Overall Route Rating
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4.83 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.83
47 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Nov 30, 2003

Rider Reviews

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Guest
July 5, 2009
One of the best roads anywhere. I would add that…
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GJRonK
2629 McR Points
September 12, 2014
I would start this ride from Twisp (Don't you…
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Written Directions

Start your route in the small town of Marblemount, WA. If you don't know where Marblemount is, either visit this electronic map showing how to get there (zoom in and out as much as you need) or just look on a Washington map and follow I-5 about 65 miles north of Seattle and then follow state route 20 about 40 miles east. Start your route in Marblemount and simply follow route 20 east all the way through the incredible North Cascade National Park, taking 20 all the way to Winthrop, WA. Enjoy! Note: If you continue the ride around the north cascades scenic hwy (you'll go from state route 20 to US route 97 and then to US route 2) you will see the spectacular Lake Chelan and return to I-5 via Stevens Pass near Everett Washington.

Scenery

You'll be amazed by 65 miles of old growth forest thru a national park with alpine vistas climbing from sea level to 8000 ft. and ending up in a great town Winthrop Washington. This is truly one of Washington's hidden secrets!!! Eastern end of Northern Cascades near Winthrop, WA

Drive Enjoyment

A VERY twisty road with some rock falling danger and of course plenty of deer to watch out for. Excellent road quality and never boring however this road is only open from April to October.

Photo contributed by visitor in July 09: "Picture taken on top of Diablo Dam. The access road is near the pull-out viewpoint along Highway 20"

Tourism Opportunities

No amenities from Marblemount to Winthrop however, the ride has many pull outs with overlooks of some breath taking views of the cascade mountains over 40 waterfalls that can be viewed from the road.The North Cascade National Park is one of the best national parks in the US and has plenty of outdoor activities to offer.

Photo submitted by DeDe in Aug 09.

Photo submitted by DeDe in Aug 09.

Photo submitted by DeDe in Aug 09.

Photo submitted by DeDe in Aug 09.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- Jun 14 update: Check out this great article about test driving a Triumph Rocket III on Highway 20. - View the weather fo
 

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MachMoto
February 22, 2021
13 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
Super hot in July! Great twisties around Diablo Lake, but look out for slightly heavier traffic near popular campgrounds. Newhalem was 101F the day I went thru. Occasional forest service pullouts and restroom areas all along Hwy 20 - look for river access points to cool off on a hot day. Some wonderful hiking where Hwy 20 crosses the Pacific Crest Trail near Rainy Pass. Winthrop has the feel of the old west with a few good restaurants. Drop in to Pearrygin Lake or Patterson Lake for a cool-off swim. Highly recommended as a transit route or day trip.
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avocet55
October 15, 2013
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Beautiful ride, plenty scenery to see along with sweeps and twist to make the ride.
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Guest
November 19, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I road this for the first time this Aug. I went from East to West staying in Winthrop the first night of the trip. Great place to people watch,meet people, and relax. The tip up Washington pass is fantastic. Be sure and stop at the rest area at top and walk out to the lookout. If you are afraid of heights, you might want to CRAWL out to the fence there. Fantastic views. The West side of the pass is nice long slow sweepers.
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