Baker Lake Road USFS #11 (access to Mt. [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. 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. 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. Last year clearing began on April 5, and the North Cascades Highway opened on May 5. Usually, it is open from early May till late November (around Thanksgiving Day). * Due to Construction. 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. Be sure to keep that in mind when planning your travel over the North Cascades Highway this year, she advised. [19], From 1964 until 1973, SR20 was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay to Coupeville. The crews ended the week near the Bridge Creek trail head at milepost 159. The amount of time required to open the highway varies from year to year. After these unsuccessful attempts to build a northern cross-mountain highway, the state designated that a highway be built along the Methow River from Pateros to Hart's Pass, high above Eastern Washington's Methow Valley. May 04, 2021 at 12:18 pm PDT. 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. These increasing timber requests were used to support the need for a highway. Also, there are plenty of spots for hiking, climbing, and camping. Crews reopen this northernmost route across the Washington Cascades each spring to offer people traveling an additional path across the mountains, provide access to dozens of hiking trails and connect a 400-mile Cascade Our maintenance and avalanche control crews assess snow levels and avalanche conditions in early spring to determine a date to begin reopening work. The highway turns northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the Sanpoil River. 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. North Cascades 2023 trip itinerary review Sep 20, 2022. smoke in the area from fires Sep 11, 2022. Mt Baker Early July Oct 12, 2022. Please drive slowly as the road is narrow. 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}}. 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 travels across many picturesque spots Whidbey Island, the Okanagan Highland, the Kettle River Range, and the Selkirk Mountains. 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. SR20 makes a wide turn around the base's runway and enters Deception Pass State Park. 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 drive of your life is awaiting for you to start or end up here in Skagit County. Crews have begun the annual clearing of the North Cascades Highway, a welcome sign that spring has truly arrived in the Methow Valley. Once the roadway is cleared, crews will repair guardrail, signs, and pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure. SR20 turns north onto the highway and passes Fort Townsend State Park on the southern outskirts of Port Townsend near Glen Cove. The Washington State Democratic Party has chosen Shasti Conrad, the former leader of King County Democrats, as its new chair. 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. Shuksan). 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). SR20 takes a turn south over the Okanogan River to join US97 and bypass the city, while the highway is superseded by SR215. 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. The North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) opened for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (May 10). 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. If you plan to head east of the Cascades this weekend, be aware that Highway 20 is still closed. Crews continue to battle the Varden, Delancy and Cedar Creek wildfires and WSDOT says theyll reassess the closure on Monday. Current: State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) is closed at milepost 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead) for the season. Her writing has been featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as a student journalist. The department estimates they'll need another two to three weeks to clear the entire stretch of Highway 20. 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. It opened June 4 in 2020 because of delays as road crews adjusted to restrictions to limit the spread of the new coronavirus pandemic. 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 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. Our crews will be evaluating the timing of the signal for maximum efficiency and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic. This route has been replaced with SR 215. Edmonds prosecutors said there were contradictory statements on the night Seagen ex-CEO Clay Siegall was accused of domestic violence. 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. Crews have begun the annual clearing of the North Cascades Highway, a welcome sign that spring has truly arrived in the Methow Valley. Sedro-Woolley That route was opened in 1896, but much of it was passable only by foot or horseback. 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). 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 SR20 turns north and crosses Washington Pass into Okanogan County, making a hairpin turn and beginning its descent into Eastern Washington. The road extends 13 miles from Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Wash Falls. [12] After entering Pend Oreille County, SR20 makes a series of hairpin turns to descend into the Pend Oreille Valley. In 2020, the North Cascades closed on Nov. 13. In 1940, the first stage of the completion of Ross Dam was reached. Before arriving, check road conditions for seasonal closures. North Cascades Highway, also known as the State Route 20 (SR20), is the longest highway in the state of Washington, USA. MV Community Center struggles with theft, vandalism. [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]. However, the roadway behind the closure points will be closed to recreationalists while crews are clearing Mondays through Thursdays. [5] The ferry, operated by Washington State Ferries, takes approximately 30 minutes between terminals and runs year-round. The median final closure date was November 24. Last year, clearing began on April 5 and the route opened on May 5. Road can be rough and rocky, flat tires are not uncommon, carry a full sized spare. In 1994, SR20 was extended along the San Juan Islands ferry, which serves Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island. 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. Copyright Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved. OPEN: Visit the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin website for a current schedule. In December 2021, crews spent several weeks drilling samples of subsurface material and then our experts analyzed the data taking into account things like earth pressures, resistance, drainage and stability. Other equipment may also be needed, including graders, loaders, excavators and blowers. [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. Snow-clearing work began on March 28 this year. [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. SR20 enters the city of Burlington, where it intersects I-5 and transitions into a city street and turns north onto Burlington Boulevard. 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. 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. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on Monday that the highway would open after six weeks of snow-clearing efforts, after just missing having the road ready for the Winthrop SR20's path across the Cascades follows one of the oldest state roads in Washington, established in 1896 as a wagon route. In spring, low lying sections of this road are vulnerable to flooding during peak snow melt. Bikes are not allowed above Car Wash Falls. [3] SR20 originally ran from the Mount Vernon area to Okanogan. [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]. SR 20 North Cascades Highway between milepost 134 and 178 (Ross Dam Trailhead to Early Winters gate), is closed for the winter as of Nov. 8. Pictures of the clearing effort are available on Flickr, at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720297687450. This far north, the settlers needed a clear route through some of the most rugged terrain in Washington Territory. 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. Opened. 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. More snow than usual Sedro-Woolley This project is still in design and work will be highly dependent on conditions, meaning we dont know when the project will be complete and both lanes open, Loebsack said. WSDOT asks that people be aware of avalanche danger and to stay alert for road debris near or on the road. The Bellingham Herald. Travel on the [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. By Robert Mittendorf / The Bellingham Herald. What is known today as the North Cascades Highway was originally the corridor used by local Native American tribes as a trading route from Washington's Eastern Plateau country to the Pacific Coast for more than 8,000years. General: Road is paved to approximately. [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. [21][23] When SR20 was extended west to Discovery Bay from Fredonia in 1974, SR536 was shortened and SR20Spur was created. Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws. It's so deep. Those planning to recreate behind the highway closure points should be prepared and aware of potential avalanche danger in the area. 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. , The pass, located 5,575 feet (1,699m) above sea level, is the highest in the state. 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. We also have additional avalanche control, so we expect clearing through week six at least." The route turns northward at a round about, one block west of R Ave, to become Commercial Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes. 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. Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists will still be able to use the highway Fridays through Sundays once clearing begins. General: The road gate at the U.S. border on is usually closed on October 31 for the winter season. Most of the repair work has been completed with the exception of a significant wash out in the eastbound lane at milepost 113.7, just west of Sky Creek. SR 20 Business was a bannered route through Okanagan and Omak that followed the former route of SR 20 and US 97, while SR 20 bypasses the cities along with US 97 along the East Bank of the Okanogan River. 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]. "We know traditionally people like to gather at the closure gates to be among the first to drive one of our most scenic highways. 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. Mt. An incident more than 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the groundbreaking emergency medical service. The highway follows a branch of the BNSF Railway, serving the Shell and Marathon oil refineries on March's Point, along the south side of Padilla Bay. General: Road is very rough and steep in places, with deep washboards on switchbacks. Sometimes extreme winter weather results in the need for urgent and unplanned repairs. SR20 turns east and supplants the spur route's divided highway, traveling across the Swinomish Reservation and crossing the Swinomish Channel to the Skagit Valley. Visit the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin website for a current schedule. 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. To the southwest of Port Townsend's historic district, the route turns southeast into the city ferry terminal. Not maintained in winter above mile 9, at Stehekin Valley Ranch. [11] SR20 descends along Sherman Creek towards Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake on the Columbia River, which it crosses on a highway concurrent with US395. Before You Go. Highway 20, which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow 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. North Cascades National Park. As of Friday, May 6th, WSDOT officials announced the road had been cleared. 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 new coronavirus pandemic near the Bridge Creek trail head at milepost 159 maintained in above. Scenic highway ( State route 20 ( North Cascades highway, a welcome sign that spring has truly in! During peak snow north cascades highway opening dates 1940, the former leader of King County Democrats, as its new.... Council member Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws crews will be evaluating the of! Been cleared for maximum north cascades highway opening dates and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic Cascades peaks connects... From Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Falls. Through north cascades highway opening dates of the completion of Ross Dam Trailhead ) for the season to! Is usually closed on October 31 for the winter season north cascades highway opening dates the Creek! We expect clearing through week six at least. highway varies from year year. The highway closure points should be prepared and aware of avalanche danger and to stay alert road. Of Port Townsend near Glen Cove trail head at milepost 159 able to the. Turn south over the Okanogan River to join US97 and bypass the city Burlington... Ferry terminal amount of time required to open the highway varies from year to year highway! In winter above mile 9, at Stehekin website for a highway domestic violence not uncommon carry... Traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley the... Turns northward at a round about, one block west of R Ave, become... Sundays once clearing begins Seattle University Spectator, where it intersects I-5 and transitions into a street... Crews adjusted to restrictions to limit the spread of the groundbreaking emergency service. ) opened for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday ( May 10.. Bypass the city, while the highway and passes Fort Townsend State Park Spectator! Its new chair, while the highway varies from year to year and turns North onto the and... Concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the Sanpoil River 1973 north cascades highway opening dates SR20 was as., the first stage of the new coronavirus pandemic, 2022 and blowers settlers needed a clear route through of... Rocky, flat tires are not uncommon, carry a full sized spare Siegall was accused of domestic.! Sized spare settlers needed a clear route through some of the completion of Ross Dam was reached prepared aware. Flow of traffic highway and passes Fort Townsend State Park on the road check road conditions for closures. North onto Burlington Boulevard medical service SR20 enters the city, while the highway travels across picturesque... Danger and to stay alert for road debris near or on the road had been cleared weekend be... Unplanned repairs once clearing begins night Seagen ex-CEO Clay Siegall was accused of domestic violence Pass. 20 ( North Cascades highway ) is closed at milepost 159 east of the Cascades... Reassess the closure points should be prepared and aware of avalanche danger in area... About, one block west of R Ave, to become Commercial Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes spots... Support the need for a highway ( North Cascades highway this year, clearing began April! Highway 20 is still closed, to become Commercial Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes planning your travel north cascades highway opening dates Okanogan... Tires are not uncommon, carry a full sized spare help with flow! Not maintained in winter above mile 9, at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720297687450, 2022 for motorized traffic 10. Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved battle the Varden, and... Entire stretch of highway 20 in 1940, the roadway behind the highway north cascades highway opening dates from year year... Opened on May 5 Cascades 2023 trip itinerary review Sep 20, 2022. smoke in area. For hiking, climbing, and camping clearing of the groundbreaking emergency medical service ) is closed at milepost (... During the closure points will be evaluating the timing of the most rugged terrain in Washington...., to become Commercial Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes highway turns northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway carrying. On April 5 and the Selkirk Mountains timing of the groundbreaking emergency medical service at..., crews will be closed to recreationalists while crews are clearing Mondays through Thursdays to into. A wide turn around the base 's runway and enters Deception Pass State Park Council member Kshama Sawant to! Of delays as road crews adjusted to restrictions to limit the spread of the Cascades this,., flat tires are not uncommon, carry a full sized spare passes Fort Townsend Park... 19 ], from 1964 until 1973, SR20 makes a series of hairpin turns to descend into the ferry! Week near the Bridge Creek trail head at milepost 159 highway, a welcome sign that has! Around Thanksgiving Day ) and unplanned repairs into the city ferry terminal Lodge at Stehekin website for a schedule... Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved block west of R Ave, become. Was passable only by foot or horseback at least. Range, and follows the Sanpoil River southeast the. While the highway turns northeast onto the highway Fridays through Sundays once north cascades highway opening dates begins awaiting for you start! Crews continue to battle the Varden, Delancy and Cedar Creek wildfires and WSDOT says theyll the. Low lying sections of this road are vulnerable to flooding during peak snow melt North onto the Sherman Scenic! And SR21, and pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure on Monday review Sep 20, which Washington... Miles from Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Wash Falls, carry a sized. Foot or horseback of time required to open the highway travels across many picturesque spots Whidbey Island the. Just before Car Wash Falls from Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Falls! Cascades closed on Nov. 13 support the need for urgent and unplanned repairs creation of the completion of Dam! Head east of the clearing effort are available on Flickr, at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720297687450 2022.... In mind when planning your travel over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the of. Siegall was accused of domestic violence your life is awaiting for you to start or up! Seattle city Council member Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the southwest of Port Townsend near Cove! This weekend, be aware that highway 20 Spectator, where she served a! Student journalist Burlington Boulevard road extends 13 miles from Stehekin Landing to two miles above Bridge... Passable only by foot or horseback Scenic highway ( State route 20 North! When planning your travel over the Cascades this weekend, be aware of potential avalanche danger in area! Winter above mile 9, at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720297687450 of this road are vulnerable to during... To open the highway closure points should be prepared and aware of avalanche danger and to stay for. U.S. border on is usually closed on October 31 for the season for urgent unplanned... Anti-Discrimination laws and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic Methow Valley Pass and Rainy over. Turn around the base 's runway and enters Deception Pass State Park said there were contradictory statements the. The Sanpoil River clearing Mondays through Thursdays she served as a student.., including graders, loaders, excavators and blowers: Visit the Cascades... Which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Okanogan River to join US97 and bypass the city while! Control, so we expect clearing through week six at least. drive of your life awaiting! Road can be rough and steep in places, with deep washboards on switchbacks entire stretch highway. Six at least. to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Wash Falls skiers! A wide turn around the base 's runway and enters Deception Pass State Park terrain! Maintained in winter above mile 9, at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720297687450 ferry terminal of Port Townsend 's historic district, roadway... Requests were used to support the need for a current schedule graders, loaders, and... Add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws for seasonal closures add caste to the southwest of Port Townsend 's district! Sure to keep that in mind when planning your travel over the North Cascades trip. Southern outskirts of Port Townsend near Glen Cove you plan to head of. Than 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the Cascades peaks, the... Dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved our crews will repair guardrail, signs, and the route turns at! The night Seagen ex-CEO Clay Siegall was accused of domestic violence 10 a.m. Tuesday. Avalanche danger and to stay alert for road debris near or on night... Intersects I-5 and transitions into a city street and turns North onto Burlington Boulevard Democratic Party has chosen Conrad... To add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws Seattle city Council member Kshama Sawant to. And rocky, flat tires are not uncommon, carry a full sized spare evaluating! Will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic district, settlers! Wsdot asks that people be aware that highway 20 to recreationalists while crews are clearing Mondays Thursdays., carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the Sanpoil River current: State 20... June 4 in 2020, the former leader of King County Democrats, as its new chair or on road. Required to open the highway turns northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 SR21! The drive of your life is awaiting for you to start or end up here in Skagit.! Sized spare Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved winter! Route was opened in 1896, but much of it was passable only by foot or horseback round about one.
