The North Cascade Highway

Posted byDenise LaFountainePosted inWashington State
A woman standing in front of her bike with a view of lake diablo and the north cascades in the background.

Highway 20

After warming up on the unforgiving hills of the San Juan Islands, the gradual climb of the first part of the North Cascades seemed reasonable. From Anacortes we rode to Sedro-Wolley, Marblemount and finally to Colonial Creek Campground on Lake Diablo with relative ease.

a bicycle in front of a huge cement block that say "Welcome to concrete."
The town if Concrete on Hwy 20.

After Colonial Creek Campground the climbs begin.

Day one: 67 miles over Rainy Pass and Washington Pass into Winthrop.

girl and bike standing in front of sign that says Rainy Pass on Hwy 20.
First pass of the day finished. Now on to the second.
Person in front of sign that says Washington Pass elevation 4,477 ft.
Second pass of the day…check.

Day two: After fueling up at Twisp bakery we had three hours of pedaling straight up Loup-Loup pass in 90 degree weather (because of the giant cinnamon roll, late start, intense heat and NO shade, this was the hardest pass for me.)

bike in front of sign that says Loup-Loup Pass
3 hours straight up in 90 degrees with no shade. Brutal!

Day three: A long slow slog up Waconda pass into the friendly town of Republic.

Day four: Much needed rest day in Republic. This town throws out the red carpet. I did not want to even ride the 3 miles uphill into town on my one rest day. Thankfully, Marion, the owner of the RV park, graciously volunteered to give us a ride . Then we went from outdoor market, to coffee shop, to brewery. Without hesitation, the owner of the brewery pulled off her apron and offered us a ride back to camp. Best rest day ever!

bike in front of Waconda Pass sign
Waconda pass is a slam-dunk. I got this!

Day five: Up, up, up over Sherman pass into the town of Kettle Falls. Apparently, Sherman pass at 5,575ft. is the highest pass in Washington State maintained all year. Due to our previous rest day and early start it felt easier than some of the other passes but still a healthy challenge.

From Kettle Falls we had the option of continuing across the state to Spokane or turning right and following the Colombia River south. Since I love water and will take any opportunity to swim and it was a gajillion degrees out, we decided to follow the Majestic Colombia on its path south. No Regrets.

Spoiler Alert…I am already home but wanted to include the entire trip in this and the next blog post. If nothing else, for my own memory of the trip and to encourage you to ride or rode trip the same gorgeous route.

me in front of Sherman Pass sign
Whew! Four passes in 3 days. The agony and the ecstasy.

  • mountaine scenery
    Gorgeous views along Hwy 20
  • wild camping
    Free camping in Sedro-Wolley. All camp grounds are closed due to Covid-19
  • Sasquatch convention sign
    Bummed that I never saw a Sasquatch or Big Foot on this ride. Maybe next time.
  • Colonial Creek campground. Which was free because of Covid-19.
  • Leaving Colonial Creek campground.
  • Leaving Colonia Creek campground.
  • girl on bridge in front of river
    Riding along hwy 20 never gets old.
  • Heading over Rainy Pass
  • Heading down into Winthrop after Washington Pass.
  • Camping in city park in Omak.
  • Market day at the city park in Omak.
  • Market day in Omak.
  • Finally, a cold beer in the town of Republic.

2 thoughts on “The North Cascade Highway”

    1. Vero, it was a beautiful trip. So good not to be thinking of covid every second. Hopefully, by next summer we can cross boarders.

      Reply

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