The North Cascades Highway will be cleared for vehicle traffic on Wednesday, but wintery conditions may persist for a while.
As hoped for, the North Cascades Highway will be opened for the season ahead of the Mother’s Day/Winthrop ’49er Days weekend: the road was scheduled to be open for vehicle traffic at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (May 10), the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said Monday (May 8). On the east (Methow Valley) side, that means traffic will be allowed past the Silver Star gate.
WSDOT reminded motorists that even when the highway opens, most National Parks and U.S. Forest Service facilities are closed to the public until later in the spring. “Our crews clear the road and shoulder and any pullout areas needed for our maintenance work, but otherwise, it is still wintery up in the mountains and there are few rest stops and no cell service. Please plan accordingly,” WSDOT said.
“If you aren’t joining us for a trip on opening day but have plans to travel the North Cross this summer, keep in mind we have a limited season to complete vital maintenance on this stretch of Highway 20. That means if you do take this trip, there’s a good chance you will encounter road work,” WSDOT added.
Clearing the highway began on March 27. The highway was closed to traffic for the season on Nov. 8, 2022, between milepost 134 and 178 (Ross Dam Trailhead to Early Winters gate). In 2022, highway clearing began March 28 and the road opened on May 10.
