North Cascades Highway now open

State Highway 20, which connects Whatcom and Skagit counties with eastern Washington, opened May 10.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on its social media pages that North Cascades Highway was set to reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 10 – the same day it reopened last year. The highway is Washington’s northernmost mountain pass and connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley through the North Cascades.

Every year SR 20 closes around mid-November for the winter, and WSDOT typically reopens the mountain pass in early May. Winter recreationists – snowmobilers, skiers, snowshoers, etc. – can still access the closed portion of the highway. 

WSDOT crews began clearing the road on March 27. The nearly seven-week process consists of clearing some six feet of snow and repairing damaged portions of the road.

“Big thanks to our crews for all their hard work up there and we look forward to one of the most scenic roads in the state being open,” WSDOT posted. “Please be aware that there are very few services and little cell phone coverage up there so if you do head across, please be prepared and safe!”