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Discovering the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway Photo Gallery

Discovering the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway

Here's where I took Highway 17 (the road less traveled) rather than cruising through orchards on Highway 97.

After witnessing the swarming population of motorcyclists in northern Washington, our contributing editor investigated the North Cascades Highway to discover what all the fuss was about. Read our Discovering the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway article for a full description of the ride.

Slideshow

I inflate my tires to pavement specifications after descending the high-adventure driveway.

This steep canyon, situated on Highway 2 between Waterville and Orondo, offers some great views and turns.

The ironically-named Chief Joseph Dam is situated near an enticing diner and not far from Grand Coulee Dam.

The Blue Rooster coffee shop and breakfast spot located in Waterville.

One of many scenic bridges that crossed the Snohomish River on the western Cascades side of US Highway 2.

I consult the map for some scenic detours.

A refreshing break on the western side of Stevens Pass.

An example of the country flavor that abounds on Route 17.

One of the two rivers around Leavenworth.

The Bavarian Village was full of tourists.

I stopped at Stevens Pass, elevation 4,000 ft, to talk to bikers and take in the views.

This is a great place to get off the bike and take in the view from the bridge on foot.

Taking in the views from Deception Pass Bridge.

Bikers get a discounted rate and are able to load first on the 15 minute ferry to Whidbey Island.

Another view from Deception Pass...

Rhododendron Recreation Area, near the intersection of 525 and 20, is one of many great places to camp.

Beautiful rivers and farmland lead East to the Cascades on Highway 20.

The Welcome to Concrete sign at the foothills of the Cascades.

There were many tight turns on the North Cascades Highway.

View from the North Cascades Highway...

View from the Eastern side of the North Cascades Highway...

Glacial blue water takes your breath away at this Diablo Lake overlook.

A stomach-twisting turn that offers a great view of the Eastern Cascades.

Approaching the Cascades from the West...

An example of the sort of road you can end up on in the Okanogan -- my fiancee John and I rode this one on his bike.

Views from the shortcut between Twisp and Okanogan on 20...

Another stunning view from the Cascades...

A shot of downtown Winthrop's wooden facades and cowboy feel.

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