Highway 20 (N. Cascades Hwy) Set to Reopen Friday

After a much-needed return to normal snow levels this year, Highway 20 (N. Cascades Hwy) is set to reopen this Friday, April 22 at 11 a.m. WSDOT crews have been working since March clearing snow and mudslides that blocked the road and preparing the highway for motorized traffic.

In 2015, the highway reopened on April 3 after needing only 19 days of work to clear the road. With bigger snow totals this year, the highway has taken over a month to clear, and WSDOT has stated that the road is in good condition overall despite the longer winter.

WSDOT crews make the first cut into the snowbank on Highway 20. Photo courtesy WSDOT.

The Highway 20 opening will allow access to a number of trails, including Easy Pass, Canyon Creek and more. Keep in mind that snow is still quite deep in the area and may be for some time, so hike prepared and check trip reports for trail conditions before heading out.

Other passes are also being worked on, including Chinook Pass near Mount Rainier. Chinook Pass (SR410) is currently scheduled to open by Memorial Day weekend.