Top 10 Places For Fall Colors on the Cascade Loop

1. Sky Valley-Stevens Pass

Traveling east on SR-2, you’ll find yourself alongside the wild Skykomish River as the Stevens Pass Greenway transforms into the Stevens Pass "Gold Way." The road is bordered by vibrant trees with amber and salmon-colored leaves, which gracefully cascade to the ground, creating a beautiful blanket of autumn foliage.

Photo of Bridal Veil Falls, near Espresso Chalet. Mark Klein Photography

2. Lake Wenatchee Side Loop

Turn left onto SR 207 and drive toward and along the lake’s edge. The smallish roadway quickly becomes shrouded by brilliant stands of gold, coral and red.

3. Tumwater Canyon

Continuing past Cole’s Corner on Highway 2 as you approach the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth you wind through the world-renowned Tumwater Canyon. Look for numerous pullout options to view brilliant red vine maples unique to the area along the Wenatchee River. (2024 update - the Tumwater Dam is currently undergoing renovations, and cannot be accessed, but many other options, including a large parking area near the Alps Candy Store are available) 

Learn more about the Tumwater Dam, and the nearby Cascade Tunnel, the longest railroad tunnel in the country here: https://www.cascadeloop.com/articles/cascade-tunnel-longest-railroad-tunnel-in-the-us

Photo: Lake Jolanda, near the Alps Candy Store in the Tumwater Canyon. Pete Freund Photography

4. Icicle River Valley

Before you head into Leavenworth proper, hang a right onto Icicle Road. Drive on past the residential area, and wind your way through roadways lined with vine maple, aspen and all manner of deciduous trees that line the Icicle River. 

5. Leavenworth Front Street

Leavenworth may be best known for its Bavarian theme, but the Fall colors here are equally spectacular and draw guests from throughout the globe.

Oktoberfest occurs the first 3 weekends in October, a perfect chance to enjoy the colors and the flavor of the Bavarian Village!

6. Horan Nature Area-Wenatchee

Stop in Wenatchee’s Confluence State Park, display your Discover Pass, park and walk across the Wenatchee River Bridge to this wildlife-packed nature preserve. Enormous trees sport bright orange leaves and are home to all manner of bird and wildlife.

7. Lake Chelan Vineyards

The Lake Chelan Valley is renowned globally for its exceptional wine production. The rolling hills, covered in vineyards as well as fruit trees, transform beautifully in the fall, as their leaves shift from vibrant emerald to chartreuse and finally to gold.

8. Patterson Lake/Winthrop

From SR-20, take a left onto Twin Lakes Rd, then continue onto Patterson Lake Rd. As you ascend Sun Mountain, you'll find Patterson Lake just off the roadway, surrounded by shimmering golden quaking aspen and broad groves of rust and orange leaves. Nearby, vermilion-hued bushes add vibrant splashes of color against the sagebrush hillsides.

9. North Cascades/Blue Lake

Not all fall colors come from leaves! Keep an eye out for the sought-after Western Larch in this area. However, if you’re planning a visit during the fall, be prepared for unpredictable weather in the alpine regions where Larch grow — October snowfall is not unusual, so dress accordingly!

Because of the popularity of this area, weekends often see overused trailheads, and overflow parking along the highway -- PLEASE USE CAUTION and be prepared with a Plan B. There are many trails and views to choose from. See the North Cascades Park for more information and additional trails: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htm

Photo of Liberty Bell and Blue Lake, Andy Porter Photography

10. Chuckanut Drive/Skagit Valley

Chuckanut Drive is especially stunning in the fall, showcasing vibrant autumn colors along its scenic 21-mile stretch in Skagit Valley. Starting in Bow, WA, and passing Taylor Shellfish Farms, this iconic route transforms as leaves shift to vivid reds, oranges, and yellows. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands. Learn more at https://www.visitskagitvalley.com/fall-chuckanut-drive/

Bird's eye view, photo thanks to Visit Bellingham/Whatcom County