North Cascades
2h 13min · 115km3 stops
Burlington
North Cascades ⭐
Newhalem
Day 2 · Turquoise Waters and Gorge Views
30min · 21km3 stops
Gorge Creek Falls
Diablo Lake Overlook ⭐
Ross Lake Overlook
Day 3 · High Alpine Peaks and Passes
1h 12min · 58km3 stops
Rainy Pass
Washington Pass Overlook ⭐
Liberty Bell Mountain
Day 4 · Descent into the Methow Valley
1h 15min · 60km3 stops
Blue Lake ⭐
Mazama Store
Winthrop
Day 5 · Western Charm and Valley Exploration
30min · 16km3 stops
Shafer Historical Museum
Sun Mountain Lodge ⭐
Winthrop Town Center
Heads Up
- 1. WA-20 is seasonally closed between Ross Dam and Mazama from late autumn to late spring due to heavy snow.
- 2. Cell service is non-existent for most of the drive through the National Park; download offline maps.
- 3. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at most trailheads.
- 4. Fuel up in Marblemount or Winthrop as there are no gas stations for over 60 miles in the park core.