North Cascades Scenic Byway is a dramatic mountain corridor in Washington. Follow winding roads past alpine lakes, steep valleys & towering peaks; excellent for driving, photo stops & outdoor recreation.

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Geography

ContinentNorth America
RegionNorthwest US
SubregionPacific Northwest
CountryUnited States
StateWashington
TimezoneAmericaLos Angeles
Latitude48.7
Longitude-121.2
Maps
☀️11:55 AM LOCAL TIME

North Cascades Scenic Byway — also known as State Route 20 — is a high-elevation route through the North Cascades in Washington. It traverses a remote basin of glaciers, steep granite ridges & crystalline lakes, linking the towns of Sedro-Woolley and Winthrop. Along the way, travelers encounter key access points to parks, trails & alpine landscapes: stop at Ross Dam for views of hydroelectric infrastructure, visit 1st Cascades Park near Sedro-Woolley for short hikes, or plan overnight stays in the backcountry or at mountain lodges. The byway is seasonally limited by snow — check conditions in winter — but in summer and fall it rewards with dramatic panoramas, layered valley views and opportunities for short hikes, fishing & sightseeing.

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