Winter is a great time to explore Washington state, especially the small mountain towns that are tucked away in the North Cascades. The Evergreen State's plethora of hiking and camping routes in the summer turn into magical snowshoe trails in the winter, and the landscape is truly transformed into something new.

The West side of the mountains has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment — both outdoor and indoor — during the cold winter months, but it’s worthwhile heading out to some smaller towns to experience winter in a totally different way. 

Washington State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, is the northernmost highway to pass over the Cascade Range in Washington and, as such, is a stunner to drive through. It’s also closed pretty much all winter from the Ross Lake Dam to the Silver Star Sno-Park, so you can’t drive all the way across it. 

Even though a section of it is closed in the winter, visitors can still travel along the open sections and check out the towns and trails along the way. If you drive out to the eastern side of the highway, you’re sure to get some well-earned peace and quiet since it takes a little more effort to get there from our luxury Seattle apartments.

All that being said, here are some towns along the North Cascades Highway that are a must-visit during the winter months!

4 cozy winter towns along WA State Route 20

Bellingham

Though not on Washington State Route 20, Bellingham should definitely be on your winter must-visit list if you’re heading up to the northern part of the state. 

Nestled against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Baker and the vast Salish Sea, Bellingham is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with urban cool. Kayak on the placid waters beside towering evergreens covered in snow, snowshoe up mountainous trails or stroll along scenic coastal paths – all within minutes of downtown's bustling cafes and craft breweries.

Speaking of brews, Bellingham boasts a thriving craft beer scene with over 30 breweries pouring everything from crisp pilsners to hoppy IPAs. Savor the local bounty then catch a live show at the historic Mount Baker Theatre, a Beaux Arts stunner with acoustics that will leave you coming back again and again.

If you’re looking to explore Bellingham’s more unique city sights, be sure to explore the Whatcom Museum where exhibits delve into the region's indigenous heritage and maritime past. Art lovers can also check out the cutting-edge contemporary works at the Art Walk, or browse the whimsical sculptures dotting Western Washington University's campus.

Bellingham is a dream to visit both in the summer and winter, but winter is a special time to check out the many stores and restaurants when the weather outside gets just a little too chilly to be outside and the highway closes for the season.

Sedro-Woolley

Sedro-Woolley is the last big town along the highway as you’re heading into the mountains from Seattle. It’s tucked into the foothills of the Cascades and has everything you’d want from a small, cozy mountain town — quaint cafes, a store-lined main street, some well-loved bars and pubs, great views of the mountains and, of course, access to the nearby Skagit River. 

(In the summer, this is where the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held every April!)

Winthrop

This Old-West Town really transforms into a quiet haven in the winter time, partly because it’s so hard to get to from the West Side when Highway 20 is closed!

If there’s one time to visit Winthrop in the winter, though, it’s in March during the annual Winthrop Balloon Roundup. During this weekend-long festival, the skies fill with dozens of colorful hot air balloons floating gently over the Methow Valley. 

If you don’t have your own hot air balloon to bring along (let’s face it, who does?) then you can purchase a ticket to ride one of the many balloons. Make sure to book early, though, as the spots fill up fast!

There’s also plenty of outdoor activities to do in Winthrop during the winter outside of the balloon festival. The Methow Valley is one of the best spots in the nation for cross-country skiing and the massive web of trails covering the valleys and hills are more than enough to fill your Nordic quota. The Methow Trails system is actually the largest cross-country ski area in the nation with over 124 miles of groomed trails run solely by local volunteers and landowners who are passionate about the sport. 

And then, after you’re done skiing, ballooning and exploring the outdoors, head into town for an old-fashioned sarsaparilla at the local saloon. Yee haw!

Twisp

Stop in Twisp on the way in or out of Winthrop and you’ll be happy you did!

This small, cozy town is right at the base of Lookout Mountain and, as a result, is right within reach of all the trails heading up the east-side gem. At the top of the mount is a lookout tower (hence, the name!) which is a great spot to sip on some thermos coffee and gaze at the snowy landscapes beyond. 

On your way down, grab a hot cocoa from one of the coffee shops in town and a pastry from the bakery, then stay the night at a local inn and do it all again the next day!

Don’t let closed highway passes and frigid temperatures prevent you from exploring a new town this winter. Instead, check out one of these quaint towns along the North Cascades Highway and experience the Washington winter in a whole new way. 

Enjoy!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/meisterbuehler