North Cascades Highway re-opening is on the horizon; here’s when traffic resumes
You’ll be able to get to Eastern Washington a little quicker this weekend, because the North Cascades Highway opens Tuesday morning after its winter closure, the Washington State Department of Transportation said in a statement.
Also called State Route 20 or Highway 20, the North Cascades Highway will open between Ross Dam trailhead and Silver Star gate at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The pass closed for winter on Nov. 18, 2024.
Scenic Highway 20 connects Whatcom and Skagit counties with the Okanogan County destination towns of Winthrop and Twisp, along with hiking and other recreational opportunities in the North Cascades National Park.
It’s the northernmost highway that crosses the Cascades Mountains in Washington. Because of avalanche danger from the high slopes of Washington Pass and Rainy Pass, the highway is closed in late fall near Diablo on the west side and Mazama on the east side.
WSDOT cautions travelers pay attention to changing weather conditions, turn on headlights and stay alert for other drivers, motorcyclists and bicyclists. Most U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service facilities remain closed. There is no mobile phone service through the mountain passes.
Drivers should also be prepared to encounter maintenance work throughout the season. Check WSDOT’s real time travel map for current conditions.
