North Cascades National Park Remains Closed to Visitors
Information released by WSDOT; file photo
State Route 20 North Cascades Highway has been cleared and is open for travel as of Tuesday, May 12. This route provides vital alternative access in this area that is critical in case of natural disaster, such as forest fires, and supports freight movement, particularly timber haul.
North Cascades National Park is closed to all park visitors until further notice. Travelers on the North Cascades Highway should be advised that facilities and access off the highway are limited and plan accordingly for any necessary travel.
Overview
State Route 20 is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington and is commonly referred to as the North Cascades Highway. This scenic byway offers travelers a wide array of beautiful vistas and is part of the Cascade Loop, a 400-mile driving tour through the Cascades.
Why we close the highway in winter
We close the North Cascades when weather, snow conditions and avalanche danger threaten the safety of drivers and our maintenance crews. Avalanches typically close the highway between late November and mid December.
Reopening in the spring is usually accomplished by early May.
Avalanche areas
The North Cascades Highway closure zone has 27 avalanche chutes, some stretching more than 2,000 feet above the highway. By way of comparison, avalanche chutes along Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes are all well under 1,000 feet high.
View a detailed avalanche area map on Flickr
Web cameras
Current weather conditions
For recreation purposes and while the highway is closed, or in the summer/fall when the pass reports are suspended, you can find weather information with these links:
- Check the forecasts for the western slope and eastern slope of the Northern Cascades.
- Look at the Winthrop cameras.
- Check the real-time conditions from the Rainy Pass weather station and the Washington Pass weather station.
Contact
SR 20 North Cascades Highway Hotline
360-707-5055
Lauren Loebsack, Communications
North Central Region-Wenatchee
DiAngelea Millar, Communications
Northwest Region-Burlington
Sign up for spring reopening email updates for the North Cascades Highway
