Chasing mountain views, lush forests, alpine lakes, and the kind of remote tranquility that only the Pacific Northwest can deliver, van camping or RVing through the North Cascades means that camping here moved quickly to the top of our list. Tucked away in northern Washington State, the North Cascades are known as the “American Alps.” Often noted as one of the least visited National Parks, the solitude of North Cascades National Park makes it one of our favorite summer destinations. With craggy peaks, endless hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints, this region is tailor-made for adventurous road trippers.
The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway: An Overview
Whether you’re rolling in a van (like us), towing a trailer, or cruising in a big rig, the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway offers a diverse and unforgettable drive through some of the most beautiful and accessible parts of Washington. The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile scenic drive that circles through nine of Washington’s most iconic regions. Starting and ending in the Seattle area, the loop travels through Seattle Northcountry, Stevens Pass Greenway, Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, Methow Valley, North Cascades National Park, and even through the San Juan Islands.
Van campers and RVers love this loop for its mix of backcountry access and small-town charm. Expect easy pull-offs for dispersed camping, RV parks with amenities, and plenty of options for scenic boondocking. We took on the Cascade Loop this July for a two-week van trip. We kept our plans loose and didn’t book any campsites ahead of time because we wanted to try to experience the variety of options the loop has to offer.
Mountain Loop Highway
We began in Seattle Northcountry, visiting a farmers market, grabbing some groceries, and visiting a few small businesses before taking a detour. Branching off from the western edge of the loop near Darrington or Granite Falls, the Mountain Loop Highway is less traveled but packed with wilderness experiences.
Must-see stops include:
Big Four Ice Caves – A short, family-friendly hike to stunning (and chilly) ice formations. If you are up for a larger hike, head to the Mount Pilchuck Lookout – One of the best fire lookout hikes in the state, with views from the Sound to the Cascades.
Camping Options
- Paca Pride Guest Ranch: We booked directly for this Hipcamp and enjoyed both incredible hospitality as well as a sunset spent with their alpacas before retreating to our quiet van space.
- Verlot Campground – Forested and close to several trailheads. This is a primitive campground with potable water access and vault toilets.
- Dispersed Camping – The Forest Service land along the highway offers numerous pull-offs and primitive campsites. Many of these are for tent camping or can accommodate a smaller rig.
Steven’s Pass Greenway
Nestled in the heart of Washington’s scenic Cascade Mountains, the Stevens Pass Greenway offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and quirky charm. A must-stop along this lush corridor is the Heybrook Lookout Tower hike, a short but invigorating trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Mount Index and the surrounding wilderness from a historic fire lookout. Just down the road, you’ll find the Espresso Chalet: the perfect pit stop after your hike.
Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, and Methow Valley
These regions are not to be missed. While on the road, soaring temperatures and a small wildfire pushed us through these regions on the loop to chase cooler temperatures in the mountains; however, we have plenty of recommendations from previous trips.
Leavenworth: This alpine-themed town is a tourist hotspot. Great stops for hiking, shopping, eating, and camping. We loved our previous hike in Icicle Creek Canyon as well as our downtown stroll through endless shops and restaurants. We have dreamed of returning to camp at Eightmile Campground, about 20 minutes outside of town.
Lake Chelan: Don’t miss a trip on the lake. Rent a boat or bring a book and a beach chair to Lake Chelan for a dreamy lake day. If you have a bit more time, venture to Stehekin. Only accessible by boat, this quiet town on the north end of the lake will leave your heart full of love for a slower pace of life.
The Methow Valley: The Methow Valley boasts a dry, sunny climate, which is a stark contrast to the damp forests we had been enveloped in.
Must-see towns in this region include Winthrop and Twisp. Winthrop is a charming Old West-style town with restaurants and shops galore. Twisp is a low-key artsy town with great farmers’ markets and excellent food at the Twisp River Pub.
North Cascades National Park: Must-See Stops
- Diablo Lake Overlook – Possibly the most iconic viewpoint in the park. The surreal turquoise water surrounded by towering peaks is jaw-dropping. There’s a day-use area, but also nearby campgrounds like Colonial Creek Campground (RV and van accessible).
- Washington Pass Overlook – Located just outside the park boundaries on Hwy 20. A short, paved walk brings you to panoramic views of Liberty Bell Mountain.
- Cascade Pass Trailhead – This 7.5-mile round-trip hike rewards with panoramic alpine views and occasional mountain goat sightings. The road to the trailhead is gravel and can be rough, best for smaller vans than large RVs.
Camping at Colonial Creek Campground is a great option, right on Diablo Lake with spots for tents and RVs. No hookups, but vault toilets and water are available. This is where we stayed during our time in the North Cascades, and it served as an excellent jumping-off point for many of the hikes and overlooks within the park.
Mt. Baker Wilderness Area
Though slightly off the Cascade Loop, Mt. Baker is well worth the detour. The Mount Baker Highway (SR 542) leads to some of the most scenic drives and hikes in the state. This was our favorite add-on during our trip, and we highly recommend reserving one or more days to fully experience the area.
Must-See Stops Include:
Artist Point and Heather Meadows. We hiked the Fire and Ice trail with our pups to enjoy the views of the alpine area, including many blooming wildflowers.
Camping Options:
- Silver Fir and Douglas Fir Campgrounds – Forested sites near the Nooksack River with basic amenities.
- Dispersed Camping – Several pullouts and primitive sites off SR 542. We opted to stay two nights in two different locations directly on the river. If you have four-wheel drive, you can even park on the rocky riverbed and camp.
Tips for Van Life and RVing in the North Cascades
- Fuel Up Often: Services are sparse between towns—don’t let your tank drop too low.
- Check Road Conditions: Snow can linger into July at higher elevations. Always check WSDOT and National Forest websites.
- Pack Out What You Pack In: Especially important when dispersed camping—leave no trace.
- Cell Signal Is Spotty: Download offline maps and trail info ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Van camping and RVing through the North Cascades and around the Cascade Loop is the kind of trip that lingers with you long after the last mountain fades in your rearview mirror. The mix of epic wilderness, charming small towns, and scenic byways makes it a Pacific Northwest road trip of a lifetime.