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.
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Northwest US |
| Subregion | Pacific Northwest |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 48.7 |
| Longitude | -121.2 |
| Maps |
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.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:46 AM
