Storm damage closes US 2 at Cascades pass. See alternate routes for holiday travel

Traveling for the holidays? With a key stretch of U.S. 2 closed due to storm damage, you may need to find another route across the Cascades.

The Washington State Department of Transportation recently shut down a 49-mile section of the highway between Skykomish and Leavenworth, blocking access to Stevens Pass.

“We anticipate that Highway 2 will be closed for months,” Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a Seattle news conference on Tuesday, Dec. 16, describing the roadway as “severely damaged.”

That’s why WSDOT is reminding drivers, bicyclists and others to observe “Road Closed” signs and stay off the roadway.

“The road is closed because it’s dangerous, not because we love closing roads,” the state road agency said in a Wednesday, Dec. 16, Instagram post.

Here’s what to know:

When did US 2 close near Leavenworth? Why?

U.S. 2 first closed on Dec. 10 due to washouts and mudslides between Index and Coles Corner, according to Lauren Loebsack, communications manager for WSDOT’s North Central Region.

The closure extended to Tumwater Canyon on Dec. 11.

As of Wednesday, Dec. 17, U.S. 2 remained closed from milepost 50 near Skykomish to milepost 99 at Leavenworth “due to storm damage, including rocks, trees, and mud over the roadway in multiple locations,” WSDOT said on its real-time travel website.

Why does WSDOT want drivers to stay off the road?

In its Instagram post, WSDOT emphasized “the reality of the conditions around the state, the extent of the damage and the importance of adhering to ROAD CLOSED signs.”

“We’ve seen people cycling and recreating between the closure points on U.S. 2,” the state road agency said. “And, I’m going to be honest, we’re disappointed.”

“Our crews have been working nonstop in miserable weather to stack sandbags, clear debris, assess damage and make repairs,” WSDOT said. “This is one thing they really shouldn’t have to deal with.”

The agency added that coming to the aid of motorists and others who ignore the closure could result in “personnel, equipment and resources being diverted away from the areas that need them most.”

“We know that this has been a difficult week for many and there is a desire in getting things cleaned up and back to normal,” Loebsack said. “People are also worried about access to property and jobs and we will share details about repair timelines when we can confirm them and get access back as soon as safely possible.”

Which routes I can take for cross-state travel?

According to WSDOT, “Cross-state travel is not possible via U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass” — and there’s “no detour available.”

The state road agency urged drivers to “use an alternate route.”

“I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, US 97 Blewett Pass and SR 28 through Quincy are available for cross-state travel,” the road agency said on its website.

“The Lake Wenatchee area and community of Plain are accessible on the local Chumstick Highway, but travelers should plan on a longer route with slower speeds,” Loebsack said.

“We are encouraging drivers to be prepared, as winter weather is on its way,” she added. “Wherever you go, you should be ready for driving in the snow. Our crews are ready, but we need people to be accountable and prepared for travel in the mountain passes.”

When will highway reopen?

As of Wednesday, it was unclear when U.S. 2 will reopen to traffic.

“It’s premature to estimate exactly how long that closure will be,” Ferguson said during Tuesday’s news conference. “We’re going to do everything we possibly can to repair it as quickly as possible, but it’s literally underwater at some stages. There are major, major issues on that highway.”

Drivers should check out the WSDOT real-time travel map and follow the agency on social media for updates.

“Throughout the state, we are still very much in response mode, while developing the repair projects we can,” Loebsack said. “On (U.S. 2), we have secured a contractor and are finalizing the plan for emergency contract work. We’ll have a better idea of timelines soon.”

This story was originally published December 17, 2025 at 3:03 PM.