North Cascades Loop

Comments:

This is one of my favorite multi-day rides.   It traverses the best part of #20 through spectacular mountain passes, opens into the heat of the Okanagan for great summer riding (and swimming) and presents numerous options for exploration (both Stateside and in BC).

The loop illustrated was a long weekend (comfortable 3 day trip) in summer of 2000.  We took the freeway to Sumas crossing and then down to Sedro Woolley.  Sedro Woolley to Concrete/Rockport is quite forgettable but the rest is excellent.  Our first night was near Winthrop, the second night in Osoyoos (after catching the Midway border crossing just closing their pearly gates) and the third saw us back at home.

You can cut the indicated route short by taking 97 north to Osoyoos for a reasonable 2 day trip.  Some people will make it a day ride by turning around at Diablo Dam or Washington Pass.  The best section of #20 is from Rockport to Winthrop (superb) and Okanagan riding is always fun so I tend to reserve this route for multi-day rides.

Map (Click on map for full size):

Picture: