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SR 20 / North Cascades Highway 2026 Opening Delays & Current Conditions
SR 20 / North Cascades Highway 2026 Opening Delays & Current Conditions
The 2026 opening of the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) has been significantly delayed this year due to extensive winter storm damage, avalanche debris, rockslides, plugged culverts, and roadway repairs along several sections of the route. WSDOT crews began spring clearing operations in late March, but progress has reportedly been slower than normal as heavy avalanche chutes, flood-damaged pavement, washouts, and large debris fields continue to create difficult working conditions near Washington Pass and surrounding summit areas. Early reports from clearing crews describe deep snowpack, rock-filled avalanche piles, damaged roadway sections, and lingering storm damage from severe winter weather earlier in the season. At this time, WSDOT has not announced an official reopening date for SR 20, though current reports suggest the highway could remain closed well beyond its normal spring opening window, with some estimates now stretching into June or possibly later depending on repair progress and weather conditions.
The 2026 opening of the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) has been significantly delayed this year due to extensive winter storm damage, avalanche debris, rockslides, plugged culverts, and roadway repairs along several sections of the route. WSDOT crews began spring clearing operations in late March, but progress has reportedly been slower than normal as heavy avalanche chutes, flood-damaged pavement, washouts, and large debris fields continue to create difficult working conditions near Washington Pass and surrounding summit areas. Early reports from clearing crews describe deep snowpack, rock-filled avalanche piles, damaged roadway sections, and lingering storm damage from severe winter weather earlier in the season. At this time, WSDOT has not announced an official reopening date for SR 20, though current reports suggest the highway could remain closed well beyond its normal spring opening window, with some estimates now stretching into June or possibly later depending on repair progress and weather conditions.
Riders looking for current information on the SR 20 closure and reopening progress can follow updates directly through WSDOT and several regional news outlets that have been covering the clearing operations and storm damage this season. Current clearing photos, avalanche debris images, and progress reports can be found through the official WSDOT North Cascades updates page, Lake Chelan Now, Cascadia Daily News, Bellingham Herald and Methow Valley News. These sources have been posting regular updates showing snow removal operations, damaged roadway sections, heavy equipment work, and avalanche cleanup efforts from the pass.
Riders looking for current information on the SR 20 closure and reopening progress can follow updates directly through WSDOT and several regional news outlets that have been covering the clearing operations and storm damage this season. Current clearing photos, avalanche debris images, and progress reports can be found through the official WSDOT North Cascades updates page, Lake Chelan Now, Cascadia Daily News, Bellingham Herald and Methow Valley News. These sources have been posting regular updates showing snow removal operations, damaged roadway sections, heavy equipment work, and avalanche cleanup efforts from the pass.
While SR 20 remains closed, one of the best alternate motorcycle routes across Washington is Highway 2 through Stevens Pass, connecting with US-97 and Highway 153/Winthrop through the Methow Valley region. This route offers incredible mountain scenery, sweeping curves, wide open landscapes, and some of the darkest night skies in the state once you get north of Chelan and out toward the Winthrop area. The stretch of highway running north along the west side of the Columbia River can be especially unforgettable after dark, with almost no light pollution and brilliant star visibility on clear nights. Riders looking for an alternate Cascade crossing while the North Cascades Highway remains closed should strongly consider GMRW Map #2 as one of the best substitute rides currently available.
While SR 20 remains closed, one of the best alternate motorcycle routes across Washington is Highway 2 through Stevens Pass, connecting with US-97 and Highway 153/Winthrop through the Methow Valley region. This route offers incredible mountain scenery, sweeping curves, wide open landscapes, and some of the darkest night skies in the state once you get north of Chelan and out toward the Winthrop area. The stretch of highway running north along the west side of the Columbia River can be especially unforgettable after dark, with almost no light pollution and brilliant star visibility on clear nights. Riders looking for an alternate Cascade crossing while the North Cascades Highway remains closed should strongly consider GMRW Map #2 as one of the best substitute rides currently available.
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