Wenatchee to Hope Road Trip Guide: Scenic Route

Along US-2 and I-90, this 330-mile drive crosses the Cascades and the Columbia River. You'll pass the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth and the dramatic Columbia River Gorge. The route climbs to 4,000 feet at Stevens Pass, where winter weather can change quickly. It's a trip of about 5.5 hours without stops, but plan extra time for attractions.

US-2 is narrow and winding over Stevens Pass; look for wildlife at dawn and dusk. Plan rest breaks at Kachess Lake or the Davenport Rest Area. Family stops include the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum and the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie (slight detour).

For kids, the Grizzly Bear Encounter in Coeur d'Alene offers animal viewing. Pet-friendly motels are common in Leavenworth and Coeur d'Alene. Keep dogs on leashes at viewpoints. Watch for trucks on I-90; the drive can be tiring, so take 15-minute breaks every 2 hours. Use rest areas in Ritzville and Spokane.

Hidden gems include the historic town of Roslyn, known as the filming site of 'Northern Exposure', and the Spokane River Centennial Trail. Local wineries in the Columbia Valley and the Clearwater Casino in Worley offer cultural tastes.

The route passes two National Scenic Byways: the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF and the Columbia River Gorge. Leavenworth’s alpine architecture stands out, though it’s a recreation of a Bavarian village, not a historic one. For how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cites, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Local apples and cherries are sold at roadside stands in the Wenatchee Valley.

At the turn of the century, the Great Northern Railway brought German immigrants to Leavenworth, shaping its current theme. The Columbia River Gorge is a designated National Scenic Area. For a historic stop, visit the Reardan Depot Museum in Reardan, near the halfway point.

Start on US-2 east, then merge onto I-90 at Cle Elum. Gas is available in Leavenworth, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Spokane, and Coeur d'Alene. Prices are higher in small towns, so fill up in Wenatchee or Spokane. Driving time depends on traffic: allow 6 hours with stops.

• Check mountain passes at wsdot.com before leaving.
• Note: Cell service is sporadic between Skykomish and Cle Elum.
• Carry chains from October to April.