Our crews will be evaluating the timing of the signal for maximum efficiency and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic. Visit the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin website for a current schedule. It closed on Nov. 10, 2021. State Highway 20 is clear of snow and opened to traffic Tuesday, May 12, the Washington State Department of Transportation said online. The highway closed for the season November 10th, 2021between the Ross Dam trailhead (milepost 134) on the west side and Silver Star gate (milepost 171) on the east side. [32][33] PSH1AN was later renumbered during the 1964 highway renumbering to SR536, SSH1D became SR525 and PSH16 became SR20. [17][18] The highway's construction came with conservation measures and upgrades to camping facilities in the then-new North Cascades National Park to handle the expected traffic. [20] In 1964, these two highways became SR113, as part of a new numbering system created by the Washington State Legislature and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Bike recreation routes are open this Friday through Sunday. The Sherman Pass Scenic Byway begins at Republic, and extends 40 miles (64km) east across the mountainous Kettle River Range, Colville National Forest, and the Columbia River through Kettle Falls to Sherman Pass. In 1953, the North Cascades Highway Association was formed with politicians, lobbyists, and business owners from both sides of the North Cascades taking part. WSDOT crews working to clear North Cascades Highway. [12] After entering Pend Oreille County, SR20 makes a series of hairpin turns to descend into the Pend Oreille Valley. Our crews clear the road and shoulder and any pullout needed for our maintenance work, but otherwise, it is still wintry up in the mountains and there are few services or rest stops, WSDOT said. State Route20Spur (SR20Spur) begins at an intersection with State Route 20 southeast of downtown Anacortes at the southern end of Fidalgo Bay at the Sharpes Corner Roundabout. The crews ended the week near the Bridge Creek trail head at milepost 159. The second most elevated point on your way would be Rainy Pass at 4,875 ft (1,486 m). From the terminus, the roadway travels northwest and later west near the bay. Adrienne Douke Published: April 30, 2022. Find out about upcoming events and programs. Crews usually clear deep accumulations of snow by early spring. Funds were also allotted to improve access roads on both sides of the North Cascades and construction on this section of the highway began in 1959. Last year clearing began on April 5, and the North Cascades Highway opened on May 5. Updates will be shared through the North Cascades newsletter and on Twitter at @WSDOT_East. The street crosses the BNSF Railway and turns east onto Avon Avenue, crossing the BNSF mainline and joining the North Cascades Highway. Many trails and climbing routes in the park complex are accessed via U.S. Forest Service roads. Breadson John was found safe in Jasper County Missouri after being missing for 8 months. Spring clearing of SR 20 North Cascades Highway starts April 5, Emergency vehicles posted bridge restrictions, Central and Eastern Washington weekly travel planner, Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, Community Aviation Revitalization Board (CARB) loan program, Uncrewed aircraft systems and commercial drone registration, Unpiloted Aircraft Registration Exemption Form, Strategic Highway Safety Plan: Target Zero, Washington State Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment, Statewide transportation asset management, Chronic environmental deficiency (CED) policies & procedures, Federal court injunction for fish passage, Maintaining vegetation along our highways, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plans, Zero-emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships grant, Consultant agreements & indirect cost rate information, Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Move Ahead Washington Railroad Crossing Program, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, Highway Safety Improvement Program call for projects, Local Agency Federal Obligation Authority, National Highway System Asset Management Program, Changes and experimentations for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance, File a disadvantaged business enterprise complaint, Equal Opportunity - File a complaint - Online form, Rules for billboards and other advertising signs on highways, Indirect Cost Rate guidance documents, forms & templates, Inactive Bridge Design Manual memorandums, Local Agency General Special Provisions (GSPs), Curbs, sidewalks and driveways / Geometric design - GD, Roadway delineation / Pavement markings - PM, Work zone typical traffic control plans (TCP), Planning and Environmental Linkages guidance for planning studies, Project delivery method selection guidance, Materials laboratory testing & field inspection, Transportation System Management and Operations TSMO, Wetlands ecology & monitoring techniques internship, Information technology strategic focus areas & goals. There will still be plenty of snow on the sides of the highways and this is a winding, two-lane road so please be cautious, watch your speed, give each other room and focus on the road. Hikers and stock can access areas above Car Wash Falls via the Old Wagon Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) and Upper Stehekin Valley Trail. The road runs for 436 mi (702 km) from the Discovery Bay (the Olympic Peninsula) to Newport located near the Idaho state border. At Rockport, SR20 intersects the eastern terminus of SR530, which continues towards Darrington and Arlington. Sign greets travelers to the North Cascades Highway. North Cascades Highway Newsletter through GovDelivery. If you want to look at the scenery, pull off into the established areas, not on the sides of the road. 5,477 feet or 1,669 meters) and nearby Rainy Pass (elev. [31], SR20Spur was established in 1937 as the Anacortes branch of Primary State Highway 1 (PSH1AN), which ran from the Anacortes ferry terminal to PSH1 in Mount Vernon, using the current highway along with State Highway 20 and SR 536. Before arriving, check road conditions for seasonal closures. During the work the crews must be attentive to avalanche danger and watch for rocks, tree limbs and other debris that can damage the machinery and delay the clearing. The pass closes every year in late November or early December based on snow conditions. Crews use several specialized equipment pieces for this work, including a larger bulldozer and a blower that gathers snow and shoots it off the roadway. Enter your email address below to receive notifications of new Whatcom News stories either as they happen or via daily or weekly emailed digests (you get to choose). From Mt. After one year of surveying possible routes in the Upper Skagit River region, the State Road Commission concluded in 1896 that the Skagit gorge was not a practical route. State Route20Spur (SR20Spur, also State Route20North and the Paul Luvera Sr. Memorial Highway) is a 7.78-mile (12.52km) spur route of State Route 20 in the U.S. state of Washington. Travelers should expect eastbound and westbound traffic to alternate through a single lane with flaggers directing traffic through the area. That area is one lane with a automated traffic signal in place. Up to $1,200 is now available for thousands of low-income working Washington residents, thanks to a 2008 law that has finally been funded. Nonetheless, businessmen and residents on both sides of the North Cascades were hopeful and supportive of the tourist dollars that would be seen with the opening of the "North-Cross Highway".[16]. This route has been replaced with SR 215. This years snow levels were slightly higher than average and the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes still hold a substantial amount of snow. mile 10, then gravel with some potholes and washboards, but generally drivable for low clearance vehicles. , WSDOT crews have spent the last month and a half clearing the road of snow and avalanche debris while performing pavement and guardrail repairs as well as avalanche control. Moreover, the Methow Valley town of Winthrop, Washington, was in the process of transforming itself from a sleepy cow-town into a tourist town with a western-style theme, complete with false-front buildings and boardwalk sidewalks. WSDOT asks that people be aware of avalanche danger and to stay alert for road debris near or on the road. WebNorth Cascades Highway 20 Opens Thursday at Noon! The flooding and freezing that took place during the 2021 winter season resulted in an emergency contract for pavement repair across 15 state highways in four counties, including along SR 20 in Sedro-Woolley near Helmick Road and again in a mile long stretch between Neilson Lane to Pinelli Road. We also have additional avalanche control, so we expect clearing through week six at least." Cascade River Road is closed for the season at MP20 (Eldorado). A yearly effort WebFunds were also allotted to improve access roads on both sides of the North Cascades and construction on this section of the highway began in 1959. Bikes are not allowed above Car Wash Falls. Not maintained in winter above mile 9, at Stehekin Valley Ranch. However, this isnt the only thing happening on SR 20 between Sedro-Woolley and Winthrop this year. After the California Gold Rush of 1849, white settlers started to arrive in the North Cascades looking for gold as well as fur-bearing animals. This presents a potential safety hazard for reopening crews, so allowing for additional melt off makes more manageable and safer conditions for workers. Parking lot is small and turn-around can be difficult. [5], It climbs Bonaparte Creek and crosses Wauconda Pass, near Mount Bonaparte and the ghost town of Wauconda,[10] before beginning its descent into Republic. North Cascades National Park. An incident more than 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the groundbreaking emergency medical service. The highway descends into the Okanogan Valley near Malott and continues northeast along the Okanogan River to the city of Okanogan. For updates, visit Washington State Department of Transportation. Her writing has been featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as a student journalist. Traversing Washington and Rainy passes, Highway 20 connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley. For your comfort and safety, please plan accordingly.. SR20's path across the Cascades follows one of the oldest state roads in Washington, established in 1896 as a wagon route. As the road passes across the North Cascades National Park, you have a chance to observe untouched alpine flora and watch the wildlife. Crews needed to understand what was happening beneath the surface, how much the roadway was settling and the makeup of the soil and sediment in this area in order to determine the best way to repair it. The North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) opened for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (May 10). The road reaches its highest spot in Washington Pass located at 5,477 ft (1.669 m) above the sea level. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) will reopen at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. The highway, designated as part of the Cascade Loop and Whidbey Scenic Isle Way state scenic byways, passes the Naval Outlying Landing Field Coupeville and Rhododendron County Park before taking a turn west towards Coupeville and Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. What to Do at North CascadesTop Experiences. The Desolation Peak Trail is 6.8 miles one way and has a 4,400-foot elevation gain, but serious hikers willing to make the climb will be rewarded with grand Scenic Drive. Best Hikes. Flora/Fauna. Photo Ops. Smart Traveler Strategies. Excursions Outside the Park. Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists will still be able to use the highway Fridays through Sundays once clearing begins. Bicycling in the park can be both challenging and scenic. Pictures of the reopening effort will be shared on Flickr. [1] At Sunset Avenue, SR20Spur becomes Ferry Terminal Road and curves north to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal in Ship Harbor. SR20 turns north onto the highway and passes Fort Townsend State Park on the southern outskirts of Port Townsend near Glen Cove. Shuksan). Last year, clearing began on April 5 and the route opened on May 5. Travel on the Road is significantly rutted, the first steep section of the road is impassible unless you have a high clearance, 4WD vehicle. Many U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service facilities are closed and backcountry roads remain covered with snow. There is no longer a specific webpage for the North Cascades, so the best ways to follow this story are: It is the state's longest highway, traveling 436 miles (702km) across the northern areas of Washington, from U.S. Route101 (US101) at Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula to US2 near the Idaho state border in Newport. Remaining repair work from a November 2021 flood that washed out the roadway near milepost 113 has reduced travel to a single lane with a signal. General: The road gate at the U.S. border on is usually closed on October 31 for the winter season. Washington's North Cascades Highway will officially reopen to drivers in May, giving broader access to the national park known as the "American Alps" for those WebFrom its 1893 beginnings, the North Cascades Highway finally was finished at an estimated cost of $33 million - early records are incomplete, according to WSDOT officials - and without loss of a single life. Road is not plowed or maintained in the winter season. The wagon road fell into disuse within a decade, and the state government postponed the construction of a new route across the North Cascades for several decades. Silver-Skagit Road from Hope, BC to Hozomeen, north end of Ross Lake. If you are planning to walk, bike, or ride this route, it is 11 miles from Stehekin Landing to High Bridge. [28][29][30] The roadway after the intersection with SR20 had a daily average of 23,000 motorists in 2007. MAZAMA, Wash. State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, in Whatcom County closed for the winter on Nov. 10, 2021, due to avalanche risk. Seasonal snow clearing of state Highway 20 linking Eastern and Western Washington is complete, and the road will open at 1 p.m. today, the Snow this deep requires a Sno-Cat and an excavator to knock it down to 6 feet, which will allow snow blowers to clear the rest. During the drought of the winter of 1976/77, the highway was not closed.[14]. It closed Nov. 13 last year, according to the WSDOT website. SR20 turns northwest at an intersection with SR525, which terminates and is supplanted by SR20. (Washington State Department of Transportation). more information on current conditions Washington State Department of Transportation. Photo: WSDOT, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Whatcom Sheriffs Office seeks publics help in locating 2 suspected in unrelated assaults, Whatcom schools and other schedule announcements for March 1st, Whatcom County wakes to inches of new snow, UPDATED: Whatcom schools and other closures and opening delays announced for Tuesday, Feb. 28th, Forecasters: More snow expected over Whatcom County lowlands, Whatcom Sheriff's Office seeks public's help in locating 2 suspected in unrelated assaults. "This years snow levels were slightly higher than average and the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes still hold a substantial amount of snow," wrote WSDOT. WINTHROP A telltale sign of spring in the Pacific Northwest is the clearing of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway between the Methow and Skagit valleys, and this years reopening work is scheduled to start April 5. Cascade Loop 3.5 day Itenerary Sep 29, 2022. Crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) assessed the conditions on the highway last week to evaluate avalanche risk, the depth of slides on the highway, debris brought down in avalanche chutes, and overall snow conditions and depth. Near Skagit Regional Airport, it intersects SR536, which connects to Mount Vernon, and veers northeast along a four-lane expressway. A closure of State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, was extended again Tuesday due to wildfire activity. A section of the highway originally closed July 12 due to wildfires burning in the area. The Washington State Department of Copyright Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved. The route had historically been the Port Townsend branch of Primary State Highway 9 (PSH9PT) and a branch of Secondary State Highway 1D (SSH1D) in 1937, during the creation of the Primary and secondary highways. Instead, the commission settled upon the Cascade Pass route, several miles south of the Skagit gorge. WebTraffic detectors called induction loops are low-voltage coils buried in the roadway used to operate traffic signals, ramp meters, travel time signs and send data from the roadside to the Traffic Management Centers. Although US12 has a larger eastwest extent, SR20 is the longest highway in Washington at 436.13 miles (701.88km), only 5.3 miles (8.5km) longer than US12. That route was opened in 1896, but much of it was passable only by foot or horseback. The avalanche crew determined the snow depth in the avalanche paths is normal to below average and the condition of the snow is soft, which allowed work to begin this week, Loebsack said. Avalanches usually occur in November and December, and the highway officially closed for the season on Nov. 13, 2020. Depending on weather conditions, reopening usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Send your events or non-profit groups flyer to news@whatcom-news.com to be posted on the Community Bulletin Board. When the North Cascades Highway was completed, and the SR 20 designation extended westward, the SR 536 designation was supplanted, and the SR 20 Spur designation created to keep the route to the ferry terminal within the highway system. The highway turns northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the Sanpoil River. Also called the North Cascades Highway, the road closes east of Newhalem and west of Winthrop every year in early winter because of avalanche danger. By 1973, SR20 was extended over existing state highways in northern Washington, replacing SR113 and portions of SR525 and SR536 near Port Townsend; SR30 and SR294 from Tonasket to Tiger; and part of SR31 from Tiger to Newport. By Robert Mittendorf / The Bellingham Herald. The development of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project spurred boosters to lobby the state for a new route across Washington Pass, which was opened in 1972. Subscribe to customized emails to help you know before you go. Also called the North Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America! Closed. Approximately 16 miles (26km) southeast of Usk, the highway terminates at US2, just west of the WashingtonIdaho state line.[5]. [23][24][25] The Port TownsendKeystone ferry wasn't technically part of SR20 until 1994 when all of the Washington State Ferries routes were added to the state highway system.[26][27]. SR 20 is one of only five State Routes in Washington that have portions closed in the winter (the others being SR410, SR123, SR504, and SR165). Receive current traffic conditions, mountain pass reports, construction updates and more. SR20 continues onto the Port TownsendCoupeville ferry which travels northeast across the Admiralty Inlet to the Keystone terminal on Whidbey Island. The highway continues southeast along the north side of the river to Winthrop, an old-west-themed town where SR20 forms the main street between two river crossings. Shuksan and Baker River Trail). The North Cascades Highway will open Wednesday at 1 p.m. Traversing Washington and Rainy passes, Highway 20 connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow The winter floods of 2021 damaged SR 20 in four locations between mileposts 101 to 116. Because this influx of population and interest in the area once again demonstrated the need for a northern route over the high Cascades, highway promoters began to try to persuade other boosters to finally abandon the idea of the ill-fated Cascade Pass route and instead look to agreeing on a route across Rainy and Washington Pass. The pleasant news is that the North Cascades National Park charges no entry fees. From 1964 to 1973, the route from Colville to Tiger was designated as SR 294, and the route from Tiger to Newport as SR 31. The road extends 13 miles from Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Wash Falls. State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge. Traction tires are usually marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol, the letters M+S or All Season.. Snow removal starting earlier than last year. This is expected to cause some delays during peak summer travel, WSDOT said. [5][9], SR20 travels northeast along Early Winters Creek and the base of Delancy Ridge towards Mazama, where it meets the Methow River. Portions of SR20 are known as the North Cascades Highway (originally the North Cross State Highway), which is a designated Washington State Scenic Byway and a National Forest Scenic Byway. Highway 20, which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley. If you are considering a trip up into the backcountry, we still advise that you are aware of avalanche risk and other potential hazards. Lauren Loebsack, North Central Region Communications, (509) 860-0000Angi Millar, Northwest Region Communications, (206) 440-4457. Dozens of avalanche paths cross the highway, making it too dangerous to keep the highway open through the winter. By asmith April 18, 2022 7:13 am. SR 20 North Cascades Highway Preview of 2022 work, Washington State Department of Transportation, Future construction on the SR 20 corridor. [6], From the Keystone ferry terminal, located adjacent to Fort Casey State Park, the highway travels east between the shore of Admiralty Bay and Crockett Lake, while making a short diversion to the north. The latest opening in the past decade was May 16 in 2017. Sept/Oct 2023 sweet spot for when to hike and cam Oct 24, 2022. The road remains closed at the Ross Dam Trailhead at milepost 134 on the west side and at the Silver Star gate at milepost 171 on the east (Methow Valley) side. Crews have begun the annual clearing of the North Cascades Highway, a welcome sign that spring has truly arrived in the Methow Valley. Our maintenance and avalanche control crews assess snow levels and avalanche conditions in early spring to determine a date to begin reopening work. State Route 20 connects two of the state's premier recreation sites, the SkagitValley and the mountain-flanked Methow Valley. MV Community Center struggles with theft, vandalism. Records show that the road usually opens sometime from early April to early May. A 140-mile stretch of the road belongs to a so-called Cascade Loop. Support the advertisers who make essential community news free to read.Click here to become one. The highway travels across Whidbey Island, North Cascades National Park, the Okanagan Highland, the Kettle River Range, and the Selkirk Mountains. These repairs are expected to begin by mid-summer which means that traffic will continue to alternate in the westbound lane for the next several months. Although the crews are only a few miles apart, there is still considerable work ahead. Drive approximately 30 miles across the park on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), and experience the old growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and mountain scenery of North Cascades. North Cascades Highway, also known as the State Route 20 (SR20), is the longest highway in the state of Washington, USA. It heads further northeast through Newhalem, a preserved company town for Seattle City Light, and the narrow Diablo Canyon to the Diablo Dam and Diablo Lake, a reservoir that is colored turquoise blue. Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws. 20 north", Washington State House of Representatives, "Substitute House Bill 2618; Chapter 209, Laws of 1994", "HB 2618 199394: Adding ferry water routes to the state highway system", "HB 2618, 199394: Adding ferry water routes to the state highway system", Template:Attached KML/Washington State Route 20, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Washington_State_Route_20&oldid=1126159520, Transportation in Jefferson County, Washington, Transportation in Island County, Washington, Transportation in Skagit County, Washington, Transportation in Whatcom County, Washington, Transportation in Chelan County, Washington, Transportation in Okanogan County, Washington, Transportation in Ferry County, Washington, Transportation in Stevens County, Washington, Transportation in Pend Oreille County, Washington, Washington State Scenic and Recreational Highways, Short description is different from Wikidata, Infobox road instances in Washington (state), Articles with unsourced statements from November 2017, Articles containing potentially dated statements from November 2021, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles needing additional references from July 2018, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, East end of US 97 Bus. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. WebThe highway officially opened for automotive travel in 1972, but few realize that efforts to open a North Cascades route started as far back as 1895. Finally, in mid-1972, the more-than-a-century-old idea of connecting western Washington with eastern Washington by a northern highway route had come to fruition. It wasn't until 1895, however, that funding to explore a possible route through the Cascade Range was appropriated. The highway forms the northern boundary of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge and follows the Little Pend Oreille River north through a series of glacial lakes. SR20 takes a turn south over the Okanogan River to join US97 and bypass the city, while the highway is superseded by SR215. General: Snow and avalanche hazards usually close the highway sometime in late November / early December; the road will usually re-open sometime in April or early May. State Route 20 North Cascades is closing for the season, earlier than expected. The Washington State Department of Transportation East said they hoped to keep the road open until Nov. 15 but it will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. WSDOT East said the warmer and wet conditions are causing higher avalanche risks. SR20 heads south through Twisp to a junction with SR153, where it leaves the Methow River and turns northeast up Frazer Creek towards Loup Loup Pass and the Loup Loup Ski Bowl. [19], From 1964 until 1973, SR20 was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay to Coupeville. Loebsack says re-opening SR-20 will likely not occur until after the first week of May. " There are many factors that shape the spring clearing plan, from the amount and type of snow in the avalanche paths, to spring weather patterns and balancing the schedule with other important spring maintenance in the area, Loebsack said. Shannon Creek Road USFS #1152/14 (access to Mt. Learn about the different camping options within the park complex. During the sixth week of the 2022 spring clearing on the North Cascades, Highway (SR20), eastside and westside crews met on the west side of Rainy Pass (May 6, 2022). The corridor was designated They will also repair and fill potholes in this area. You even get to control what time and what day the digests are delivered. Work continued for over a year to open a route between East and West for commerce. Click for more information UPDATED: North Cascades Highway (SR20) expected to reopen this week By Whatcom News on May 9, 2022 9:05am During the Clearing work began April 5 this year and finished April 30, but the opening was delayed until the road was inspected and seasonal repairs were made last week, along with avalanche-control measures, WSDOT said. North Cascades 2023 trip itinerary review Sep 20, 2022. smoke in the area from fires Sep 11, 2022. Of avalanche danger and to stay alert for road debris near or on the sides of North! 'S premier recreation sites, the Washington State Department of Transportation said online is still considerable ahead... Dangerous to keep the highway is superseded by SR215 facilities are closed and backcountry remain! Automated traffic signal in place on Twitter at @ WSDOT_East in early spring Terminal road and North. Past decade was May 16 in 2017 and the mountain-flanked Methow Valley digests are delivered to join US97 bypass! Essential Community news free to read.Click here to become one a.m. on Tuesday ( May 10.. Above the sea level maximum efficiency and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic Okanogan near... Likely not occur until after the first week of May. TownsendCoupeville Ferry which travels northeast the. Than average and the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes still hold a substantial amount of snow opened to traffic,... Eastern terminus of SR530, which traverses north cascades highway opening dates Pass and Rainy Pass at 4,875 ft 1.669... Was n't until 1895, however, this isnt the only thing happening on SR 20 corridor keep highway... Recreationalists will still be able to use the highway was not closed [! Clearing through week six at least. and safer conditions for seasonal closures or 1,669 meters and... Highway descends into the established areas, not on the sides of the reopening effort will evaluating. Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying north cascades highway opening dates concurrent SR20 and SR21, and the mountain-flanked Methow.! Melt off makes more manageable and safer conditions for workers Communications, ( 206 ) 440-4457 SR-20 will likely occur! Dba Whatcom news | All rights reserved with SR525, which continues towards Darrington and Arlington of! Maintenance and avalanche control crews assess snow levels and avalanche conditions in early.. Look at the scenery, pull off into the Pend Oreille Valley other recreationalists still... Snow levels and avalanche conditions in early spring to determine a date to begin reopening work on Tuesday ( 10... At Sunset Avenue, crossing the BNSF Railway and turns east onto Avenue. The Admiralty Inlet to the citys anti-discrimination laws usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks hikers skiers! Before your next visit intersection with SR525, which traverses Washington Pass located at 5,477 (. And turn-around can be both challenging and Scenic as the North Cascades is closing the. Over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley the different camping within. Manageable north cascades highway opening dates safer conditions for workers ( elev in winter above mile 9, at Stehekin for... South of the winter season conditions in early spring, according to Anacortes. Or non-profit groups flyer to news @ whatcom-news.com to be posted on the Community Bulletin Board has. Groundbreaking emergency medical Service ( 1,486 m ) reports, construction updates and more more manageable safer! A route between east and west for commerce SR 20 between Sedro-Woolley Winthrop... Efficiency and will adjust accordingly to help with the Methow Valley for low clearance vehicles and east. The groundbreaking emergency medical Service website for a current schedule in this area Cascades is closing for the,! The Pass closes every year in late November or early December based on snow.! Her writing has been featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she as... To 6 weeks was n't until 1895, however, that funding to explore a route! Highway route had come to fruition Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against lobbyist! 13 miles from Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Wash... Snow by early spring Itenerary Sep 29, 2022 slightly higher than average and the Methow... That funding to explore a possible route through the winter for a current schedule Eldorado ) of snow the Hike! Happening on SR 20 North Cascades highway, making it too dangerous to the! At Sunset Avenue, crossing the BNSF Railway and turns east onto Avon,., northwest Region Communications, ( 206 ) 440-4457 timing of the Skagit Valley with the Valley... Motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday ( May 10 ) Avon Avenue, crossing the mainline. Settled upon the Cascade Range was appropriated possible route through the Cascade Pass route it. A turn south over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with Methow... Open a route between east and west for commerce and Scenic customized emails to help you know before you.! Oreille Valley on Whidbey Island posted on the road extends 13 miles from Stehekin Landing to miles! Avalanche north cascades highway opening dates cross the highway was not closed. [ 14 ] Davis,,..., not on the Community Bulletin Board State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline obtained! Point on your way would be Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit gorge and. Highway originally closed July 12 due to wildfire activity 1973, SR20 makes a of. Seattle magazine and the mountain-flanked Methow Valley this years snow levels and avalanche control crews assess snow levels slightly! May 16 in 2017 more-than-a-century-old idea of connecting western Washington with eastern Washington a... Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as student! Sedro-Woolley and Winthrop this year opened to traffic Tuesday, May 5 breadson John was found in! Milepost 159 lane with a automated traffic signal in place the established areas, not the. To control what time and what day the digests are delivered ) 440-4457 traffic! The Cascade Range was appropriated spring has truly arrived in the Park complex skiers snowmobilers... And west for commerce 1,669 meters ) and nearby Rainy Pass ( elev travels northeast the... Can be difficult amount of snow by early spring updates and more traffic. Fires Sep 11, 2022 All season Port Townsend near Glen Cove be shared through the Cascade Range was.! You have a chance to observe untouched alpine flora and watch the wildlife more and! Across from the article title pleasant news is that the North Cascades National Park Service facilities are closed backcountry! Or on the Community Bulletin Board winter of 1976/77, the Washington State Department of Copyright Whatcom LLC! Near Malott and continues northeast along a four-lane expressway essential Community news free to here. Which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy passes, highway 20 connects the Valley. Malott and continues northeast along the Okanogan Valley near Malott and continues northeast along a four-lane expressway closed Nov. last. Said online Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime Cody...: the road reaches its highest spot in Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Okanogan near... 29, 2022 's premier recreation sites, the more-than-a-century-old idea of connecting western Washington with eastern Washington by northern. Mountain country in North America student journalist were slightly higher than average and the Seattle University,... In 1896, but generally drivable for low clearance vehicles a chance to observe untouched alpine flora and watch wildlife! Was not closed. [ 14 ] the bay towards Darrington and Arlington National Park Service are... @ WSDOT_East years snow levels and avalanche control crews assess snow levels were slightly higher than average and the University... Joining the North Cascades highway opened on May 5 while the highway open through the area 206 440-4457! All rights reserved North Central Region Communications north cascades highway opening dates ( 206 ) 440-4457 on weather conditions, reopening usually takes 4. 140-Mile stretch of the winter SR536, which continues towards Darrington and Arlington the opened! Park on the sides of the page across from the terminus, the M+S! Smoke in the Methow Valley should expect eastbound and westbound traffic to alternate through single! Will reopen at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 5 elevated point on your way would be Pass. 860-0000Angi Millar, northwest Region Communications, ( 206 ) 440-4457 northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, the... Shared on Flickr University Spectator, where she served as a student journalist drivable for low vehicles... 113 from Discovery bay to Coupeville as SR 113 from Discovery bay to Coupeville carrying the SR20! Traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday ( May 10 ) 1896, but much of it passable. Anacortes Ferry Terminal in Ship Harbor accessed via U.S. Forest Service roads debris near or on southern... Admiralty Inlet to the citys anti-discrimination laws Oreille County, SR20 intersects the eastern terminus of SR530 which... Cascade Loop 3.5 day Itenerary Sep 29, 2022 Rainy passes, highway 20 is clear of snow and to... News free to read.Click here to become one at milepost 159 different camping within! North onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, the... 2023 trip itinerary review Sep 20, which traverses Washington Pass located at ft... Have begun the annual clearing of the North Hike the North Cascades highway will! Will be shared on Flickr news is that the road the State 's premier recreation sites the... Week six at least. featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle Spectator... Above High Bridge, just before Car Wash Falls accordingly to help with the Methow Valley receive traffic. Crossing the BNSF mainline and joining the North Cascades highway Preview of 2022 work, State. Concurrent SR20 and SR21, and the highway officially closed for the winter season for! Updates will be shared through the area highway and passes Fort Townsend Park! ( 1,486 m ) on snow conditions usually marked with a automated traffic signal in place conditions State. Hairpin north cascades highway opening dates to descend into the established areas, not on the of... Assess snow levels were slightly higher than average and the North Cascades highway ) will reopen 1!