Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Northwest Cascade Loop Drive

Well, since I'll be down there (for the Everett meet), I'm planning on taking a couple of days to sightsee.

If I had more time, I'd go to Crater Lake, OR, but since I don't, I'm thinking the Cascade Loop would be a good 2 day trip.

1. Is it as spectacular a drive as the tourguides say? (I plan to do it counterclockwise, starting from Everett)

2. Is 2 days enough time? I want to just take in the sights with my cameras, not much into shopping.

3. Any must-see attractions?

Comments appreciated, thanks.

Kerry

Hmmm, I don't know exactly what you're planning on doing. Are you planing on spending 2 days after Everett or just Everett and a Day. I'm not familiar with the "Cascade Loop". Howerever here are somethings that might interest you around the Portland area:

1. Columbia Gorge - Good sites about 20 miles east of Portland.

See Multnomah Falls (sp?) the highest in Oregon and probably one of the highest in the US. Gorgeos drive up there too. There are also plenty of other really cool waterfalls just off the road. GREAT DRIVE!

2. Mt. Hood - ?? miles SE of Portland

I don't have a clue what is up there. It has been years since I was last there and I don't remember much. I would imagine it would be a nice drive though.

3. Crater Lake - 270 miles from Portland (educated guess, I used to live about 45 miles from there)

I know you said this would take too long, but for future reference it is awesome. Well worth the time to go see it. I'd say the best time to go is during mid Autumn. There should be some snow up there, but the full loop will be open. They close the loop once there is too much snow, but you can still go up to the lodge which allows you to see the lake. If you do go up there during the winter be prepared to drive in a lot of snow, elevations on the road ways will get you close to 6000ft.

Here\'s what you\'ll need to check out before hand .
I'd say take at least 3 days if you can 'cause there's some serious ground to cover.
Overnight in Leavenworth if you can. It's a great town if you're into german architecture and beautiful mountainous terrain.

The Cascade Loop is great! I have personally covered all of that ground multiple times at different times of the year and loved it! My brother lives in Spokane and I used to live in Oak Harbor (west of the loop on Whidbey Island) so I always had an excuse. As far as time, you COULD drive it all in one day, but it would be one hell of a drive. I would give it two to be fair. Three is you stop a lot. In my opinion, Winthrop would be the best place to stay overnight. You'll love the western theme they have going there. Also, I would suggest that you go counter-clockwise on the loop. Hwy 20 is the best part in my opinion...save the best for last! Good luck and see you in Everett!

Hey guys,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I need to plan for 2 nights after the Everett Meet. Gonna try and get in a round of golf too.

The most amazing drive I've ever been on in WA is the run up to Mt. St. Helens. 50 miles of twisty 2 lanes with hardly any traffic. Gets foggy at the top, but you can really enjoy it cause the roads are all new.

Kerry