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# Route 20 Road Trip – Ross Lake National Recreation Area
- URL: https://the-cj-willette.ghost.io/route-20-road-trip-ross-lake-national-recreation-area/
- Published: 2026-05-29T01:59:42.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-29T01:59:42.000Z
- Author: Cj Willette
- Tags: Want-To-Go, Road Trips, Washington, North Cascades, Scenic Drives

**📍 Location:** North Cascades / Washington Route 20  
**🗺 Directions:**  
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Ross+Lake+National+Recreation+Area

**📂 Type:** Road Trip / Scenic Drive

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**Why it’s on our list:**  
One of Washington’s most scenic mountain drives featuring dramatic North Cascades scenery, turquoise water, forests, and several easy trails that make excellent roadside stops.

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## 🚗 The Drive

This stretch of Route 20 through the North Cascades offers:

- mountain views
- forest scenery
- lakes and rivers
- scenic overlooks
- easy hiking opportunities

A perfect “stop often and take your time” road trip.

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# 🥾 Easy Trails Along the Way

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## 🌊 Ladder Creek Falls Trail

**🗺 Directions:**  
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Ladder+Creek+Falls+Trail

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/2e/cd2e725d-886e-4858-bcea-e4cbf0c282b7/content/images/2026/05/Largest-Fall.jpeg)

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### Highlights

- Short easy walk
- Waterfall views
- Historic hydroelectric area
- Forest + suspension bridge atmosphere

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### Notes

- Especially nice in lower light/evening
- Very approachable for most visitors

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## 🌲 Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk

**🗺 Directions:**  
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Trail+of+the+Cedars+North+Cascades

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/2e/cd2e725d-886e-4858-bcea-e4cbf0c282b7/content/images/2026/05/Trail-of-the-Cedars-4.jpeg)

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### Highlights

- Old-growth forest
- Easy interpretive trail
- Massive cedar trees

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### Notes

- Great quick stop to stretch your legs
- Relaxed pace and easy terrain

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## ⛰ Thunder Knob Trail

**🗺 Directions:**  
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Thunder+Knob+Trailhead

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/2e/cd2e725d-886e-4858-bcea-e4cbf0c282b7/content/images/2026/05/image-1400-2672e6837edde54ce80735fd4c5ddaa9.jpeg)

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### Highlights

- Moderate but approachable trail
- Elevated lake views
- Ross Lake overlook

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### Notes

- Slightly more effort than the other two stops
- Worth it for the scenery

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## 🌊 Ross Lake National Recreation Area

One of the highlights of the drive is the incredible water color throughout the area—especially on sunny days when the lakes turn vivid blue-green.

There many more trails and hikes to explore along this route - this [link](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/washington/ross-lake-national-recreation-area) will take you to the 10 best hikes and trails in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area

The entire route feels very different from most other Washington drives:

- steeper mountains
- dramatic terrain
- alpine scenery

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## 💡 Tips

- Best late spring through fall
- Route 20 is seasonal and may close in winter
- Bring layers—the weather changes quickly
- Fuel up before remote stretches

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## Nearby Add-Ons

Could pair well with:

- Diablo Lake overlooks
- North Cascades scenic stops
- Overnight road trip through eastern Washington

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## 👥 Who This Is For

- Scenic drives
- Casual hikers
- Couples
- North Cascades exploring

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**🏁 Status: WANT-TO-GO 🟡**

> “One of Washington’s best scenic drives with several easy trails worth stopping for along the way.”