Several popular trailheads and campgrounds along the North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) will be closed temporarily at various times through mid-September for maintenance work on parking lots and roads.
The project includes paving, chip sealing and striping at five trailheads and two campgrounds in the Methow Valley Ranger District.
The Forest Service provided a schedule of closures, although specific time frames may change due to contracting schedules, weather, road closures or other factors.
Campground closures
• Klipchuck Campground and entry road, closed through Aug. 27 (affects access to Driveway Butte trailhead).
• Lone Fir Campground, closed Aug. 28-Sept. 4.
Trailhead closures
• Cutthroat Lake Trailhead and entry road, closed through Aug. 28.
• Washington Pass Overlook, closed through Aug. 21.
• Bridge Creek Trailhead, closed through Aug. 21.
All trailheads will be closed during construction work, the Forest Service said. There will be no access to bathrooms or other trailhead facilities. Vehicles cannot be parked overnight at the sites during paving.
Trailhead specifics
When trailhead parking areas are temporarily closed, limited roadside parking along State Route 20 can be expected to quickly max out. It is not acceptable to park along the highway with wheels over the white fog lines.
• Rainy Lake Trail #310, Heather Maple Pass Trail #740 and Lake Ann Trail #740.1: No access to bathrooms or ADA trails during construction activities. When feasible, contractors will allow hikers to pass through.
• PCT Trail #2000 (PCT North of Rainy Pass): Through-hikers will be able to make their way around the construction area to regain the PCT. The trail will be inaccessible to stock.
• Bridge Creek Trail #2000 (PCT South into North Cascades National Park): This trail is on the opposite side of SR20 from the parking area so the trail will remain accessible, but the limited roadside parking will make access difficult. There are additional pullouts east of the Bridge Creek Trailhead within a half mile that can accommodate a horse trailer as well as passenger vehicles.
• Washington Pass Overlook Trail #585: This ADA trail will be inaccessible during construction activities.
• Cutthroat Lake Trail #483: There will be no access to the trail from the Cutthroat Lake side. The one-mile access road will also be closed. There are no suitable parking areas within a reasonable distance. Visitors can access this area from the Rainy Pass North (PCT) Trailhead once this trailhead is open. Be aware that both trailheads may be closed at the same time.
• Lone Fir Trail #535: This ADA trail will be inaccessible during the time the campground is closed.
• Driveway Butte Trail #481 and Early Winters Trail #522: These trails will be inaccessible during the time the Klipchuck Campground is closed.
For information on hiking or camping, call the Methow Valley Ranger District at (509) 996-4000.
