North Cascades Scenic Highway, Washington:  1 July 2006

    A roadside sign announces, "Welcome to the American Alps."  The Cascades are steep and extremely rugged.  The North

Cascades Scenic Highway (WA-20) winds up and through them at Rainy Pass and Washington Pass.  [20 photos]

The North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20, approaching Rainy Pass

The North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20, approaching Rainy Pass

Roadside forest

The North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20, approaching Rainy Pass

The North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20, approaching Rainy Pass

The North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20, approaching Rainy Pass

The North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20, at Rainy Pass

Washington Pass, on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20

Washington Pass, on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20

Washington Pass, on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20

Washington Pass, on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20

Washington Pass, on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20

Washington Pass, on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20

Peak and moon

Wider view

The Cascades are known as the American Alps

Washington Pass, on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Highway WA-20

Jagged peaks resemble the Swiss Alps

More sharp peaks on this severe ridge

The ridge goes for miles and mile and miles....