Drivers AtlasThe world's best roads

United States, Washington

North Cascades Highway

Glacier peaks, turquoise reservoirs and long clean sweepers with almost no traffic.

Length

114 km

In miles

70.8 mi

Driving time

2 hr 51 min

Atlas rating

9.3 / 10

Driving quality8.8
Scenery9.7

The run

Marblemount to Winthrop, following the SR 20. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.

Season

Closed between Ross Dam and Winthrop from November to April

Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk

Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.

Last reviewed 26 April 2026