North Cascades Highway
WA 20Marblemount to Winthrop · Washington
Distance73.3mi · 118 km
Drive time2 h 27 minon the road
DifficultyModerate
MountainForestLakes
A wild crossing of the jagged North Cascades.
WA 20 climbs over Rainy and Washington Passes through the heart of the North Cascades, a road of granite spires, hanging glaciers and turquoise lakes with almost no towns along the way. The high section is closed by snow much of the year; mind the avalanche gates, the wildlife, and the long stretches without fuel.
Where it runs
MarblemountStart · Washington
WinthropEnd · United States
Character
Corners34bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient7%≈ 1-in-14
Hairpins0tight bends
Climb1681 mtotal ascent
Summit1657 mhighest point · 5436 ft
SummerAutumn
Elevation
1503 m rangeKnow before you go
- Closed by snow much of the year
- Long stretches without fuel
- Wildlife on the road
Along the road
- viewpoint Diablo Lake Overlook
- viewpoint Washington Pass Overlook
Sources
In these collections
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to North Cascades Highway.
