The snowpack giveth, and the snowpack taketh away.
An unusually massive accumulation of snow on the North Cascades Scenic Highway corridor will delay the opening of that vital tourism route to motor traffic until possibly as …
North Cascades Highway
North Cascades Highway is closed for the 2016 winter
The North Cascades Highway is officially closed for the winter, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on Monday (Nov. 21). The highway had been closed from mileposts 134 to 171 (the Silver Star gate west of Mazama) at 9 a.m. on Friday (Nov. 18) because of concerns about impending storms and potential avalanche […]
Uneasy riders
summer the North Cascades Scenic Highway attracts thousands of motorcycle riders who travel the route to enjoy the highway’s spectacular views, sweeping curves and tight turns.
Highway 20 is frequently called one of the “premier rides” on websites describing popular motorcycle routes in Washington state, and many riders heading east make the Methow Valley their destination.
History, nature come together at Newhalem
For travelers on the North Cascades Highway looking to stretch their legs, the historic town of Newhalem offers intriguing excursions to learn about the natural and industrial history of the area. Exhibits in the Gorge Powerhouse have been completely revamped this year, providing a good understanding of hydropower and the rigors of life for workers […]
WSDOT makes progress on clearing snow off of Highway 20
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews are continuing to clear the snow off of Highway 20 on both sides of Washington Pass. “The first week of clearing was a mixed bag,” WSDOT spokesman Jeff Adamson said in a press release. “On the west side, the pavement is now cleared for the first 11 miles […]
Snow clearing work begins on Highway 20
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews have begun the annual ritual of clearing snow from the North Cascades Highway. Work on Highway 20 from the west side started Thursday (March 17), WSDOT said, and work from the east side (the Methow Valley) began on Monday (March 21) at Early Winters, clearing the 7 miles […]
WSDOT assessing Highway 20 clearing
A Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) avalanche team and Twisp maintenance crew members from Twisp traveled up the North Cascades Highway by snowmobile on Feb. 16 to assess snow conditions and make repairs to the Washington Pass weather station, which is again working (www.nwac.us/weatherdata/washingtonpass/now). WSDOT is observing conditions on the highway to determine when […]
WSDOT may check North Cascades Highway
A Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) avalanche team may travel to the Washington Pass area of the North Cascades Highway this week. Dan Sarles, WSDOT administrator for the North Central Region, said in his weekly update that an avalanche team visit would help “determine our approach for reopening the highway later this spring.” The […]
Winthrop, WSDOT plan ahead for Highway 20 repaving in 2017
It’s more than a year away, but already the Town of Winthrop and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are planning how to make a repaving project through the middle of town less disruptive.
WSDOT will repave about two miles of the state highway, which carries traffic through the town and is known as Riverside Avenue in downtown Winthrop.
North Cascades Highway closes for season
After a weekend blast of wintry weather, with more of the same forecast, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed the North Cascades Highway for the season on Monday (Nov. 16). WSDOT temporarily closed the highway at 10 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 12) due to heavy snowfall and a forecast for heavy rain, providing a […]
