Fall on the North Cascades Scenic Highway

After falling in love with Washington's Olympic National Park we returned to Washington to drive the North Cascades Scenic Highway.  We took the 20 minute Mukilteo ferry to Whidbey Island to begin our journey on the Scenic Highway and stopped for a little shopping at the quaint historic village of Coupeville.

Whidbey Island

Deception Pass State Park

If your short on time Whidbey Island is a nice option since you can easily come and go by Ferry or Car. We left the Island on the high bridge overlooking Deception Pass.

                                       Quick stop at a cute church off the Highway.

Newhalem

We went on a short hike behind the Visitor Center in Newhalem... Perfect for young children. In autumn you can see spawning salmon at the base of the hydropower plant.

Diablo Park

Washington Pass

Winthrop

Charming Wild West Town... Good spot for dinner after a long day of driving. We spent the night in Lake Chelan. Not a lot of places to stay along the way so I recommend getting an early start.

Leavenworth

...The Bavarian Alps of Washington. We were here during Oktoberfest and enjoyed music, dancing and pretzels! It really is a festive town. If you don't have time to do the loop at least drive from Seattle to Leavenworth, it's beautiful!

Seattle

                                                                 Pike Place Market