Candi L. Swinscoe: Rascal's Roadshow: North Cascades, Washington

🌟 Rascal’s Roadshow 🌟

It is always a test in patience when getting Rascal to pose.
I told him this is why he'll never be an Instagram influencer!
I took ten pictures just to get one of him looking at me!

If you have limited time and want to make the most of a visit to Washington State, I highly recommend the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway! It winds through nine distinct regions, offering a little something for everyone. So far, we’ve covered over 300 miles of the 440 miles—cruising past snowcapped mountains, lush vineyards, apple orchards, enchanted moss-covered forests, sparkling waterfalls, and emerald-green rivers. The only section we’re missing this time? A little island hopping around Puget Sound and the Salish Sea 🌊🚤

You can jump on the Cascade Loop anywhere along the route. We started in Chelan (check out my earlier posts!), where we took a day trip to Winthrop and continued north until we reached the southern end of the winter road closure. Today’s post picks up from Rockport to Ross Lake, on the northern side of that same closure.

We've traveled the dark blue line, and stayed at the pink dots.
The green circle shows where the winter road closure is located.

🐾 Hitting the Road with Rascal

We had a slow start and didn’t leave our Howard-Miller Steelhead Park campsite until nearly 11:00 AM. We loaded Rascal into the truck and rolled right onto the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway. Fun fact: Rascal seems to really enjoy the views! On travel days, when we’re pulling the trailer, he naps along the way. But on sightseeing days like this, he stays alert and watches the world go by 🐶👀 We sure hope he's enjoying the ride as much as we are!

I didn't take any pictures of Rascal on this road trip.
This is him checking out the views from our side by side.

🍔 Lunch Stop: Upriver Grill & Taproom

First stop: Marblemount, where we had lunch at the Upriver Grill & Taproom. Great vibe, amazing food, and our waitress was hilarious and attentive (and I’m kicking myself for not getting her name!). The place was spotless, with huge windows overlooking the patio, giving it a bright and open feel. Highly recommend!
🔗 uprivergrill.com

🏔️ Into the Cascades

Fun fact I just learned: The Cascade Mountain Range stretches all the way from British Columbia, Canada to Mt. Shasta in California! I visited Mt. Shasta years ago with my son and Todd has been there a few times while hunting with his dad and brother—who knew it was part of the Cascades?

A bit of the local wildlife seen through
our dirty windshield. 🦌

After lunch, we drove along the winding roadway, hugging the Skagit River. We passed farmland, tunnels, and misty waterfalls, with snowmelt trickling down moss-covered rocks all along the way. You’ll definitely want to stop at the shoulder pullouts—they offer some breathtaking views!

I think Washington is the Moss Capitol of the World.
It is on everything and so beautiful!

One must-see is Gorge Creek Falls. There’s a parking lot, restrooms, and a paved path that leads to a stunning overlook of the falls and the Gorge Dam. There’s also a ramp for wheelchair access. We didn’t see signs prohibiting dogs (and honestly, I didn’t even think to check), so Rascal came along. We saw a couple of other dogs along the way. I’ve since learned dogs aren’t allowed—oops! We try to follow the rules, but that one slipped past us.

⛪ Tiny Treasure: Wildwood Chapel

Just outside Marblemount, we passed the most charming little church—Wildwood Chapel! Originally located on the Miller-Stevens Pass Highway, it was moved and restored by the Clark family after vandalism. It now sits peacefully under 200-year-old maple trees and only seats nine people. It’s become a destination wedding spot! While it doesn’t have a website, I did find a phone number if you're dreaming of a teeny-tiny, fairy-tale wedding: 📞 (360) 873-2250.

💡 Diablo Dam & Lake

Driving deeper into the North Cascades National Park, we missed the visitor center (it opens in May), but we didn’t miss Diablo Canyon—a solid granite gorge with a picturesque view of Diablo Dam. One side holds Diablo Lake, and the other drops 389 feet to the river below 😲

Gorgeous photo marred by my nemesis...power lines!!
I loath power lines!

The dam, completed in 1930, was the tallest in the world at the time. It’s part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, which helps power Seattle. Driving across the dam—all 1,180 feet of it—was a thrill! Lake views on the way in, and a nerve-wracking drop-off on my side on the way out! (I’m not a fan of heights, so this was a personal triumph 😂)

What caught our eye were the elegant Art Deco street lamps lining the dam. I looked everywhere for info on the architecture, but only found that James Delmage Ross, superintendent of Seattle City Light, oversaw the dam’s design. No mention of the person behind the Art Deco touches—which is a real shame. That kind of detail deserves credit! For context, Art Deco was a popular design style at the time (also seen at Hoover Dam).

The waters of Diablo Lake—and much of the Skagit River—are a gorgeous turquoise. How does it get that color? I discovered this is the result of fine glacial silt, known as “glacial flour,” tiny particles of rock suspended in the water, reflecting sunlight. A touch of Mother Nature’s magic! ✨💙

🛣️ Scenic Drives & Sweet Reflections

The return drive over the bridge gave me butterflies 🦋 but was so worth it for those panoramic views! We ended our journey just past Ross Lake at the seasonal road closure and headed back to camp with completely different views.

Exploring the USA one scenic route at a time has been one of the greatest joys of our life. This country is full of beauty and kind people. Don’t see the world through the filter of the news or social media—go experience it for yourself. It’s far richer, friendlier, and more amazing than you might think. 🌍💖