Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

RECREATION

Scenic Byways & Highways

Mt. Baker Highway - Route 542

Although this byway is a relatively short 57 miles, the attractions and scenery found along the Mount Baker Highway are worthy of extra time taken out of the car absorbing the atmosphere. Mount Baker Highway begins just west of Bellingham and winds up to spectacular Artist Point, the end of the highway. The highway is home to whatever visitors are searching for from solitude and beauty, to fun and recreation, to the dazzling experience of all that Mount Baker has to offer. Unlike many byways, this road does not lead to another location or area. It’s a destination unto itself and an adventure all along the way.

North Cascades Scenic Highway

The eastern edge of the North Cascades Highway begins in the remote high desert of the Methow Valley and rises gently as it approaches Washington Pass and the snow-capped peaks of the North Cascade Mountains.

Mountain Loop Scenic Byway

The Mountain Loop Highway is a National Forest Scenic Byway and offers outstanding recreational opportunities and spectacular views. The Scenic Byway traverses 51 miles between the towns of Darrington and Granite Falls with 41 miles going through the old growth forests, mountains, and rivers on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This Byway is an hour from Seattle and provides access to 12 campgrounds, 30 trailheads, 2 boat launches, 5 picnic sites, 3 wilderness areas, 2 National Register Historic Sites, the Big Four Ice Caves National Scenic Trail, Monte Cristo historic mining district, Mount Pilchuck State Park, and over 200 miles of trail.

Stevens Pass Greenway

Follow the thundering Skykomish River from pastoral Puget Sound through the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains. At Stevens Pass the byway descends sharply to the fragrant pine forests and fruit orchards of the Wenatchee River Valley. Historic communities shaped by the rugged landscape share their stories and their hospitality.

Mountains to Sound Greenway - Interstate 90

Drive east from Seattle on I-90 through pastoral valleys, lush forests and a dramatic mountain landscape. Visit historic towns and scenic spots for forest walks or challenging hikes. Cross the Cascades into a drier climate where coal mining built pioneer towns on the way to the Columbia River.

Mather Memorial Parkway

Part of the Chinook Scenic Byway. It was Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, who first suggested the creation of "A Cascade Parkway" to preserve the natural beauty along the approach highway leading to the northeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park. Now, years later, the Stephen T. Mather Memorial Parkway, named in his honor, is designed to enhance and compliment the existing natural landscape for the use and enjoyment of the general public.