Wenatchee National Forest, Washington The Bethel Ridge Loop scenic drive is a popular road trip for visitors who want to get off the beaten path and explore more of the backwoods. The lower portions of the route follow Highways 12 or 410 (depending on the direction you choose first) through rolling grass lands and low-elevation oak forests. The Highways are connected by Forest road 1500, "Bethel Ridge" Road, that climbs and winds over the 5,000 foot ridge through cool pine and fir forests, beautiful meadows and fields of alpine flowers. The loop is approximately 70 miles and takes about 4 to 5 hours, with plenty of stops to sight-see and explore. Since the upper part of the route is high elevation, this scenic drive is only open from about June through mid-November. Two thirds of Forest road 1500 is unpaved, so it can be a little slow and rough, but the very top section has just been reconstructed to improve recreational travel.

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