The Cascade Loop – One route, endless options.
The Cascade Loop is a scenic driving route in Washington, that takes you on a circular tour of diverse landscapes, charming towns, and iconic landmarks. This route is replete with some of the most spectacular van camping in the region. The official loop is about 440 miles and can be completed in three (woah speed racer!) to ten days (or even longer!), depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way, but trust us, its hard not to stop every 5 minutes to marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
The Cascade Loop technically starts and ends in the city of Everett, (about 25 miles north of Seattle) but can easily be started from Seattle if that works best with your schedule. It takes you through several regions of Washington, including the Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, the Methow Valley, and the North Cascades National Park.
Some of our favorite highlights of the Cascade Loop include the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth, the Columbia River Valley, the apple and peach orchards of Wenatchee, pristine Lake Chelan, the old-west town of Winthrop, and the rugged wilderness of North Cascades National Park. The route also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, like hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, and wildlife aplenty.
Below are a few itinerary options for planning your dream route depending on how long your van rental is. As always we are here to help you plan your perfect trip, so don’t hesitate to ask for travel tips!
If you only have 5 days:
Day 1: Seattle to Leavenworth
- Depart Seattle early in the morning and head east on Highway 2 towards Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village nestled in the foothills of the Cascades.
- Along the way, stop at the scenic town of Index and hike to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Leavenworth’s charming shops, restaurants, and breweries.
- Overnight in Leavenworth – Eightmile Campground
Day 2: Leavenworth to Wenatchee
- After breakfast, continue east on Highway 2 to Wenatchee, a city located in the heart of the Columbia River Valley.
- Visit Ohme Gardens, a 9-acre hilltop garden with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
- Explore the Pybus Public Market, a vibrant indoor market with local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
- Overnight in Wenatchee – Lincoln Rock State Park
Day 3: Wenatchee to Lake Chelan
- Drive north on Highway 97 to the charming town of Chelan, located on the shore of the pristine Lake Chelan.
- Spend the day exploring the lake’s crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, or rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the scenic shoreline.
- Overnight in Lake Chelan – Twenty Five Mile Creek State Park
Day 4: Lake Chelan to Winthrop
- Head west on Highway 20 to the charming western town of Winthrop, known for its old-timey saloons, wooden boardwalks, and Wild West history.
- Explore the town’s many shops, galleries, and museums, or take a horseback ride through the stunning Methow Valley.
- Overnight in Winthrop – Pearrygin Lake
Day 5: Winthrop to North Cascades National Park
- Drive further west on Highway 20 to North Cascades National Park, a rugged wilderness of towering peaks, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
- Spend the day hiking, fishing, or wildlife watching, and take in the stunning views of the park’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
- Overnight in North Cascades National Park – Colonial Creek North Campground
Day 6: North Cascades National Park to Seattle
- Return to Seattle via Highway 20 and enjoy the scenic drive back to the city, passing through picturesque towns and historic landmarks along the way.
- Arrive back in Seattle to return your camper van.
10 days – From the mountains to the sound
Here’s a suggested 10-day itinerary for a Cascade Loop road trip that combines visits to the mountains and islands of Washington State:
Day 1: Seattle to Whidbey Island
- Depart Seattle early in the morning and head north to the Mukilteo ferry terminal, where you’ll catch a ferry to Whidbey Island.
- Spend the day exploring the charming towns and scenic beaches of Whidbey Island, including Coupeville, Fort Casey State Park, and Deception Pass State Park.
- Overnight on Whidbey Island – Fort Ebey State Park
Day 2: Whidbey Island to Anacortes
- Depart Whidbey Island in the morning and drive to Anacortes, a picturesque town known as the gateway to the San Juan Islands.
- Spend the day exploring Anacortes and nearby attractions, such as Mount Erie and the Washington Park Arboretum.
- Overnight in Anacortes – Deception Pass State Park
Day 3: Anacortes to San Juan Island
- Catch a ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, the largest and most populous of the San Juan Islands.
- Spend the day exploring San Juan Island’s many attractions, including Lime Kiln Point State Park, American Camp National Historical Park, and the town of Roche Harbor.
- Overnight on San Juan Island. – San Juan County Park
Day 4: San Juan Island to Orcas Island
- Catch a ferry from Friday Harbor to Orcas Island, the second-largest and most mountainous of the San Juan Islands.
- Spend the day hiking, kayaking, or whale watching in the stunning landscapes of Moran State Park and the surrounding area.
- Overnight on Orcas Island. – Camp Moran
Day 5: Orcas Island to Mount Baker
- Depart Orcas Island in the morning and drive east to Mount Baker, a stunning snow-capped mountain located in the North Cascades.
- Spend the day exploring the mountain’s many trails, lakes, and scenic viewpoints.
- Overnight in the Mount Baker area. – Panorama Point Campground
Day 6: Mount Baker to Winthrop
- Drive south on Highway 20 to the town of Winthrop, a charming western-themed town known for its historic wooden boardwalks, shops, and restaurants.
- Spend the day exploring the town and the surrounding Methow Valley, which offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing.
- Overnight in Winthrop – Pearrygin Lake
Day 7: Winthrop to Leavenworth
- Drive east on Highway 20 to the town of Twisp, and then continue on to the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth, known for its charming shops, restaurants, and breweries.
- Spend the day exploring Leavenworth and nearby attractions, such as the Icicle Gorge Trail and the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.
- Overnight in Leavenworth – Eightmile Campground
Day 8: Leavenworth to Wenatchee
- Depart Leavenworth in the morning and drive east to the city of Wenatchee, located in the heart of the Columbia River Valley.
- Spend the day exploring the city’s many attractions, such as Ohme Gardens, the Pybus Public Market, and the Apple Capital Loop Trail.
- Overnight in Wenatchee – Lincoln Rock State Park
Day 9: Wenatchee to Lake Chelan
- Drive north on Highway 97 to the charming town of Chelan, located on the shore of the pristine Lake Chelan.
- Spend the day exploring the lake’s crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, or rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the scenic shoreline.
- Overnight in Lake Chelan – Twenty Five Mile Creek State Park
Day 10: Lake Chelan to Seattle
- Return to Seattle via Highway 2, passing through the towns of Leavenworth and Stevens Pass.
- Arrive back in Seattle in the
