North Cascades Highway

Our favorite way to go across the state (Washington). Highway 20. This highway is closed in the winter. We did these pix during July. Snow still by the road in the Cascades. You can come from Spokane on Highway 395. We start in Colville and go to I-5, then on to Bellingham or Seattle. Starting from Colville:

The first pass is Sherman Pass. We see moose from the road there sometimes. There was a spectacular forest fire in this pass and there is a pull out view spot with information about what happened in the fire.

Republic is the first town on the way. It has a picturesque main street. We like to stop at the Stone Rose fossil site. It is very unique. The fossils date from millions of years ago, but after dinosaurs. You get to dig on an easily accessible hillside. They get to look at your finds, and unless they are noteworthy, you get to take them home with you. It was an ancient lake or ocean bottom, so there is a lot to be found. Everyone will go home with something. You can walk to the hill (a couple of blocks from the center) or drive right there (good for folks with issues with mobility). Cost is minimal.



After Republic, there is another pass type area. Another food stop. Depending on our timing, a hearty meal can be had at the Wauconda Café. Roadside eats. The best thing, however, is their homemade pie. They are truly homemade with a homemade crust. My favorite is the rhubarb strawberry. If we are not there for a meal time, they will do take out pie. Really not to be overlooked.

Then Tonasket. Watch out for the hill approaching town, speed limit is 25. I missed it once and got pulled over!

Omak is the next big town. There is a fabulous restaurant that should not be missed. The Breadline Cafe. They have their own bakery. Funky atmosphere. Fresh local food. Healthy, even.



Winthrop is the next major town. Very tourist trap like. Hard to park. Accessibility was hard for me. Tight stores. Steps. It is beautiful. People stay there, I think, for nature activities like hiking, horseback riding, and river rafting. Good food. We tend to drive through.


Now we are heading up into the Cascades. Stunning views abound. Countless hiking trails start from the highway. Waterfalls drop along the road. Snow alongside, also.



The road ends at Burlington on I-5. A secondary path to Bellingham is the Chuckanut Drive. It can be found off of I-5. Such views. It ends in Bellingham, near Fairhaven district. Bellingham has a wonderful college town atmosphere. There is even a counter-culture “downtown”. I believe it is Fairhaven. Continue on in Bellingham, or Seattle via I-5.

Enjoy.