As October (gasp!) and fall come around again, I am making plans for a weekend road trip on the Cascade Scenic Loop Byway similar to one we did this same time last year. And guess what, I haven’t shared that weekend with you yet!
So, as I look forward to what possibilities could present themselves this year, whether it be golden larches, good food or surreal panoramas, let me share with you all the fun we had last time. If you only have two (or maybe three) days for a road trip here in Washington State, I highly recommend adding this one to your bucket list!
The Cascade Scenic Loop Byway takes advantage of several major roadways to create a loop that includes the North and Central Cascades, Whidbey Island and Puget Sound, Eastern Washington and all sorts of attractions in between. The website promoting the loop breaks it down into 9 distinct sections and we had a chance to visit 6 on our getaway weekend. I am going to share with you not only the things that we did on this particular trip but a few options I know about from many other trips to this area!
Snohomish River Valley
Okay, so really this was the beginning of our trip. Mostly leaving home in Everett and heading over HWY 2 towards Monroe and Sultan to drive up Stevens Pass. Be aware that if you start this trip any time in the afternoon (especially on a Friday), you can expect quite a bit of traffic on I-5 northbound and across “the trestle” as HWY 2 is known where it crosses over the Snohomish River Valley. Mornings and late evenings are best! As you drive past the town of Snohomish and the surrounding farm country, make sure to keep an eye out to your right. Not only may you spot some colorful early morning hot air balloons gliding over the fields, a clear day may present Mount Rainier off in the distance. A sure sign of a favorable weather forecast!
Monroe is great for gassing up your car and if you want to throw some cheap snacks in a cooler, there is a Grocery Outlet as you make your way through on the right side before the last traffic light. There is, also, a Starbucks at the beginning and end of town but I highly recommend you wait about 25 minutes until you reach the next section for your morning java (or just plan to have two!).
Stevens Pass Greenway
This section is where I spend most of my hiking days because it is so close and beautiful! As it was 6am in the morning, we decided to stop by the Espresso Chalet for warm beverages and gaze at the new towering statue of Bigfoot, the mascot for this lovely roadside coffee stand with the largest list of milk alternatives I have ever seen. They sport maps, portable toilets and a deck with views of Bridal Veil Falls (of Lake Serene) if you have a few minutes to spare. The owners, also, have the scoop on nearby happenings so make sure to say hello!
We didn’t stop for a hike in this section due to some new ones I wanted to try further on but if you are looking for a short jaunt, Heybrook Lookout, Index Town Wall or The Martin Creek Connector are perfect if you just have an hour or two. And if you don’t use the facilities at the Espresso Chalet, Stevens Pass Resort has a set of bathrooms in the southern parking lot inside the jersey barriers or there is a large rest stop about 15 miles later.
Leavenworth/Cascade Foothills
A Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth and Oktoberfest is what the next section is know for. If you haven’t experienced beer and brats with sauerkraut here, you will want to add a stop to your list. My favorite restaurant to stop at is Gustav’s with their nice selection of hearty salads. For us it was still early and I don’t drink beer (but vouch for the brats in town) so we continued to just outside the east side of Leavenworth to the roadside fruitstand of Smallwood’s Harvest.
I rarely make a trek over the Central Cascade Mountains without a stop at Smallwood’s Harvest but it is at its best in the fall! Not only can you find fresh Washington fruits and vegetables but there are all sorts of fun activities to do. We were a bit to big for some of them, like the train ride, but we entertained ourselves with photo cutouts and tire swings. I, also, love to shop their store for unique holiday gift basket ingredients like sauces and spices.
After a we were done pretending to be kids, we headed down the road to Cashmere and a hike I have been meaning to stop at for some time: Peshastin Pinnacles State Park. You see the natural stark rock sculptures jutting out of the hills like Jurassic teeth on your left as your drive through past the rolling farm fields and can’t help but want to get a closer look.
It was so beautiful and this 1.5 mile or so hike gave us panoramic views of the farm fields and back at the Cascades. You can read more about this hike on my Peshastin Pinnacles State Park page. It is right off the highway and you will need a Discover Pass.
Wenatchee/Columbia River
Here we made our way through Wenatchee and along the Entiat River towards Chelan. This stunning drive affords views of the azure body of water accented by orchards flanking its shores. Wenatchee is the largest town you will go through, so if you forget something important for your trip you may find it here. Think Costco, Fred Meyer, and Big 5.
You will pass a plethora of individual fruit stands hawking fresh flats of Washington’s finest produce and if you have time, a drive up the Entiat River Road will allow a short hike at trails like Silver Falls National Recreational Area or the Entiat River Trail. We were headed to Chelan for a store I have been meaning to visit since I met a friend on a trail work party who works there, so we had to settle for just the scenery this time.
This photo credit goes to my friend Kristin who lives In Entiat, I am always driving so I don’t have any pictures. You can see the road on the left side of the lake and can imagine how pretty the drive is. I’ll try and get some pictures on my next trip!
We stayed with friends for this trip on the Entiat River Road which we know not everyone can do. The Silver Falls Campground is here and right next to the hike I mention above. You can visit the Cascade Scenic Loop Byway website for lodging ideas. I recommend car camping at one of the suggestions on this page, too. Just bundle up in extra layers because a fall chill will be in the air!
Lake Chelan Valley
Lake Chelan is known in Washington as a place to go when the wet gets to be too much in the Puget Sound. It sees a lot less rainfall and offers a lakeshore experience for those who want to enjoy the sun more than a few weeks out of the year. Yes, Joyce, I am talking to you! I have had many a friend defect to the eastside. This is, also, where you can head up to visit the small town of Stehekin on the Lady of The Lake, a must do.
On Main Street in Chelan, there is a shop named Bear Foods: Natural Foods Market and Café Crêperie. We hit the store in the afternoon and strolled its aisles looking for fun and interesting treats. Similar to a co-op and specializing in local artisans (both food and crafts), we were like kids in a candy store. And when I say candy, I mean the variety of crafted chocolate was overwhelming! The crêperie had just closed so we didn’t get to sample those (2:30pm) but that just made for an excuse to come back.
We opted for a few wholesome snacks at first to go with some things I had packed for the road, vowing to return for dessert, and we then walked across the street through a lovely church courtyard and down to a picnic table at the Chelan Riverwalk Park. Despite the subtle fall chill in the air, the sun filtering through the yellowing leaves in the park made for a delightful ambiance. As we sat there, an intimate wedding gathered in a pavilion down by the water and ducks wandered the grassy hill looking for grubs.
Having been good we made our way back to Bear Market for our treats, but not without noticing a cider bar in a brick building on the same street. So, after picking up a selection of goodies, we made our way back to a balcony table overlooking the same riverside park and relaxed with a flight and our chocolates at Steelhead Cider. Sometimes it is nice to get away and relish some “adult” time!
Methow Valley
The next morning, we woke up early after staying at a friend’s house (thank you, Kristin!) and continued on our journey towards the North Cascades. Our morning started out in the small town of Twisp at the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery. Isn’t that such a cute name? They offer a few gluten free options and my hubby vouches for the Cinnamon Twisp. I didn’t need much since I had fortified with some egg muffins when we got up but the draw of fresh baked goods is strong (as was his need for coffee). It was nice that they listed all the ingredients on the labels so you didn’t have to ask what they were. We sat and savored our breakfast in the bustling cafe, one of just a few places open this early. I was surprised at the amount of bicyclists, too, many out on the scenic byway like we were.
Back on the road, we made a stop in Winthrop just a short distance away and strolled the board sidewalks reminiscent of an Old West movie stage set that has been rebuilt since a fire burned down most of the town in, peeking in storefront windows not quite open for the day (it was Sunday, after all). Totally touristy but so fun! Winthrop is host to a popular rhythm and blues festival every year (which I attended once in college) if you want to plan a trip in July. Just be warned it is warm here at that time of the year. Also, be aware that Winthrop is known for being one of the worst speed traps in our state!
We would have stayed long enough for lunch but we had plans for a hike further up the road. I was disappointed we would miss out on the Sixknot Cider Taphouse fare because it looked amazing but again, we’ll be back. I’ll be sure to check their Facebook page because their hours change during the year.
Editor’s note: On future trips, we have stayed at the Pine Near RV Park in Winthrop, both tenting and in one of their cute mining cabins. It makes a great half way spot and you can walk into town to visit shops and dine.
North Cascades
Oh, my favorite part of our trip! We drove into the tiny town of Mazama and up a forest road to the trailhead for the Goat Peak Lookout. I had never been but the trail was touted to be short and promised the highly sought after golden larches those of us in the Pacific Northwest wait for every fall. These deciduous conifers offer a colorful contrast to the blues and greens of our mountains and lakes, you have to see them for yourselves! The hike was more than it promised and just the right length and there was hardly anyone else on the trail. This is, also, where my stepdaughter was married in June! There was a slight dusting of snow on the trail and we were prepared with traction devices. It was super slick!
Afterwards we stopped in the Mazama store that I have talked about in this post for kombucha on tap and checked out the new PCT and PNT trail register. This is another great place to stop by if you are in the Methow Valley and looking for some local expertise. It is, also, the gateway to the final section of the Pacific Crest Trail and Hart’s Pass, a must-do backpacking trip.
After our hike, we continued on and over Washington and Rainy Pass on the North Cascades Highway and towards home. There is a reason this area is called the American Alps and even if you don’t hike you will get a feel for what people love about Washington State.
There are several viewpoints along the way and a multitude of hikes, including the Pacific Crest Trail. We have also hiked the Heather Maple Pass Loop and Pipestone Canyon Rim Trail on our loop trips. The hike to Cutthroat Pass and Snowy Lakes is one of my favorites or you can head south to Stehekin, as well. Important note: The North Cascades Highway is typically closed between late November and reopens late May or early June because of avalanches. Check here before you go!
We left the Cascade Scenic Loop Byway at Rockport and took the Mountain Loop Highway through Darrington because it is shorter to get back to Everett and Seattle. This is a lovely drive, as well, with the trees forming a golden canopy over your head as you wind along. We had just enough time to stop at River Time Brewing for gluten free pizza and ciders before they closed at 7pm and then made the rest of our way home, tired yet rested from our time away.
The other two loop sections we didn’t make it to include Skagit Valley/Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Scenic Isle Way and you can learn more about hikes on those sections in my On The Puget Sound page. As you can see, you could spend way more time enjoying this scenic byway than two days! But if you only have the weekend, it is worth a road trip. You will just have to do it every year like us so you can experience it all.
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