Corridor Management Plan A Guide to Enhancing Washington State’s Most Scenic & Recreational BywayUpdated and Adopted By The Cascade Loop Foundation March, 2020 Cascade Loop Foundation Board of Directors Heather Carter Debbie Copple Jack Penland Henry Sladek Greg Taylor This project was carried out in partnership with the Cascade Loop Association Cascade Loop Association Board of Directors Annique Bennett Lyman Boyd Heather Carter Tyler Chism Eric Christenson Debbie Copple Pola Kelley Dan Kuperberg Gina Muller Jack Penland Annette Pitts (CLA Executive Director) Henry Sladek Greg Taylor Kim Ustanik Deven Vilar Original CMP prepared by: Otak, Incorporated June, 2014 Cascade Loop Foundation P.O. Box 3245 Wenatchee, WA 98807 (509) 662-3888 info@cascadeloop.com cascadeloop.com Visitors enjoying Fall, splashing in Lake Chelan Table of Contents CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 2Table of Contents 1 . Overview & Intrinsic Qualities ................................................................5 Byway Map ...................................................................................................6 Regions and Descriptions ............................................................................7 Purpose of This Project ................................................................................8 Current Designation ......................................................................................8 Designation Requirements Met ....................................................................9 CMP Planning Process ..............................................................................10 Partnership: Cascade Loop Foundation/Association .................................11 Strategic Planning .......................................................................................12 Expanding & Strengthening the Organization ............................................12 Broadening Interest ....................................................................................13 Ongoing Stakeholder Engagement ............................................................14 Potential Engagement Tools .......................................................................15 Intrinsic Qualities Region By Region ...........................................................17 2. Past & Present Conditions Around the Byway .................................36 Natural History and Ecosystems ................................................................37 Climate ........................................................................................................39 First Peoples ...............................................................................................39 Past and Present Conditions ......................................................................43 3. Transportation System Assessment ..................................................80 Introduction .................................................................................................81 State Highway Management ......................................................................81 WSDOT Management and Washington’s Transportation Plan .............83 State Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning and Priorities ...........................84 Bicycling around the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway .................................84 Safety Assessment .............................................................................85 Functional Classifications of the Highway Routes .................................86 Washington State Map of Scenic & Recreational Highways ................87 Washington State Highways - Milepost Map .......................................88 Washington State Department of Transportation Functional Classification Map for Cascade Loop Routes .........89 Highways of Statewide Significance ....................................................90 Highway Characteristics and Conditions on Each Route .....................91 Transit System Bus Routes .................................................................96 Statewide Intercity Bus Network ....................................................................97 Passenger Rail System, Washington State .....................................................98 North Cascades Highway History ..........................................................99 Winter Closure: North Cascades Highway ............................................100 Roadside Pull-offs/Scenic Viewing Locations .................................................100 Side Trips .....................................................................................................100 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations ................................................................101 4. Sustainable Destination Development ......................................................103 Destination Development Approach ...........................................................104 Cascade Loop Traveler Statistical & Economic Data .................................104 Top 5 Visitor Interests .................................................................................105 Proximity to Major Metropolitan Markets ..........................................................105 Destination Assessment .............................................................................106 Peer Audience Review: Social Media Reach ..............................................107 Strategic Objectives ....................................................................................109 Market Segmentation .................................................................................109 Consumer/Traveler Segments ....................................................................110 Primary & Secondary Target Markets .........................................................111 Cascade Loop Resident Stakeholders, Key Audience & Stewards ...........111 Website Visitation Data ...............................................................................112 Consumer Behavior & Outcomes ............................................................113 Enhancing the Visitor Experience ............................................................115 Marketing Assets .....................................................................................115 Marketing Channels & Programs .............................................................115 Measurements and Key Performance Indicators ....................................116 Stewardship and Education ................................................................................117 Promoting Stewardship and Sustainability ........................................................117 Directing Visitors to the Right Places .........................................................117 The National Geographic Society Geotourism Charter ..........................120 Promoting Sustainable Travel and Geotourism .........................................120 Washington State DOT Role: Signage & Wayshowing .....................................122 Expanding/ Improving Signing and Visitor Wayshowing & Wayfinding......122 Effective Byway Guidance .............................................................................123 Cascade Loop Signing & Wayshowing ......................................................123 Excerpt from WSDOT Logo Signing Guidelines .........................................126 Scenic Byway Logo ............................................................................................127 Table of Contents CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 3 Wayshowing Signage on the Cascade Loop ...........................................127 Repetitive Route Markers Directional and Gateway Signage .................128 Additional Signing Guidance ...................................................................131 Telling Cascade Loop Stories Through Interpretation .................................134 Design Guidelines for Roadside Elements .....................................................138 Design Examples and Concepts .............................................................142 Preserving the Overall Character and Unique Qualities of the Byway ....146 Washington State Scenic & Recreational Highways Strategic Plan ........147 Measuring Progress toward the Environmental Goal .................................148 Resource Planning Index for Scenic & Recreational Highways ............150 Locations of Highest Scenic Value .......................................................151 5. Action Plan & Implementation ..................................................................152 Overview ........................................................................................................153 Anticipated Benefits and Opportunities of Implementing the Action Plan....153 Guide to Information in the Action Plan Summary Table ..............................156 Implementing and Updating the Action Plan .................................................158 Action Plan Summary Tables .........................................................................159 Implementing this Corridor Management Plan ..............................................192 Potential Funding Opportunities ....................................................................194 Project Implementation Process ...................................................................195 Steps to Successful Project Implementation ................................................196 Appendix .....................................................................................................................198 Photos and Captions .............................................................................................199 References and Resources ...................................................................................201 Rafters viewing Bald Eagle during winter migration Table of Contents CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 41Overview and Intrinsic Qualities CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 6 Map of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 7 1 Seattle NorthCountry From the waters of Puget Sound, through fertile farm valleys, to the foothills of the Cascade Range, where vibrant cities and towns serve as gateways to the Cascade Loop 2 Stevens Pass Greenway Lush forests and thundering waterfalls line the scenic route up and over Stevens Pass, traversing through charming historic towns that offer friendly hospitality and remnants of the past on the drive across the Cascades. 3 Leavenworth/Cascade Foothills A Bavarian village and classic all-American small towns nestled in the foothills of the eastern slope of the Cascades offer a diversity of recreational and cultural experiences 4 Wenatchee/Columbia River Valley Orchards, vineyards, and farmlands roll across the landscape and along the shores of the Great Columbia River, with bustling towns that are commercial hubs of Washington State’s important fruit industry 5 Lake Chelan Valley A pristine, glacier-fed lake slices deeply into the heart of the Cascade Mountains in a setting that offers abundant scenic beauty and recreational opportunities Welcome to 440 miles of scenic wilderness, sweeping views and exciting adventures! The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway provides traveling guests with a one-of-a-kind byway experience that introduces them to the intrinsic qualities that Washington State is often known for best--its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities--all within a condensed, well-supported road trip experience. Most scenic byways give travelers a “slice” of their state or region. The Cascade Loop, however, delivers an absolute smorgasbord! Guests are advised to travel the Cascade Loop in a counter-clockwise direction in order to have the easiest, most convenient access to the most iconic, jaw-dropping views. The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway is divided into nine distinct regions each defined by its unique landscape and environment. 6 The Methow Valley From the confluence of the Columbia River to the crest of the Cascade Mountains, with miles of open range, endless star- filled skies, natural recreation, and a frontier atmosphere of the Old West, year-round experiences are enjoyed by all 7 North Cascades Dramatic mountain peaks and spectacular scenery across national forest and park lands—this is the Cascades at their best—with lakes, rivers, creeks, abundant hiking trails, and travelers’ rests along the way 8 Skagit Valley & Fidalgo Island A proud agricultural heritage, American bald eagles, and colorful carpets of blooms (tulips, daffodils, irises) across the lowland plains to Puget Sound, many experiences await travelers as they descend the Western side of the Cascade Mountains 9 Whidbey Scenic Isle Way Saltwater beaches and historic towns connect to the mainland by bridges and ferries and offer spectacular scenic views of farmlands, forests, and snow capped peaks of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges Introduction to the Cascade Loop Scenic BywayCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 8 This Corridor Management Plan demonstrates that the Cascade Loop meets and exceeds the criteria required for All-American Road designation by clearly articulating and depicting two ubiquitous intrinsic qualities: scenic beauty and recreational experiences that combined with the 9 distinctly different segments of the Loop, produce a truly one-of-a-kind traveling experience. The Cascade Loop’s two primary intrinsic qualities and secondary qualities were evaluated and ascertained through an extensive stakeholder engagement process spanning two years and involving numerous communities and diverse stakeholder groups along the byway. Likewise, regional corridor assets and priorities were identified as well. This plan articulates the vision for the scenic byway and represents a long-term commitment to its stewardship. This Corridor Management Plan was developed to inspire and organize grass-roots efforts to coordinate, communicate and implement the strategies denoted in this plan. The document is not intended to remain static, but to be acted on continually. The initial Corridor Management planning process was conducted 2012- 2014 and last updated in February of 2020. The Purpose and Contents of This Corridor Management Plan Hiker looking out at Lake Anne Current Washington State Designation The Cascade Loop is part of the Washington State system of Scenic and Recreational Highways and is thus designated as a state scenic byway in accordance with state law (RCW 47.39.020). Segments of the Cascade Loop are also separately-designated scenic byways. These include: • Stevens Pass Greenway, National Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway, Washington State Scenic Byway • North Cascades Scenic Byway, National Forest Scenic Byway and Washington State Scenic Byway • Whidbey Scenic Isle Way, Washington State Scenic Byway • Skagit Valley Scenic Agricultural Corridor Columbia River with Beebe Bridge in the background1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 9 A map identifying boundaries, locations of intrinsic qualities, and land uses A description and assessment of the corridor’s intrinsic qualities Strategies for maintaining and enhancing intrinsic qualities A list of all agency, group, and individual responsibilities in implementation of the corridor management plan and a description of review mechanisms (implementation strategy/action plan) Strategies for enhancing existing development and accommodating new development while preserving intrinsic qualities A plan to assure ongoing public participation implementing the plan and its management objectives A general review of the roadway safety and identification of correctable faults Discussion of design standards for proposed modifications of the roadway Information about services and facilities to accommodate visitors and a plan to accommodate commerce while maintaining safety along the byway Documentation that shows intrusions on visitor experience have been minimized Recommendations for signing and wayfinding to ensure that the number and placement of signs will support the visitor experience Demonstration of compliance with existing local, state, and federal laws for the control of outdoor advertising Recommendations for interpretation of the byway’s resources and for telling the byway’s story Marketing and promotional strategies (description of how the byway will be positioned for marketing) A narrative describing how the All- American Road will be promoted, interpreted, and marketed in order to attract travelers, especially those from other countries; the agencies responsible for these activities are identified A plan to encourage the accommodation of increased tourism and demonstration that roadway, lodging, dining, roadside rest areas, and other tourist necessities will be adequate for the number of visitors enticed by All-American Road designation A plan for addressing multi-lingual information needs Federal Highways Administration Requirements Met Blue Heron in flight over waters near the Whidbey Scenic Isle WayNext >