SKAGIT COUNTY — In case you missed it, the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) is back open. You can drive across the Cascades on this scenic highway from Burlington to the Methow valley. The highway reopened on June 14th.
The closure was delayed not by the usual winter snow removal, but from several landslides and washouts from the December and March heavy rainfall and floods. Crews worked to stabilize the slide area hillsides and fully repair the washouts that occurred between mileposts 130 and 156.
The North Cascades Highway usually reopens in mid to late April. The earliest reopening was on March 10, 2005, while the latest was on June 14, 1972. This year’s reopening tied that latest reopening date. Last year, the highway reopened for the season on April 22nd and in 2024, on April 19th.
Early Wildfire Season
Wildfire authorities note that because of the limited mountain snowpack this past winter season, the wildfire season is quite likely to begin earlier than usual in the Cascades. Eastern Washington has already had well over a dozen wildfires so far this month.
Authorities ask motorists using not only the North Cascades Highway, but any cross Cascade highway to keep burning materials inside their vehicles, and also ensure tow chains are tight to avoid dragging chains on pavement that can create sparks and start wildfires.
Also watch for wildlife crossing the highway, including deer and elk.
If there are plans to drive across the North Cascades highway this weekend, the roadway is open. Mountain wildflowers are blooming.
