The Stevens Pass Greenway is not only one of the regions on the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway, it is also a designated Scenic Byway in its own right.
The 90-mile scenic byway follows Highway 2 and stretches from Monroe in Snohomish County through the Sky Valley, then over Stevens Pass (elevation 4,061 feet), down through the Tumwater Canyon, and just past Leavenworth in Chelan County.
The landscape and environment changes from semi-urban to open river valley, lush evergreen forest and granite rock faces. You travel through several small communities as you begin the ascent over Stevens Pass. Don’t let their size fool you -- they each have amazing opportunities for lodging and dining, and more outdoor recreation than you might imagine!
The old mining town of Index is just off the beaten path of State Route 2. The one-mile jaunt into Index is our Side Trip for the Stevens Pass Greenway region. Learn more about this area by clicking here: Side Trip Index.
Just outside of town, plan a stop at Espresso Chalet for your favorite caffeinated beverage. You can take a selfie with Sasquatch at this iconic location, which was a shooting location of “Harry and the Hendersons” a 1987 family comedy with John Lithgow. Dr. Wallace’s character (played by Don Ameche) is an ‘expert’ on Bigfoot at the North American Museum of Anthropology (a rundown, nearly abandoned shack full of Bigfoot oddities) is the green hut you will find at Espresso Chalet (pictured).
Featured Lodging Property: The Bush House
The Stevens Pass Scenic Byway continues through Leavenworth to Peshastin, but our designated region segment ends at Coles Corner, where Highway 209 meets US 2. From here you can stay on US 2 through the Tumwater Canyon to Leavenworth, or you can take 209 on a Side Trip to Plain and Lake Wenatchee.