The Winthrop Balloon Festival is held in early March. Located just on the east side of the North Cascades, Winthrop is snow covered this time of year.

The North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) runs through the center of Winthrop but in winter the highway is closed 18 miles west of town. I live in Sedro-Woolley, a small town on the other side of the mountains. If the highway were not closed due to snow (it closes every year in November, opens in May) I could drive to Winthrop in 2.5 hours.

So, I am taking the round-about way, West on Highway 20 from Sedro-Woolley; south on I-5 to Everett, east on Highway 2, North on Highway 97, and HWY 153, and back to Highway 20, again headed west, to Winthrop! Its about 5 hours driving, but the scenery is spectacular.

My route traces what is known as the Cascade Loop, which is its own incredible tourist destination. Crossing the North Cascades twice (over Stevens Pass and Washington Pass) the route visits Leavenworth, Winthrop, Mount Vernon, Index and so much more.

Here are a few pics from the 2018 Winthrop Balloon Festival.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is coming soon! Depending upon weather, the Daffodils start in Mid to Late March, and the Tulips start opening in Late March / Early April.  Are you interested in a Sunrise and Sunset Tulip Photo Tour? I lead Guided Photo Tours every spring. You can find out more and register online here.