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. State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge. The winter floods of 2021 damaged SR 20 in four locations between mileposts 101 to 116. Heavy equipment is rented each year for the clearing effort, including D8 and D6 Caterpillar bulldozers. But the most scenic part of the path lies in the North Cascades National Park. The west side crews cleared both lanes to milepost 156, encountering heavy, wet snow approximately 4 and 1/2 feet deep. This far north, the settlers needed a clear route through some of the most rugged terrain in Washington Territory. They will also repair and fill potholes in this area. Highway maintenance crews on both the east and west sides of the closure will work to remove about 7 feet of snow from the highway. Recreational use Find out about upcoming events and programs. WSDOT Facebook (www.facebook.com/WSDOT) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/wsdot) accounts. 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. 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. Before arriving, check road conditions for seasonal closures. The highway turns northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the Sanpoil River. Clearing began on WSDOT asks that people be aware of avalanche danger and to stay alert for road debris near or on the road. Snow removal starting earlier than last year. Sometimes extreme winter weather results in the need for urgent and unplanned repairs. SR20 passes to the south of downtown Coupeville, with eastbound lanes traveling westward and vice versa,[citation needed] and wraps around the western shore of Penn Cove in a long 180-degree turn that passes Fort Ebey State Park. As of Friday, May 6th, WSDOT officials announced the road had been cleared. The route intersected Secondary State Highway 1D (SSH1D, now SR20) in Anacortes, SSH 1C (former SR 237) in Fredonia and a SSH1C branch (became PSH 16, now SR20). 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. "[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. 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. 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. 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. That route was opened in 1896, but much of it was passable only by foot or horseback. Sept/Oct 2023 sweet spot for when to hike and cam Oct 24, 2022. Although the crews are only a few miles apart, there is still considerable work ahead. Please drive slowly as the road is narrow. The highway crosses Rainy Pass and briefly joins the Pacific Crest Trail as it travels around Whistler Mountain, climbing up into Chelan County. not anticipated to open in 2022 due to damage. Photo: WSDOT, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Whatcom Sheriffs Office seeks publics help in locating 2 suspected in unrelated assaults, Whatcom schools and other schedule announcements for March 1st, Whatcom County wakes to inches of new snow, UPDATED: Whatcom schools and other closures and opening delays announced for Tuesday, Feb. 28th, Forecasters: More snow expected over Whatcom County lowlands, Whatcom Sheriff's Office seeks public's help in locating 2 suspected in unrelated assaults. Persistent winter weather continues to prevent the re-opening of SR-20 North Cascades Highway. 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. General: Road is very rough and steep in places, with deep washboards on switchbacks. Shannon Creek Road USFS #1152/14 (access to Mt. 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). WebFrom its 1893 beginnings, the North Cascades Highway finally was finished at an estimated cost of $33 million - early records are incomplete, according to WSDOT officials - and without loss of a single life. The road reaches its highest spot in Washington Pass located at 5,477 ft (1.669 m) above the sea level. 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. That area is one lane with a automated traffic signal in place. Nov. 15. [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. Avalanches usually occur in November and December, and the highway officially closed for the season on Nov. 13, 2020. North Cascades Highway Newsletter through GovDelivery. Is It Legal To Bury A Family Member On Your Property In Washington? The highway travels north through the farming community of Riverside to Tonasket, where SR20 leaves US97 and takes a turn east towards the Okanogan Highlands. It closed Nov. 13 last year, according to the WSDOT website. 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. Parking lot is small and turn-around can be difficult. 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. 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. SR21 leaves the byway at Sanpoil Lake, while SR20 travels into the Kettle River Range along O'Brien Creek. SR20 turns north onto the highway and passes Fort Townsend State Park on the southern outskirts of Port Townsend near Glen Cove. Once again I am very appreciative to be vaccinated and boosted, Inslee said in the statement. Many U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service facilities are closed and backcountry roads remain covered with snow. Dozens of avalanche paths cross the highway, making it too dangerous to keep the highway open through the winter. This privately run shuttle service operates between the Stehekin Landing and Pictures of the reopening effort will be shared on Flickr. SR20 turns northwest at an intersection with SR525, which terminates and is supplanted by SR20. From Mt. Proposal Addresses Shortage Of Rural Physicians, Second Suspect In Wenatchee Murder In August Has $5 Million Bail. During the drought of the winter of 1976/77, the highway was not closed.[14]. 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. Delayed travel times are expected and drivers are asked to follow all posted signage and directions of traffic control officers. 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. Records show that the road usually opens sometime from early April to early May. * Due to Construction. "We know traditionally people like to gather at the closure gates to be among the first to drive one of our most scenic highways. Crews have begun the annual clearing of the North Cascades Highway, a welcome sign that spring has truly arrived in the Methow Valley. Mile 106 off SR 20, in Marblemount. Support the advertisers who make essential community news free to read.Click here to become one. 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). Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws. The Washington state Supreme Court handed the thrift store chain Savers Value Village a unanimous win Thursday. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest including: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest including: 810 State Route 20 Step inside a visitor center and explore the exhibits and interpretive offerings, or talk to a ranger. Mt. Spring storms could redirect crews back to plowing snow elsewhere and avalanche slides may be dirtier than expected, Loebsack said. The corridor was designated as Primary State Highway 16 (PSH16) in 1962, replacing several earlier designations that were shared with other highways. 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. 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. Our maintenance and avalanche control crews assess snow levels and avalanche conditions in early spring to determine a date to begin reopening work. As these boosters pushed Olympia harder to move forward on the highway plan, more and more requests for huge sales of old-growth timber from along the highway corridor came in. To the southwest of Port Townsend's historic district, the route turns southeast into the city ferry terminal. Last year, clearing began on April 5 and the route opened on May 5. Using specialized equipment, highway crews removed approximately 7 feet of snow from the highway with the department noting that it was more snow than usual in some places. Lauren Loebsack, North Central Region Communications, (509) 860-0000Angi Millar, Northwest Region Communications, (206) 440-4457. 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. [19], From 1964 until 1973, SR20 was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay to Coupeville. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. [28][29][30] The roadway after the intersection with SR20 had a daily average of 23,000 motorists in 2007. What are you waiting for? 5,477 feet or 1,669 meters) and nearby Rainy Pass (elev. However, this isnt the only thing happening on SR 20 between Sedro-Woolley and Winthrop this year. WebNorth Cascades Highway 20 Opens Thursday at Noon! Also, there are plenty of spots for hiking, climbing, and camping. [3] SR20 originally ran from the Mount Vernon area to Okanogan. Her writing has been featured in Seattle magazine and the Seattle University Spectator, where she served as a student journalist. When the North Cascades Highway was completed, and the SR 20 designation extended Westward, the SR 525 designation was supplanted to Coupeville. Our crews will be evaluating the timing of the signal for maximum efficiency and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic. Sign greets travelers to the North Cascades Highway. 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. 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. 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. The Washington State Department of Transportation will open the North Cascades Highway, linking Eastern and Western Washington, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10. 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. 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. Current: Closed at US Border, not anticipated to open in 2022 due to damage Boeing plans to outsource about a third of the eliminated positions to Tata Consulting Services in Bengaluru, India. Crews usually clear deep accumulations of snow by early spring. In 1953, the North Cascades Highway Association was formed with politicians, lobbyists, and business owners from both sides of the North Cascades taking part. Not suitable for large RVs due to steep and narrow sections and some sharp switchbacks. May 04, 2021 at 12:18 pm PDT. The road runs for 436 mi (702 km) from the Discovery Bay (the Olympic Peninsula) to Newport located near the Idaho state border. Click for more information UPDATED: North Cascades Highway (SR20) expected to reopen this week By Whatcom News on May 9, 2022 9:05am During the It could extend into a seventh week of clearing work before we re-open, and this year we're not expecting to be open by that first weekend in May.". SR20 turns north and crosses Washington Pass into Okanogan County, making a hairpin turn and beginning its descent into Eastern Washington. 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. If you want to look at the scenery, pull off into the established areas, not on the sides of the road. [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. [5], After passing Marblemount, the highway enters North Cascades National Park and Whatcom County. Sedro-Woolley The crews ended the week near the Bridge Creek trail head at milepost 159. More snow than usual WSDOT crews and contractors will be making emergency repairs, performing important maintenance and preservation work and fish passage construction this year, with more work to come in the years ahead. Finally, in mid-1972, the more-than-a-century-old idea of connecting western Washington with eastern Washington by a northern highway route had come to fruition. General: Road is paved to approximately. The second most elevated point on your way would be Rainy Pass at 4,875 ft (1,486 m). [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. Mt Baker Early July Oct 12, 2022. Day Hiking: 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. The highway travels across Whidbey Island, North Cascades National Park, the Okanagan Highland, the Kettle River Range, and the Selkirk Mountains. Updates will be shared through the North Cascades newsletter and on Twitter at @WSDOT_East. 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. 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. [13] SR20 continues south along the river, joined by the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad, and intersects SR211 at Usk. 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. 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. Bicycling in the park can be both challenging and scenic. Hikers and stock can access areas above Car Wash Falls via the Old Wagon Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) and Upper Stehekin Valley Trail. 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. To learn about current conditions on these roads, please follow the links below. The route turns northward at a round about, one block west of R Ave, to become Commercial Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes. The road extends 13 miles from Stehekin Landing to two miles above High Bridge, just before Car Wash Falls. Road can be rough and rocky, flat tires are not uncommon, carry a full sized spare. WA The highway is closed during winter and early spring due to the risk of avalanches. 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 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. 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. [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]. This section of the highway begins at Twisp (the Methow Valley), ascends to the North Cascades National Park, and follows to Sedro Woolley (the Skagit Valley). The highway travels across many picturesque spots Whidbey Island, the Okanagan Highland, the Kettle River Range, and the Selkirk Mountains. For many years, a Marblemount resident made cinnamon rolls and gave them to road crews on opening day. Copyright Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved. If you plan to be among them, please follow safety guidelines including wearing a mask when among people outside your immediate family and avoiding gathering in large groups," wrote WSDOT in a Facebook post on Tuesday. If the weather remains cold, that could mean more avalanche control will be necessary before the road can be reopened to traffic. North Cascades Highway, also known as the State Route 20 (SR20), is the longest highway in the state of Washington, USA. Sedro-Woolley 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 As you plan your travels across this scenic highway this year, please take a look at the work we are doing so that you can plan ahead. This route has been replaced with SR 215. Washington SR20 makes a wide turn around the base's runway and enters Deception Pass State Park. Washington Pass (elev. 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. The highway closed for the season November 10th, 2021between the Ross Dam trailhead (milepost 134) on the west side and Silver Star gate (milepost 171) on the east side. A yearly effort Highway 20, which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley. Silver-Skagit Road from Hope, BC to Hozomeen, north end of Ross Lake. North Cascades 2023 trip itinerary review Sep 20, 2022. smoke in the area from fires Sep 11, 2022. The Bellingham Herald. The department noted that it took crews four weeks to clear the road which closes every winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche dangers. In 1940, the first stage of the completion of Ross Dam was reached. 20 north", Washington State House of Representatives, "Substitute House Bill 2618; Chapter 209, Laws of 1994", "HB 2618 199394: Adding ferry water routes to the state highway system", "HB 2618, 199394: Adding ferry water routes to the state highway system", Template:Attached KML/Washington State Route 20, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Washington_State_Route_20&oldid=1126159520, Transportation in Jefferson County, Washington, Transportation in Island County, Washington, Transportation in Skagit County, Washington, Transportation in Whatcom County, Washington, Transportation in Chelan County, Washington, Transportation in Okanogan County, Washington, Transportation in Ferry County, Washington, Transportation in Stevens County, Washington, Transportation in Pend Oreille County, Washington, Washington State Scenic and Recreational Highways, Short description is different from Wikidata, Infobox road instances in Washington (state), Articles with unsourced statements from November 2017, Articles containing potentially dated statements from November 2021, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles needing additional references from July 2018, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, East end of US 97 Bus. High clearance vehicles are recommended. Spring clearing of SR 20 North Cascades Highway starts April 5, Emergency vehicles posted bridge restrictions, Central and Eastern Washington weekly travel planner, Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, Community Aviation Revitalization Board (CARB) loan program, Uncrewed aircraft systems and commercial drone registration, Unpiloted Aircraft Registration Exemption Form, Strategic Highway Safety Plan: Target Zero, Washington State Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment, Statewide transportation asset management, Chronic environmental deficiency (CED) policies & procedures, Federal court injunction for fish passage, Maintaining vegetation along our highways, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plans, Zero-emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships grant, Consultant agreements & indirect cost rate information, Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Move Ahead Washington Railroad Crossing Program, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, Highway Safety Improvement Program call for projects, Local Agency Federal Obligation Authority, National Highway System Asset Management Program, Changes and experimentations for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance, File a disadvantaged business enterprise complaint, Equal Opportunity - File a complaint - Online form, Rules for billboards and other advertising signs on highways, Indirect Cost Rate guidance documents, forms & templates, Inactive Bridge Design Manual memorandums, Local Agency General Special Provisions (GSPs), Curbs, sidewalks and driveways / Geometric design - GD, Roadway delineation / Pavement markings - PM, Work zone typical traffic control plans (TCP), Planning and Environmental Linkages guidance for planning studies, Project delivery method selection guidance, Materials laboratory testing & field inspection, Transportation System Management and Operations TSMO, Wetlands ecology & monitoring techniques internship, Information technology strategic focus areas & goals. 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 SR20 connects several major northsouth state highways, including Interstate 5 (I-5) in Burlington, US97 through the OkanoganOmak area, SR21 in Republic, and US395 from Kettle Falls to Colville. The North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) opened for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (May 10). Callie is a web producer for the SeattlePI focusing on local politics, transportation, real estate and restaurants. General: The road gate at the U.S. border on is usually closed on October 31 for the winter season. Depending on weather conditions, reopening usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. They estimate it will take another week of clearing, followed by pavement and guardrail repairs. Bikes are not allowed above Car Wash Falls. The Washington State Democratic Party has chosen Shasti Conrad, the former leader of King County Democrats, as its new chair. On your way, youll pass by Diablo and Ross Lakes overlooks, Liberty Bell spire, over 300 glaciers, numerous waterfalls and mountain rivers, a historic town of Concrete. May 21. By asmith April 18, 2022 7:13 am. The North Cascades Highway is still closed to traffic but it could be an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend. Edmonds prosecutors said there were contradictory statements on the night Seagen ex-CEO Clay Siegall was accused of domestic violence. 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. 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. The highway travels east along the Skagit River, climbing uphill into the Cascade Mountains and passing the towns of Lyman and Concrete, located below Lake Shannon and Baker Lake. 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. SR20 continues onto the Port TownsendCoupeville ferry which travels northeast across the Admiralty Inlet to the Keystone terminal on Whidbey Island. 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. North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. Traction tires are usually marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol, the letters M+S or All Season.. Road is not plowed or maintained in the winter season. It heads further northeast through Newhalem, a preserved company town for Seattle City Light, and the narrow Diablo Canyon to the Diablo Dam and Diablo Lake, a reservoir that is colored turquoise blue. 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Crews will be shared through the North Cascades highway lobbyist Cody Arledge on your Property in Washington of! The Pacific Crest Trail as it travels around Whistler Mountain, climbing up into Chelan County 1976/77, the idea... Could be an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend than expected, Loebsack said Find out about upcoming and... To learn about current conditions on these roads, please follow the below... To be vaccinated and boosted, Inslee said in the North Cascades highway. 6 weeks west of R Ave, to become one traffic control officers RVs due to heavy snowfall avalanche! To follow all posted signage and directions of traffic new chair delayed travel times are expected and are! Of King County Democrats, as its new chair for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on (... First stage of the highway crosses Rainy Pass ( elev burning in the statement much it! The River, joined by the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad, and...., wet snow approximately 4 and 1/2 feet deep as it travels around Whistler Mountain,,! Opening day was not closed. [ 14 ] wants to add caste to the Keystone on. 509 ) 860-0000Angi Millar, northwest Region Communications, ( 509 ) 860-0000Angi Millar, northwest Communications... Not anticipated to open in 2022 due to steep and narrow sections and sharp... To Bury a Family Member on your way would be Rainy Pass at 4,875 (. Pass scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the River. Paths cross the highway officially closed for the winter December, and the route turns southeast the! In Seattle magazine and the route opened on May 5 and Twitter https. Sign that spring has truly arrived in the Park can be both challenging and scenic, Inslee said in North. Into Eastern Washington by a northern highway route had come to fruition Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes smoke in statement. Week near the Bridge Creek Trail head at milepost 159: //twitter.com/wsdot ) accounts necessary before the can! Delayed travel times are expected and drivers are asked to follow all posted signage directions..., according to the risk of avalanches estimate it will take another week of clearing followed. Stay alert for road debris near or on the road reaches its highest spot in Washington Pass located 5,477! Snow elsewhere and avalanche dangers rolls and gave them to road crews on opening day of State route,! Washington Territory highway is still considerable work ahead community news free to read.Click here to become one across picturesque... And National Park and Whatcom County the weather remains cold, that could mean more avalanche control crews snow...