Fodor's Expert Review Cascade Loop

One of the state's most famous scenic drives, the popular 400-mile Cascade Loop encompasses areas of northwestern Washington from Puget Sound to the Cascades and beyond on a number of roads. Its eastern portion includes towns in the Methow Valley such as Winthrop, the Lake Chelan Valley, and the Wenatchee Valley and Cascade foothills. Winthrop has plenty of outdoor activities as well as a lively downtown; heading south on the loop brings you to the resort area of Chelan, on 50-mile-long Lake Chelan, and then to the fruit-growing center of Wenatchee and on to Leavenworth, with its Bavarian-style architecture and mix of old-style and hip shops and restaurants. Although you could drive this portion of the Cascade Loop in a day, the charming towns, landscapes, and outdoor adventures make it easy to linger for a few days or more.