The North Cascades Highway leads through Ross Lake National Recreation Area, providing access to Gorge Lake, Diablo Lake and Ross Lake. The highway leads 56 miles from Marblemount to Washington Pass Overlook on the western and eastern sides of the National Park Complex, respectively. It is the backbone of the park complex as the main thoroughfare providing access to several trailheads, campgrounds, scenic overlooks and fishing and boating sites. The highway is closed by snow each year from mid-November through March. During the winter and early spring months only, the road is maintained from the west to Ross Dam Parking Area at mile 134.

Elevation: 325 Feet

Ending elevation: 5,477 Feet

Difficulty: Easy

Directions: From Twisp, Drive west along Highway 20 to Washington Pass where the scenic byway begins.

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