Washington--North Cascades Highway

Date: Monday, 30. April 2007

Driving route map This four-hour trip, without breaks for shopping and eating, is from Sedro Woolley to Winthrop, and takes you through the breathtaking North Cascades National Park and surrounding national forest lands.

Start the drive at the National Park Information Office in Sedro Woolley. Route 20 runs east from here to the Lower Skagit River Valley. Twenty-four miles later, you enter the town of Concrete. As you leave Concrete heading east, the mountains get higher as you approach the Skagit River. Keep your eyes open as Bald Eagles visit the river during the winter. Continue east on Route 20 to the town of Marblemount, the entrance to the "American Alps." You will pay a visit to the Ross Lake National Recreation Area by crossing Bacon Creek. The area is part of the North Cascades National Park. The North Cascades Visitor Center lies nine miles from the entrance and provides information on the natural history of the area.

Just past the Visitor Center is the town of Newhalem. A short drive past the Gorge Dam is the astonishing, 242-foot Gorge Creek Falls. It's hard to believe anything so massive could be so beautiful and relaxing. The turn-off to Diablo leads to the Seattle City Light's Tour Center, where you can take tours of the area. The Diablo Lake Overlook offers views of Diablo Lake and displays there explain the green-blue color of the water caused by rock flour.

Continue around Diablo Lake to the turnout for the Happy Creek Forest Walk. Enter the Okanogan National Forest four miles later. On ahead is the 4,860-foot Rainy Pass, which has a path to Rainy Lake. The two-mile Blue Lake Trail provides views of the 7,720-foot Liberty Bell Mountain and the 7,807-foot Early Winters Spires. At 5,477 feet, you have reached Washington Pass, the highest point of the trip. Descend through the Methow Valley to the town of Winthrop. Here you can visit the Shafer Museum, which offers exhibits on turn-of-the-century mining, logging, and farming in the area.

Starting Point:
Sedro Woolley, WA

Distance of Drive:
129 miles

Must Eat:
Iron Skillet Restaurant
100 West State Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
Phone:360-855-0080
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Old home style food

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round

Points of Interest on Drive:
Shafer Museum
North Cascades National Park
242-foot Gorge Creek Falls