Snow removal starting earlier than last year. Traversing Washington and Rainy passes, Highway 20 connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley. The pass, located 5,575 feet (1,699m) above sea level, is the highest in the state. The Cascade River Road is closed for the winter season. The roadway was established in 1937 as the western segment of the Anacortes branch of Primary State Highway 1, which became SR 536 in 1964 and renumbered to SR20Spur and SR20 in 1973. The highway forms the northern boundary of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge and follows the Little Pend Oreille River north through a series of glacial lakes. Elevation at road's end: 3660 feet. Elevation at high point, Washington Pass: 5,477 feet. Those planning to recreate behind the highway closure points should be prepared and aware of potential avalanche danger in the area. Pictures of the reopening effort will be shared on Flickr. General: Road is paved to approximately. As of Friday, May 6th, WSDOT officials announced the road had been cleared. The earliest opening of the highway in the past 10 years was April 3 in 2015. In 1940, the first stage of the completion of Ross Dam was reached. Avalanches usually occur in November and December, and the highway officially closed for the season on Nov. 13, 2020. 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. Snow-clearing work began on March 28 this year. 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. Step inside a visitor center and explore the exhibits and interpretive offerings, or talk to a ranger. For your comfort and safety, please plan accordingly.. Work continued for over a year to open a route between East and West for commerce. If you are considering a trip up into the backcountry, we still advise that you are aware of avalanche risk and other potential hazards. Current: State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) is closed at milepost 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead) for the season. From Mt. The crews ended the week near the Bridge Creek trail head at milepost 159. They estimate it will take another week of clearing, followed by pavement and guardrail repairs. This year, WSDOT is asking those who attend the opening ceremony to wear a face covering and keep physical distancing because of pandemic concerns. 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. Mile 117 off SR 20, west of Newhalem. Persistent winter weather continues to prevent the re-opening of SR-20 North Cascades Highway. Visit the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin website for a current schedule. This privately run shuttle service operates between the Stehekin Landing and [32][33] PSH1AN was later renumbered during the 1964 highway renumbering to SR536, SSH1D became SR525 and PSH16 became SR20. 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 North Cascades Highway, otherwise known as State Route 20, is set to reopen Wednesday, May 5, after a months-long closure. Not maintained in winter above mile 9, at Stehekin Valley Ranch. It closed Nov. 13 last year, according to the WSDOT website. WSDOT crews working to clear North Cascades Highway. Current: A temporary closure at MP6 (USFS boundary) is in effect due to a rockslide. 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. Dozens of avalanche paths cross the highway, making it too dangerous to keep the highway open through the winter. North Cascades National Park. 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. 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. 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. Highway 20, which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley. This far north, the settlers needed a clear route through some of the most rugged terrain in Washington Territory. [12] After entering Pend Oreille County, SR20 makes a series of hairpin turns to descend into the Pend Oreille Valley. 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. "We know traditionally people like to gather at the closure gates to be among the first to drive one of our most scenic highways. A section of SR 20 North Cascades Highway between mileposts 130 and 177 closes each winter due to avalanche risk. 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. 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. Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists will still be able to use the highway Fridays through Sundays once clearing begins. [5][11], At Colville, SR20 turns east away from US395 and continues into the southern reaches of the Selkirk Mountains. 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. Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws. "This years snow levels were slightly higher than average and the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes still hold a substantial amount of snow," wrote WSDOT. To the southwest of Port Townsend's historic district, the route turns southeast into the city ferry terminal. The road reaches its highest spot in Washington Pass located at 5,477 ft (1.669 m) above the sea level. Governor Dan Evans, a host of state dignitaries, and President Richard M. Nixon's brother Donald were in attendance for the opening and vehicle procession over the Cascade Mountains. The corridor was designated Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America! Closed. Bikes are not allowed above Car Wash Falls. Adrienne Douke Published: April 30, 2022. WebNorth Cascades Highway 20 Opens Thursday at Noon! General: The road gate at the U.S. border on is usually closed on October 31 for the winter season. Nov. 15. 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. [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. It closed on Nov. 10, 2021. manufactured with at least 1/8 of an inch tread. [11] SR20 descends along Sherman Creek towards Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake on the Columbia River, which it crosses on a highway concurrent with US395. The Seattle City Council on Tuesday added caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws, becoming the first city to pass such a law outside South Asia. ", "RCW 47.17.081: State route No. State Route 20 North Cascades is closing for the season, earlier than expected. The Washington State Department of Transportation East said they hoped to keep the road open until Nov. 15 but it will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. WSDOT East said the warmer and wet conditions are causing higher avalanche risks. State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge. There is no longer a specific webpage for the North Cascades, so the best ways to follow this story are: The highway is closed during winter and early spring due to the risk of avalanches. "Our progress slowed down quite a bit when we hit that heavy hard snow up on Rainy Pass. The two routes travel east through Kettle Falls, intersecting SR25, and follow the Colville River upstream to the city of Colville. [5] The ferry, operated by Washington State Ferries, takes approximately 30 minutes between terminals and runs year-round. 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. Support the advertisers who make essential community news free to read.Click here to become one. Although US12 has a larger eastwest extent, SR20 is the longest highway in Washington at 436.13 miles (701.88km), only 5.3 miles (8.5km) longer than US12. The road remains closed at the Ross Dam Trailhead at milepost 134 on the west side and at the Silver Star gate at milepost 171 on the east (Methow Valley) side. Sedro-Woolley Records show that the road usually opens sometime from early April to early May. From Coupeville to Sharpes Corner (just outside Anacortes), the modern SR20 was designated SR 525, and prior to 1964 as SSH 1D. Keeping up with the work Copyright Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom News | All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. Once the roadway is cleared, crews will repair guardrail, signs, and pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure. When the North Cascades Highway was completed, and the SR 20 designation extended Westward, the SR 525 designation was supplanted to Coupeville. The department estimates they'll need another two to three weeks to clear the entire stretch of Highway 20. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Delayed travel times are expected and drivers are asked to follow all posted signage and directions of traffic control officers. Sedro-Woolley By 1973, SR20 was extended over existing state highways in northern Washington, replacing SR113 and portions of SR525 and SR536 near Port Townsend; SR30 and SR294 from Tonasket to Tiger; and part of SR31 from Tiger to Newport. Many U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service facilities are closed and backcountry roads remain covered with snow. However, this isnt the only thing happening on SR 20 between Sedro-Woolley and Winthrop this year. Proposal Addresses Shortage Of Rural Physicians, Second Suspect In Wenatchee Murder In August Has $5 Million Bail. Depending on weather conditions, reopening usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. It is also part of the Cascade Loop, a 400-mile driving tour through the namesake mountain range. The highway also forms most of the Washington segment of U.S. The gate will open at 1 p.m. An incident more than 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the groundbreaking emergency medical service. The drive of your life is awaiting for you to start or end up here in Skagit County. Day Hiking: By KIRO 7 News Staff. Take the most northern route through the Cascade Mountain Range. In the following years, floods on the Cascade River took out most of the work completed on the road and led Washington's first State Highway Commissioner to report in 1905 that almost all the money appropriated for the road had been wasted. * Due to Construction. Once again I am very appreciative to be vaccinated and boosted, Inslee said in the statement. [19], From 1964 until 1973, SR20 was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay to Coupeville. The highway descends into the Okanogan Valley near Malott and continues northeast along the Okanogan River to the city of Okanogan. It's so deep. Learn about the different camping options within the park complex. Breadson John was found safe in Jasper County Missouri after being missing for 8 months. Once the highway opens, travelers should be aware of work on the west side of the North Cascades between Marblemount and Newhalem. Crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) assessed the conditions on the highway last week to evaluate avalanche risk, the depth of slides on the highway, debris brought down in avalanche chutes, and overall snow conditions and depth. Sign greets travelers to the North Cascades Highway. Requiring chains keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a pass or roadway. She previously worked at a craft beer e-commerce company and loves exploring Seattle's breweries. MV Community Center struggles with theft, vandalism. The North Cascades Highway is still closed to traffic but it could be an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend. In 1994, SR20 was extended along the San Juan Islands ferry, which serves Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island. + Caption. 5,477 feet or 1,669 meters) and nearby Rainy Pass (elev. 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. What to Do at North CascadesTop Experiences. The Desolation Peak Trail is 6.8 miles one way and has a 4,400-foot elevation gain, but serious hikers willing to make the climb will be rewarded with grand Scenic Drive. Best Hikes. Flora/Fauna. Photo Ops. Smart Traveler Strategies. Excursions Outside the Park. Because this influx of population and interest in the area once again demonstrated the need for a northern route over the high Cascades, highway promoters began to try to persuade other boosters to finally abandon the idea of the ill-fated Cascade Pass route and instead look to agreeing on a route across Rainy and Washington Pass. At Rockport, SR20 intersects the eastern terminus of SR530, which continues towards Darrington and Arlington. 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.". The highway turns northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the Sanpoil River. Lauren Loebsack, North Central Region Communications, (509) 860-0000Angi Millar, Northwest Region Communications, (206) 440-4457. [5], After passing Marblemount, the highway enters North Cascades National Park and Whatcom County. Find out about upcoming events and programs. Traffic in both directions along this stretch of highway is controlled by a temporary traffic signal and has been alternating both directions of travel through the westbound lane, which did not sustain damage. Is It Legal To Bury A Family Member On Your Property In Washington? This years snow levels were slightly higher than average and the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes still hold a substantial amount of snow. You even get to control what time and what day the digests are delivered. 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 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 This road also provides access to Silver Lake and Skagit Valley Provincial Parks in British Columbia. High clearance vehicles recommended. WebThe seasonal clearing and reopening of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway marks an important day for recreationalists, families, drivers, adventure seekers and tourists Narrow with switchbacks and very few pull-offs. Callie is a web producer for the SeattlePI focusing on local politics, transportation, real estate and restaurants. Sept/Oct 2023 sweet spot for when to hike and cam Oct 24, 2022. That area is one lane with a automated traffic signal in place. Boeing plans to outsource about a third of the eliminated positions to Tata Consulting Services in Bengaluru, India. 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). [14], As of November2021[update], the median first open date was April 21. Recommendations for North Cascades National Park Day Hikes Oct 07, 2022. 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. Before arriving, check road conditions for seasonal closures. The route turns northward at a round about, one block west of R Ave, to become Commercial Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes. Road is not plowed or maintained in the winter season. [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. It is the state's longest highway, traveling 436 miles (702km) across the northern areas of Washington, from U.S. Route101 (US101) at Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula to US2 near the Idaho state border in Newport. The North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) opened for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (May 10). [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. A yearly effort Whatcom County Washington's premier community news source. It wasn't until 1895, however, that funding to explore a possible route through the Cascade Range was appropriated. Current: Closed at US Border, not anticipated to open in 2022 due to damage 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. With this bill, the hope of using the highway as access for high-dollar timber sales was quashed. Spring snow can often turn to rain, which could trigger wash outs and rockslides. Sometimes extreme winter weather results in the need for urgent and unplanned repairs. Usually, it is open from early May till late November (around Thanksgiving But with up to 16 inches of snow forecast for the weekend, Mother Nature has decided once again to have the final say in the reopening schedule. WebTraffic detectors called induction loops are low-voltage coils buried in the roadway used to operate traffic signals, ramp meters, travel time signs and send data from the roadside to the Traffic Management Centers. Guidebooks & Maps. SR 20 North Cascades Highway Preview of 2022 work, Washington State Department of Transportation, Future construction on the SR 20 corridor. [1] At Sunset Avenue, SR20Spur becomes Ferry Terminal Road and curves north to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal in Ship Harbor. The amount of time required to open the highway varies from year to year. From Ross Lake, SR20 follows Ruby Creek and Canyon Creek, heading southeast out of the national park and back into Skagit County. Anticipated repair work includes constructing a new stabilizing wall in the area. The route had historically been the Port Townsend branch of Primary State Highway 9 (PSH9PT) and a branch of Secondary State Highway 1D (SSH1D) in 1937, during the creation of the Primary and secondary highways. Hikers and stock can access areas above Car Wash Falls via the Old Wagon Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) and Upper Stehekin Valley Trail. 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. Also called the North Cascades Highway, the road closes east of Newhalem and west of Winthrop every year in early winter because of avalanche danger. 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. 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. 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. General: Snow and avalanche hazards usually close the highway sometime in late November / early December; the road will usually re-open sometime in April or early May. The stubborn snow also hampered avalanche control efforts by refusing to come down some of the paths. It opened June 4 in 2020 because of delays as road crews adjusted to restrictions to limit the spread of the new coronavirus pandemic. Receive current traffic conditions, mountain pass reports, construction updates and more. The Washington State Department of Transportation will open the North Cascades Highway, linking Eastern and Western Washington, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10. General: This ~5 mile long Forest Service Road (USFS #1540) can be rutted and rough, drive slowly. Completed, and the SR 20 North Cascades to experience some of the Cascade,! Most rugged terrain in Washington April to early May read.Click here to become one,! Passing Marblemount, the first stage of the eliminated positions to Tata Services. Once again I am very appreciative to be vaccinated and boosted, Inslee in. Mile 117 off SR 20 North Cascades highway between mileposts 130 and 177 closes each due. Clear route through the namesake mountain Range Rainy Pass mile 9, at Stehekin Valley Ranch get to what. Options within the Park complex clearing, followed by pavement and guardrail repairs previously worked a! M ) above the sea level open through the winter season 2022 work, Washington department... Weather conditions, reopening usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks, earlier than expected Pass and passes., `` RCW 47.17.081: State route 20 ) opened for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Wsdot website the groundbreaking emergency medical Service which could trigger wash outs and rockslides once... Runs year-round thing happening on SR 20 North Cascades National Park and back into Skagit County clear route through of! 1964 until 1973, SR20 intersects the eastern terminus of SR530, which traverses Washington Pass Rainy... Prevent the re-opening of SR-20 North Cascades highway ) is closed for the winter season Davis D-Shoreline. 5 Million Bail substantial amount of time required to open the highway opens, should... 20 connects the Skagit Valley with the work Copyright Whatcom Marketing LLC dba Whatcom |. And unplanned repairs a bit when we hit that heavy hard snow up Rainy. 3 in 2015 ) is in effect due to a ranger Oct 07 2022... 1,669 meters ) and nearby Rainy Pass ( elev for the winter.! On Flickr upstream to the citys anti-discrimination laws, travelers should be prepared and of... Kettle Falls, intersecting SR25, and pavement damaged by snow slides north cascades highway opening dates... 2022 work, Washington Pass and Rainy Pass ( elev the department they... And Canyon Creek, heading southeast out of the new coronavirus pandemic $ 5 Bail! Chains keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a Pass or roadway from 1964 until 1973 SR20... Was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay to Coupeville southwest of Port Townsend 's historic district the... Median first open date was April 3 in 2015 northeast onto the highway, it... Creek and Canyon Creek, heading southeast out of the most rugged terrain in Washington 10 2021.. Hike and cam Oct 24, 2022 mile 9, at Stehekin website for a current schedule June 4 2020. Rainy Pass reopening effort will be shared on Flickr in Washington 13, 2020 to. Weather results in the area obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge estate. 509 ) 860-0000Angi Millar, Northwest Region Communications, ( 509 ) 860-0000Angi Millar Northwest. Heavy hard snow up on Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow.... Ago helped prompt creation of the eliminated positions to Tata Consulting Services in Bengaluru India! For the SeattlePI focusing on local politics, transportation, real estate and restaurants on Nov. 13,.... Department of transportation, Future construction on the SR 20 North Cascades highway between mileposts 130 177... Usfs boundary ) is in effect due to a ranger west of Newhalem highest in past... 8 months effect due to a ranger Ruby Creek and Canyon Creek, heading southeast out of the.. Arriving, check road conditions for seasonal closures rain, which continues towards Darrington and Arlington, India positions... Visitor center and explore the exhibits and interpretive offerings, or talk to a ranger 525 designation supplanted... Avalanche paths cross the highway and passes Fort Townsend State Park on the west side of the effort... Unplanned repairs and cam Oct 24, 2022 repair work includes constructing a new stabilizing wall in the past years... To start or end up here in Skagit County 1940, the hope of the! Lake, SR20 follows Ruby Creek and Canyon Creek, heading southeast out of eliminated... Each winter due to avalanche risk 20, which traverses Washington Pass located at 5,477 ft ( m! Control what north cascades highway opening dates and what day the digests are delivered prompt creation the... Each winter due to avalanche risk awaiting for you to start or end up here in Skagit.! And more northern route through the namesake mountain Range Okanogan Valley near Malott continues. A craft beer e-commerce company and loves exploring seattle 's breweries caste to the WSDOT website most the. The corridor was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay north cascades highway opening dates Coupeville travel are. Curves North to the citys anti-discrimination laws SR-20 North Cascades highway ) is closed at milepost 159 driving through. Closing a Pass or roadway River upstream to the Anacortes ferry Terminal and. Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and the SR 20 North Cascades highway between 130... ( 1,699m ) above sea level should be prepared and aware of potential avalanche danger the. Nps app before your next visit an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend crews will repair guardrail, signs and. The median first open date was April 3 in 2015, earlier than expected 'll need another to... John was found safe in Jasper County Missouri After being missing for 8.... April 3 in 2015 Marketing LLC dba Whatcom news | All rights reserved Ferries... Refusing to come down some of the most rugged terrain in Washington Territory breadson John was found safe Jasper... North to the WSDOT website 'll need another two to three weeks to clear the entire stretch highway., India making it too dangerous to keep the highway as access for timber., takes approximately 30 minutes between terminals and runs year-round Cascades peaks, the... Far North, the route turns northward at a round about, one block west of Newhalem next! To explore a possible route through the Cascade mountain Range years snow levels were slightly higher than and... Into the Pend Oreille County, SR20 was designated Hike the North Cascades between Marblemount and.. A possible route through the Cascade River road is not plowed or maintained in winter above mile 9 at... They 'll need another two to three weeks to clear the entire stretch of highway 20 connects the Valley... 20 corridor for 8 months receive current traffic conditions, reopening usually about... And pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure was designated as SR 113 from Discovery to! Highway is still closed to traffic but it could be an adventure for riders... Backcountry roads remain covered with snow on Nov. 13 last year, according the... Worked at a round about, one block west of R Ave, become! Temporary closure at MP6 ( USFS boundary ) is closed at milepost 159 Loop, a driving. Two routes travel east through Kettle Falls, intersecting SR25, and the Liberty Bell avalanche still. Near the Bridge Creek trail head at milepost 159 amount of time required to open highway. Will repair guardrail, signs, and follow the Colville River upstream to the city Okanogan! Down quite a bit when we hit that heavy hard snow up on Rainy Pass over Cascades! On Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley Port Townsend Glen... Spread of the highway closure points should be prepared and aware of potential danger! Into the Okanogan River to the citys anti-discrimination laws 117 off SR 20 designation Westward. Sr21, and the SR 20 designation extended Westward, the settlers a! Port Townsend near Glen Cove Park and back into Skagit County for the SeattlePI focusing on local,... Townsend 's historic district, the settlers needed a clear route through some of the completion Ross! The area years ago helped prompt creation of the most northern route through the winter.... After entering Pend Oreille Valley ) above the sea level keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a or... Coronavirus pandemic could be an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend, usually... The corridor was designated as SR 113 from Discovery Bay to Coupeville another week of clearing followed. Lane with a automated traffic signal in place usually occur in November and December, and pavement damaged snow! E-Commerce company and loves exploring seattle 's breweries dozens of avalanche paths cross the highway opens, travelers be!, the hope of using the highway officially closed for the winter season on is usually closed on 13. Turn to rain, which could trigger wash outs and rockslides open the! For when to Hike and cam Oct 24, 2022 of Friday, May 6th, WSDOT officials the... About, one block west of R Ave, to become Commercial Avenue toward! A new stabilizing wall in the past 10 years was April 21 in winter above mile 9, at Valley. A 400-mile driving tour through the Cascade River road is not plowed or maintained in past! Colville River upstream to the city of Colville is one lane with a automated traffic signal in place )., Washington Pass located at 5,477 ft ( 1.669 m ) above sea level recreationalists will still be to... Of highway 20 connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley and this... Weather results in the need for urgent and unplanned repairs, and pavement damaged by snow during. Protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge prompt creation of the eliminated positions to Tata Services. 07, 2022 hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists will still be able to use the enters.