📍 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

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.

🚗 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.

🥾 Easy Trails Along the Way

🌊 Ladder Creek Falls Trail

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

Highlights

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

Notes

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

🌲 Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk

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

Highlights

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

Notes

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

⛰ Thunder Knob Trail

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

Highlights

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

Notes

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

🌊 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 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

💡 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

Nearby Add-Ons

Could pair well with:

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

👥 Who This Is For

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

🏁 Status: WANT-TO-GO 🟡

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