Auto Touring

There is only one opportunity for auto touring in North Cascades National Park, but it is considered the most beautiful and wild drive in Washington state. The route, known as the North Cascades Scenic Highway, is a section of Washington State Route 20 that spans 127 stunning miles between Rockport, Wash., and Winthrop, Wash. This scenic drive begins east of junction of State Routes 20 and 350 near the foothills of Sedro-Woolley, and passes through the charming historic factory town of Concrete, Wash., before reaching the Skagit River and the North Cascades. The highway enters a densely forested corridor and beings twisting, winding, and climbing through mountain passes that provide spectacular views of the rugged wilderness, the historic town of Newhalem, the Diablo Dam, Gorge Creek Falls, and turn-offs overlooking Ross Lake and Washington Pass. The highway eventually descends into Methow Valley, leaving the glaciers and peaks behind and giving way to a pretty ponderosa pine forest outside of Winthrop, Wash. Access to the North Cascades Scenic Highway is free, and the road is generally open from late May to November, when snowfall begins to render sections of the road impassable. Check closings and conditions before driving, and use caution in wet weather. Area information and maps are widely available from towns, visitor centers, and ranger station along the highway, but gas stations are extremely limited, and there is little cell-phone service. Gas is available in Rockport, Marblemount, and Winthrop, and all drivers are advised to pack a spare tire.