Three Last-of-Summer Scenic Drives
Aug 20, 2026, 12:46 PM
Northwest Travel Life
Originally published on Northwest Travel & Life.
We’re already eagerly anticipating fall foliage, with its brilliant reds, oranges and golds painting the Northwest. But don’t rush summer out the door just yet. There are still a few weeks of long days, alpine lakes and green mountain landscapes to enjoy, and one of the best ways to soak them up is from the open road.
Before the leaves begin to turn, take one last summer drive on these scenic routes.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway | Oregon
Head to Central Oregon for this scenic drive. Start in Bend and point the car toward the mountains on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a 66-mile route winding through alpine scenery. The road climbs toward Mt. Bachelor before passing blue-green lakes framed by volcanic peaks, forests and lava-carved landscapes. Stop at Sparks Lake for views of Broken Top, stretch your legs along Devils Lake or make a longer afternoon of it at Elk Lake. The route is best driven June through October before winter closes the road beyond Mt. Bachelor.
Learn More and plan your trip at traveloregon.com.
North Cascades Scenic Highway | Washington
Another “Cascades” drive is on the north side in Washington, and there’s still time to cross this spectacular mountain road before snow returns. North Cascades Scenic Highway, part of State Route 20, travels through old-growth forests and deep into the rugged North Cascades. Pull over for waterfalls and mountain views, then continue toward Washington Pass before finishing in Winthrop, where the mountains give way to the Methow Valley.
Learn more and plan your trip at cascadeloop.com.
Sawtooth Scenic Byway | Idaho
Idaho saves some serious drama for the final stretch of summer. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway runs 116 miles from Shoshone to Stanley, beginning amid high-desert landscapes before climbing through the Wood River Valley and Boulder Mountains. Pass through Ketchum and Sun Valley before arriving beneath the jagged Sawtooth Mountains, where alpine lakes, trails and famously dark night skies offer plenty of reasons to turn a scenic drive into one last summer getaway.
Learn More and plan your trip at visitidaho.org.
