Washington Itinerary Idea: NW Favorites Loop

This loop itinerary begins and ends in Seattle and includes some of Washington’s most popular spots. You can optionally omit the Bellingham section if nothing there tickles your fancy, and just head straight to Hwy 20 (North Cascades Hwy).

Note: Since Hwy 20 is closed to through traffic in the winter, plan this loop for May through October.

Time to Allow: 5-7 days

Itinerary

Day 1

Seattle to Bellingham

Spark Museum of Electrical Invention
Big Rock Garden
WWU Outdoor Sculptures
Historic Fairhaven
Good Time Girls Bellinghistory Tours

Day 2

Bellingham to Winthrop

Stop at Diablo Dam and Ross Lake
Browse the western themed town of Winthrop

Note that Highway 20 is closed to through traffic in winter months.

DaY 3-4

WinthroP TO LAKE CHELAN

Stay 2 nights here
Go wine tasting at one (or more) of Chelan’s 30 wineries
Take the kids to the waterslides
Play in or around the lake. Fun fact, Lake Chelan is the 3rd deepest lake in the US at just shy of 1500 ft. at its deepest.
Take a boat ride to Stehekin and Holden Village

Day 5

Lake Chelan to LEavenWorth

Browse the Bavarian village of Leavenworth
Shop for treats at Smallwoods Farm
Taste Aplets and Cotlets in Cashmere

Day 6

Leavenworth to Snoqualmie
Continue on Hwy 2 to Monroe and then via WA-203 through Carnation to Snoqualmie Falls.

Camlann Medieval Village in Carnation (only open weekends, May-Sept)
Got kids? Stop by Remlinger Farm & Fun Park in Carnation
Visit Snoqualmie Falls
If you’re a Twin Peaks fan, also check out North Bend and eat at the “Double R” aka Mar T diner
Return to Seattle and end your trip exploring the city

Diablo Lake North Cascades National Park. Photo Credit: NationalParked via Deposit Photos
Lake Chelan. Photo Credit: Jesse Collins via Unsplash.
Spark Museum. Photo by author.
Big Rock Garden Park. Photo by author.
Fairhaven District. Photo by author.
Snoqualmie Falls. Photo credit: Dave Hoefler via Unsplash.
Leavenworth WA. Photo credit 1004us via Pixabay.