Highway 20, Northen Washington State

[bobperry]

Am intending to pull 40ft, 5th wheel across Hwy 20 from I 5 to 97 sometime in July and have several questions. 1) any severe elivation changes 2) diesel availability 3) RV campgrounds ( full hookup). Anyone with similar experience on this Hwy?

[Community Alumni]

Moved to Roads & Routes

[Tom_Barb]

There is a KOA camp ground just as you leave Winthrop, then as you enter Twisp there is River Bend camp both take large campers
Our favorite over night is "Loup-Loup" camp ground at the top of Loup-Loup pass east of Twisp on 20. that's about 8 hours from Oak Harbor in our coach.
Our potty stop, and usual lunch, is the pull out at Newhalem left side of the highway watch for the entrance just as you first see the town.

[Tom_Barb]

Fuel up on or near I-5, Marblemount is the last fuel going east until you get to Winthrop. there are 87 miles of no services between the two.
Up grades -- Newhalem is the start of the climb, first 10 miles are steep crooked and narrow, gear down, slow down. after crossing the lake it is another climb to Colonial creek ( nice camp) then it is up hill again to Panther creek. then it is pretty level until you start up Ruby creek. then the climb for 7-8 miles is steep, crooked. you'll be in a lower gear then it on again off again up hill until you crest Rainey pass, then a 2 mile down hill then up again into Washington pass at 5400 feet. then it is a 15 mile down hill into Mazama then it is a pretty drive thru the valley to Winthrop.

[garyhaupt]

Re-wrote this...hadn't realized it was west to east.

Chances are, you'll want to spend some time in Winthrop. Just before town there is a large community centre. You need to be parking in there and walking forward to town centre. There is no rv parking IN town itself.


Gary Haupt

[Johnny_G1]

Many a nice Bike ride across 20, a few good curves and hills to play on, especialy @ the summitt in May where there was still 10' of snow on the side of the road.

[TUCQUALA]

You won't find any full hookup in the Nat Park. As to either side of the park, there are good references for campgrounds at RV Park Reviews, and Allstays sites. A great (IMO!!) is Moon Pacific Northwest Camping compiled by Tom Stienstra. Mucho info, doesn't list every darn campsite or campground, but does a very good job. Includes fees (up to date??), directions, websites, and max lengths of rvs. Great for a large rig!! Hope this helps!.

We are going up there in May or June (open at this time!) and are spending time researching many sites and dispersed camping possibilities!!

[ScottG]

That's a spectacular drive, your going to really enjoy it!

[downtheroad]

North Cascades Hwy 20..
July is a great time to take this route in an RV
Winter, not so much - it's closed.

Summer



Winter

[Marine_By_Choic]

You have chosen a beautiful time of the year to travel Hughway 20.

Depending where you want to camp (west side or east side of summit) dictates best campgrounds. Razar State Park (west side) is one of our favorites. Wherever you choose I highly recommend reservations.

Diesel should be no problem anywhere on Hwy 20.

While the road is in the mountains (some nicknamed this area the American Alps) it is certainly doable with your set up.

Safe travels!