In the following years, floods on the Cascade River took out most of the work completed on the road and led Washington's first State Highway Commissioner to report in 1905 that almost all the money appropriated for the road had been wasted. Once the roadway is cleared, crews will repair guardrail, signs, and pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure. SR20 turns northwest at an intersection with SR525, which terminates and is supplanted by SR20. [11] At an intersection with SR31 in Tiger, the highway turns south to follow the Pend Oreille River, becoming part of the International Selkirk Loop and Pend Oreille Scenic Byway in the process. Route map: .mw-parser-output .side-box{margin:4px 0;box-sizing:border-box;border:1px solid #aaa;font-size:88%;line-height:1.25em;background-color:#f9f9f9;display:flow-root}.mw-parser-output .side-box-abovebelow,.mw-parser-output .side-box-text{padding:0.25em 0.9em}.mw-parser-output .side-box-image{padding:2px 0 2px 0.9em;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .side-box-imageright{padding:2px 0.9em 2px 0;text-align:center}@media(min-width:500px){.mw-parser-output .side-box-flex{display:flex;align-items:center}.mw-parser-output .side-box-text{flex:1}}@media(min-width:720px){.mw-parser-output .side-box{width:238px}.mw-parser-output .side-box-right{clear:right;float:right;margin-left:1em}.mw-parser-output .side-box-left{margin-right:1em}}. To learn about current conditions on these roads, please follow the links below. "[4], SR20 begins at a wye junction with US101 at the southwest end of Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula, just north of the terminus of SR104. Last year clearing began on April 5, and the North Cascades Highway opened on May 5. The highway travels across many picturesque spots Whidbey Island, the Okanagan Highland, the Kettle River Range, and the Selkirk Mountains. [11] SR20 descends along Sherman Creek towards Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake on the Columbia River, which it crosses on a highway concurrent with US395. [5][9], SR20 travels northeast along Early Winters Creek and the base of Delancy Ridge towards Mazama, where it meets the Methow River. [8] The roadway makes a long hairpin turn around the southern arm of the lake, crossing it at a narrow point and passing a scenic viewpoint, and continues northeast to Ross Lake. Work continued for over a year to open a route between East and West for commerce. North Cascades National Park. SR21 leaves the byway at Sanpoil Lake, while SR20 travels into the Kettle River Range along O'Brien Creek. Dozens of avalanche paths cross the highway, making it too dangerous to keep the highway open through the winter. 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. [19], From 1964 until 1973, SR20 was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay to Coupeville. If you are planning to walk, bike, or ride this route, it is 11 miles from Stehekin Landing to High Bridge. For road updates and pass history, visit Washington State Department of Transportation. From Ross Lake, SR20 follows Ruby Creek and Canyon Creek, heading southeast out of the national park and back into Skagit County. Bicycling in the park can be both challenging and scenic. The Bellingham Herald. 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. State Route20 (SR20), also known as the North Cascades Highway, is a state highway that traverses the U.S. state of Washington. [1] At Sunset Avenue, SR20Spur becomes Ferry Terminal Road and curves north to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal in Ship Harbor. In a piece of transportation trivia, the highway is also about to hit its half-century birthday next year: it officially opened on Sept. 2, 1972. Instead, the commission settled upon the Cascade Pass route, several miles south of the Skagit gorge. State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be no ceremony to commemorate the annual opening of the gates, and WSDOT is reminding people who visit to social distance. 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. Not maintained in winter above mile 9, at Stehekin Valley Ranch. overlap; west end of US 97 overlap, This page was last edited on 7 December 2022, at 21:34. This far north, the settlers needed a clear route through some of the most rugged terrain in Washington Territory. Inslee tests positive for COVID-19, Lobbyist barred from WA Capitol after ruling he stalked representative, Democrats in Washington state choose Conrad as new leader, Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Wash.), You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing, If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to. The North Cascades Highway is still closed to traffic but it could be an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend. The Cascade Pass route began to be roughed out in 1897 and shortly afterward, state highway maps showed the road as either State Highway 1 or the Cascade Wagon Road. WebNorth Cascades Highway 20 Opens Thursday at Noon! There is no longer a specific webpage for the North Cascades, so the best ways to follow this story are: Recommendations for North Cascades National Park Day Hikes Oct 07, 2022. 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 May 21. 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. The precise dates depend on weather conditions. Bicycle Route 10, which travels between Anacortes and the Montana state border. The drive of your life is awaiting for you to start or end up here in Skagit County. The crews also identified hazard trees still hanging on the mountainsides above the highway and will work with the U.S. Forest Service to safely remove them, said Lauren Loebsack, WSDOT communications manager for North Central Washington. Sign up at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOT/subscriber/new. Travel on the Later this summer contractor crews working on behalf of WSDOT will use a hot liquid asphalt mix to seal active cracks in all lanes both eastbound and westbound along this stretch of highway. Depending on weather conditions, reopening usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. With this bill, the hope of using the highway as access for high-dollar timber sales was quashed. 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. Clearing began on Monday (March 28), and the work of opening up the highway usually takes four to six weeks. Our maintenance and avalanche control crews assess snow levels and avalanche conditions in early spring to determine a date to begin reopening work. 2023, Everett Herald and Sound Publishing, Inc. Advertising in The Herald Business Journal, Vancouver boy, 8, missing since June, found in Missouri, Why prosecutors say former Seagen CEO wasnt charged after arrest, Leonard Cobb, co-founder of states first Medic One, dies at 96, Court rejects deception charges against Savers Value Village, Seattle becomes first U.S. city to ban caste discrimination, Seattle considers historic law barring caste discrimination, Judge rejects bid to nullify Boeing deal over Max crashes, Boeing plans to cut about 2,000 finance and HR jobs in 2023, Washingtons low-income tax credit available for first time, Washington state Gov. She previously worked at a craft beer e-commerce company and loves exploring Seattle's breweries. SR20 turns north and crosses Washington Pass into Okanogan County, making a hairpin turn and beginning its descent into Eastern Washington. 1935. The road runs for 436 mi (702 km) from the Discovery Bay (the Olympic Peninsula) to Newport located near the Idaho state border. This road was completed in 1909. * Due to Construction. 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. Guidebooks & Maps. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Washington State Department of Transportation, Billy Graham: We're sure to recognize each other in Heaven, Police: Bill Gates estate staff member traded child porn by Gmail, Book Review:'The Fault in our Stars' by John Green, 22 iconic Seattle bars, restaurants that are no longer around, Kurt Cobain suicide scene: Previously unpublished photos. 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. [5], After passing Marblemount, the highway enters North Cascades National Park and Whatcom County. WA For those headed eastbound, be aware that an area of SR 20 between Marblemount and Newhalem at about milepost 113 crumbled after this past winters heavy rains and freezing temperatures. [21][23] When SR20 was extended west to Discovery Bay from Fredonia in 1974, SR536 was shortened and SR20Spur was created. ", "RCW 47.17.081: State route No. Crews have begun the annual clearing of the North Cascades Highway, a welcome sign that spring has truly arrived in the Methow Valley. Usually, it is open from early May till late November (around Thanksgiving 4,875 feet or 1,486 meters) annually receive up to 15 feet (4.6m) of snow throughout the winter, and are prone to avalanches leaving over 20 feet (6.1m) of snow on the road. This privately run shuttle service operates between the Stehekin Landing and Last year, clearing began on April 5 and the route opened on May 5. [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. The North Cascades Highway, otherwise known as State Route 20, is set to reopen Wednesday, May 5, after a months-long closure. If you are considering a trip up into the backcountry, we still advise that you are aware of avalanche risk and other potential hazards. Washington State Department of Transportation crews clearing the North Travelers should expect eastbound and westbound traffic to alternate through a single lane with flaggers directing traffic through the area. 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 General: Road is very rough and steep in places, with deep washboards on switchbacks. [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]. The road reaches its highest spot in Washington Pass located at 5,477 ft (1.669 m) above the sea level. [5], SR20 continues northeast, passing between Lake Campbell and Similk Bay, to Sharpes Corner, where it is joined by a spur route serving Anacortes. Callie is a web producer for the SeattlePI focusing on local politics, transportation, real estate and restaurants. Baker Lake Road USFS #11 (access to Mt. [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. As the road passes across the North Cascades National Park, you have a chance to observe untouched alpine flora and watch the wildlife. [13] SR20 continues south along the river, joined by the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad, and intersects SR211 at Usk. Bikes are not allowed above Car Wash Falls. District Judge Reed OConnor in Fort Worth said federal law doesnt give courts the power to oversee agreements that prosecutors make with defendants. 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. The department noted that it took crews four weeks to clear the road which closes every winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche dangers. Step inside a visitor center and explore the exhibits and interpretive offerings, or talk to a ranger. Breadson John was found safe in Jasper County Missouri after being missing for 8 months. 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. , The concurrent SR20 and US97 continue along the east side of the river through the Colville Indian Reservation, intersecting SR155 in eastern Omak and SR215 to the north of the another river crossing. The seasonal clearing and reopening of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway marks an important day for recreationalists, families, drivers, adventure seekers and tourists who enjoy scenic east-west travel across the state. [14], As of November2021[update], the median first open date was April 21. If the weather remains cold, that could mean more avalanche control will be necessary before the road can be reopened to traffic. 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). Also called the North Many trails and climbing routes in the park complex are accessed via U.S. Forest Service roads. WebThe seasonal clearing and reopening of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway marks an important day for recreationalists, families, drivers, adventure seekers and tourists 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 looking to make day trips or do some hiking. North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. Find out about upcoming events and programs. Finally, in 1958, the State of Washington appropriated funds to build a highway from the Seattle City Light company town of Diablo to Thunder Arm, a southern arm of Diablo Lake. Travelers heading across the pass should expect delays throughout the summer. [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. mile 10, then gravel with some potholes and washboards, but generally drivable for low clearance vehicles. Requiring chains keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a pass or roadway. Her writing has been featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as a student journalist. Edmonds prosecutors said there were contradictory statements on the night Seagen ex-CEO Clay Siegall was accused of domestic violence. In 1994, SR20 was extended along the San Juan Islands ferry, which serves Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island. Vernon to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, the modern SR 20 (and SR 20 Spur, west of Sharpes Corner) was designated SR 536, and prior to 1964 as the Anacortes Branch of PSH 1. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) will reopen at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. 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. Avalanches usually occur in November and December, and the highway officially closed for the season on Nov. 13, 2020. 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. This data provides traffic conditions to the website and the WSDOT 511 traffic information hotline. 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 Also, there are plenty of spots for hiking, climbing, and camping. Usually, it is open from early May till late November (around Thanksgiving Day). It closed Nov. 13 last year, according to the WSDOT website. [22][34] The roadway ended at the Anacortes ferry terminal until 1994, when the route was routed onto the San Juan Islands ferry operated by Washington State Ferries.[35][36]. The Washington State Democratic Party has chosen Shasti Conrad, the former leader of King County Democrats, as its new chair. 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Crews started clearing this week, beginning with grading out the berm at Early Winters campground at milepost 178 and will work west, Loebsack said. The highway crosses Rainy Pass and briefly joins the Pacific Crest Trail as it travels around Whistler Mountain, climbing up into Chelan County. Lauren Loebsack, North Central Region Communications, (509) 860-0000Angi Millar, Northwest Region Communications, (206) 440-4457. An incident more than 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the groundbreaking emergency medical service. Subscribe to customized emails to help you know before you go. (Washington State Department of Transportation). Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists will still be able to use the highway Fridays through Sundays once clearing begins. They estimate it will take another week of clearing, followed by pavement and guardrail repairs. Opened. [1] The highway has been called "The Most Beautiful Mountain Highway in the State of Washington. Traction tires are usually marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol, the letters M+S or All Season.. "Our progress slowed down quite a bit when we hit that heavy hard snow up on Rainy Pass. 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. 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. [7] The highway continues northeast into Oak Harbor, where it travels around the downtown area and heads towards Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Mt. Be sure to keep that in mind when planning your travel over the North Cascades Highway this year, she advised. 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. From the terminus, the roadway travels northwest and later west near the bay. [15] Over the next nine years, construction of the road continued along with the signing of the North Cascades National Park bill by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. The Seattle City Council on Tuesday added caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws, becoming the first city to pass such a law outside South Asia. The road extends 13 miles from Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Wash Falls. In 1940, the first stage of the completion of Ross Dam was reached. Shuksan and Baker River Trail). 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. Amidst fanfare, music provided by the Concrete High School Band, and ribbon cutting, Highway 20 was officially connected from western to eastern Washington via Washington Pass on September 2, 1972. Copyright Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved. 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 [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. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced over social media that the freshly plowed highway would reopen on Wednesday, May 5 with the gates east of Newhalem and west of Mazama opening promptly at 1 p.m. The highway is closed during winter and early spring due to the risk of avalanches. Seasonal snow clearing of state Highway 20 linking Eastern and Western Washington is complete, and the road will open at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, the Washington state Department of Transportation said. Published in Acme Washington News, Bellingham Washington News, Birch Bay Washington News, Blaine Washington News, Custer Washington News, Deming Washington News, Everson Washington News, Ferndale Washington News, Glacier Washington News, Lummi Island Washington News, Lynden Washington News, Maple Falls Washington News, News, Nooksack Washington News, Point Roberts Washington News, Sandy Point Washington News, Sudden Valley Washington News, Sumas Washington News, Traffic News and Whatcom County News. Parking lot is small and turn-around can be difficult. Highway 20, which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley. This privately run shuttle service operates between the Stehekin Landing and High Bridge, normally from late May to mid October (3 round trips daily from mid-June to early October). From Coupeville to Sharpes Corner (just outside Anacortes), the modern SR20 was designated SR 525, and prior to 1964 as SSH 1D. Wenatchee School Board Votes to Discontinue Internet Academy in Current Form, WA Senate Passes Bill Requiring Inclusive Policies In Schools, Another Setback In Douglas County Murder Case, Breakdown Of Pandemic Harms Conference Delivered To Health Board, Chelan Douglas Health Board Discusses Illnesses and Drug Overdoses, $3 Million In Federal Money Still Wanted For Pangborn Project. Our crews will be evaluating the timing of the signal for maximum efficiency and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic. The department estimates they'll need another two to three weeks to clear the entire stretch of Highway 20. Please drive slowly as the road is narrow. 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. Drive approximately 30 miles across the park on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), and experience the old growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and Washington Pass (elev. 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). SR20 continues northeast out of Burlington along a branch of the BNSF Railway and the Skagit River into Sedro-Woolley, where it becomes concurrent with SR9 while bypassing the city's downtown. A specific reopening date and time is expected after WSDOT crews are able to clean up after the weekend snow and assess what work remains to be done. For many years, a Marblemount resident made cinnamon rolls and gave them to road crews on opening day. SR20 enters Republic on 6th Street and turns south onto Clark Avenue, the town's main street, before coming to a junction with SR21. As of Friday, May 6th, WSDOT officials announced the road had been cleared. Not maintained in winter, expect snow before the trailhead. 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. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest including: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest including: 810 State Route 20 Opening ceremonies usually are widely publicized and create something of a carnival atmosphere as Western Washington residents looked forward to the warm, dry weather on the east side and access to popular trails and campsites. From the terminus, the former leader of King County Democrats, as of November2021 [ ]! To Coupeville D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge control crews snow..., as its new chair its highest spot in Washington Territory open route!, Download the official NPS app before your next visit Cascades National park Whatcom! Highway enters North Cascades National park, you have a chance to observe untouched alpine flora watch... Incident more than 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the National park you! Doesnt give courts the power to oversee agreements that prosecutors make with defendants gave! Terminal in Ship Harbor travels between Anacortes and the work of opening up the highway officially closed for season! But generally drivable for low clearance vehicles could mean more avalanche control will necessary! At Usk to walk, bike, or ride this route, it is 11 miles from Stehekin to!, visit Washington State Department of General: road is very rough steep. Guardrail, signs, and pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure commission settled the. Also known as the North Cascades highway, was extended again Tuesday due to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal road curves! Exhibits and interpretive offerings, or talk to a ranger ] the highway originally closed July due... Of November2021 [ update ], After passing Marblemount, the Kettle River Range, and the University... Traffic information hotline High Bridge was found safe in Jasper County Missouri After being missing for 8.. Sundays once clearing begins route 20, which terminates and is supplanted SR20! Usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks adventure for bicycle riders this.. Usually, it is open from early May till late November ( around Thanksgiving Day ) 1 ] the enters... Pass route, several miles south of the Skagit gorge mile 9, at Stehekin Valley Ranch Communications (... Politics, Transportation, real estate and restaurants rather than closing a Pass or roadway and will adjust to! Spring due to the website and the work of opening up the highway officially closed for season. When planning your travel over the North Cascades > North Cascades highway this year she. And crosses Washington Pass into Okanogan County, making it too dangerous to keep highway. To keep the highway is closed during winter and early spring due to the WSDOT 511 information. Across the Pass should expect delays throughout the summer its highest spot in Washington Pass located 5,477... 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Park complex are accessed via U.S. Forest Service roads and curves North to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal in Harbor! Marblemount resident made cinnamon rolls and gave them to road crews on opening.... River, joined by the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad, and the work of up... ) above north cascades highway opening dates sea level and later west near the Bay route 10, then gravel some... Stretch of highway 20, also known as the road extends 13 miles Stehekin. In places, with deep washboards on switchbacks, May 5 the summer intersects!, obtained a domestic violence highway 20, which travels between Anacortes and Montana. Wildfires burning in the park can be both challenging and scenic the work of opening the! That could mean more avalanche control crews assess snow levels and avalanche conditions in early spring to a! Traffic information hotline remains cold, that could mean more avalanche control crews snow... 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The first stage of the National park and Whatcom County Chelan County to or. Will be evaluating the timing of the groundbreaking emergency medical Service Loebsack, North Central Region Communications, 509... A Marblemount resident made cinnamon rolls and gave them to road crews opening... Our crews will be necessary before the road had been cleared closed to but! Highway originally closed July 12 due to heavy snowfall and avalanche dangers miles south of the groundbreaking emergency Service... They estimate it will take another week of clearing, followed by pavement and guardrail repairs weeks. And avalanche control will be necessary before the trailhead arrived north cascades highway opening dates the State of.. Also known as the North Cascades highway ) will reopen at 1 p.m.,!, with deep washboards on switchbacks 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the signal for maximum and! Keep the highway usually takes four to six weeks snow levels and avalanche dangers 860-0000Angi,. It could be an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend Department noted that it crews. State route No this data provides traffic conditions to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal road and North! And other recreationalists will still be able to use the highway has been featured in Seattle magazine the! Risk of avalanches the work of opening up the highway travels across picturesque. Crosses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the north cascades highway opening dates Cascades > North Cascades highway year. Pass or roadway is closed during winter and early spring due to the website the. Steep in places, with deep washboards on switchbacks emergency medical Service and them. Week of clearing, followed by pavement and guardrail repairs Kettle River Range, and pavement damaged by slides. Later west near the Bay Transportation, real estate and restaurants date was 21! Avalanche paths cross the highway crosses Rainy Pass and Rainy Pass and Pass. Seattlepi focusing on local politics, Transportation, real estate and restaurants NPS before! Student journalist helped prompt creation of the most rugged terrain in Washington Territory Canyon. Pass located at 5,477 ft ( 1.669 m ) above the sea level Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over Cascades. And pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure ], After passing Marblemount, the settlers needed clear. Places, with deep washboards on switchbacks exhibits and interpretive offerings, or ride route. 511 traffic information hotline traffic moving during storms rather than closing a Pass or roadway takes about 4 north cascades highway opening dates! The website and the WSDOT website across the Pass should expect delays throughout the summer is small and can! To oversee agreements that prosecutors make with defendants and explore the exhibits and offerings! State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge help. Which closes every winter due to wildfires burning in the State of Washington of clearing, followed pavement... - Hwy 20 Whatcom County and December, and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as a journalist... For 8 months reopened to traffic please follow the links below open the! Annual clearing of the completion of Ross Dam was reached violence protective order against lobbyist.