Some of the amazing Fall scenery along the Cascade Loop.

The Cascade Loop, a 400-mile self-guided driving tour leads from coastal lowlands north of Seattle into forested and snow-capped peaks of the North Cascades and the high desert country of central Washington. Drive the route in autumn for sublime fall color dominated by bright yellows and golds of alder, ash, aspen, cottonwood and larch, against a backdrop of mountain lakes and deep green conifers. This is also harvest season in the nation's top apple-growing state.

When to Go

Given the wide range of elevation and climate along the loop, fall color comes to different areas at different times. Leaves normally begin to turn in mid-September, with the highest concentration of color in early to mid-October. The apple harvest begins in late summer and continues through October.

Accommodations

It's best to allow a minimum of two or three days to drive the loop. Vacancies are plentiful this time of year, so there's no need for reservations if you enjoy the freedom of pulling into the nearest motel when you're ready to stop for the night. If you prefer to make advance bookings at an idyllic B&B or mountain lodge, search the online listings of the Washington Bed & Breakfast Guild (www.wbbg.com) and the Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association (www.stayinwashington.com), or browse the accommodations links on the region pages of the Cascade Loop Association Web site.

Dining

The fall salmon run brings plenty of fresh pink filets to Pacific Northwest tables, and the apple harvest provides fruit for pies, cider and other seasonal treats. Numerous brewery restaurants along the route serve special autumn brews this time of year to complement basic pub fare, and if it's mealtime when you pass through the neo-Bavarian village of Leavenworth, be sure to sample the local German specialties, chocolates and bakery items.

What to Do

• Take a hike: Numerous spectacular trails are accessible from the route, including hikes in North Cascades National Park (360-856-5700, www.nps.gov/noca), Wenatchee National Forest (509-664-9200, www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee) and Okanogan National Forest (509-664-9200, www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka).

• Crunch an apple: The Wenatchee Valley below the eastern slopes of the Cascades is the heart of Washington's apple country. Stop by the Washington Apple Commission Visitors Center (509-663-9600, www.bestapples.com) for information about local orchards.

• Buy some bulbs: The Skagit Valley north of Seattle is the largest producer of tulip bulbs outside of Holland, and fall is the time to buy and plant them. Retail nurseries in the area include Roozengaarde Flowers & Bulbs (360-424-8531, www.tulips.com) and the Skagit Valley Bulb Farm (360-424-8152, www.tuliptown.com).

• Slip on your Lederhosen: Once a dying Northwest logging community, the town of Leavenworth reinvented itself as a Bavarian village in the early 1960s as a way of attracting tourists. Bavarian architecture, foods and shops fill the downtown business district, and the annual Oktoberfest (Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6-7 and October 13-14, 2006) features German music, dancing and Oktoberfest Bier imported from Munich. Information: 509-548-7021, www.oktoberfestleavenworth.com.

Insider Tip

A 50-mile section of Highway 20 between Mazama and Newhalem closes annually from around mid-November until mid-April due to heavy snow. Call 888-766-4636 for current road conditions.

Posted September 2006.

Information

Cascade Loop Association: 509-662-3888, www.cascadeloop.com. The CLA Web site provides a detailed guide to the route, including maps, events listings, a mileage table and general advice for travelers. Additional information is available from Washington State Tourism, www.experiencewashington.com.

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