Most Scenic Drive , Rt 20 or 542
 

One of my day trips from Seattle will be either route 20 towards Washington State Pass Overlook or route 542 to Mt. Baker. I won't be doing much hiking, mostly looking for scenic spots and good car touring. Of these 2 routes and destinations which do you prefer for scenic beauty ? On route 20 I would like to view Diablo & Ross Lake, the gorges, Liberty Bell mountain & the pass overlook. On route 542, which I believe is a National Scenic Drive, I would like to view the glaciers, Nooksak Falls and Mt. Baker at Artist point. Would I see all of these on one of the routes and how long may it take. Your comments on which or maybe each has it's own merits. THANKS

Hwy 20 would be my choice. There is nothing like it. The view of the lakes, and the mountains is stunning! We do this trip once a year on our way to Winthrop.

I consider Highway 20 the most scenic mountain drive in Washington.

Another vote for Hwy 20.

Highway 20, hands down.

It will be a long day trip (overnight is better, unless you love driving), but do head all the way over Hwy 20 to the Winthrop/Twisp area. It's beautiful and a neat change in scenery on the eastern side of the mts. You could have a nice lunch or dinner with a view at Sun Mountain Lodge before the drive back.
The drive along the Mt. Baker highway itself isn't as scenic as Hwy 20, though the views at the very end are stunning.

Here is a great drive: I-5 to exit 208. Highway 530 to Rockport. Highway 20 to Winthrop (stay at Wolf Ridge Lodge dine at Topo Cafe in Winthrop or the Riverside Pub in Twist).

Highway 153 to Highway 97. Highway 97 to Highway 2. Highway 2 to Seattle.

Yes-go the way stated above, via Hwy 530 and the town of Darrington.

Well, hwy 20 it is. Thanks for the input.

On this trip we like to stay in Winthrop and in Chelan (in a room overlooking the lake), rather than in Winthrop and Leavenworth. However, if time is limited, the drive from Winthrop to Seattle via Leavenworth can be done in one rather full day.