Hiker Headlines: Seasonal roads close in North Cascades, hiker hearts open across state

It’s Dec. 4. Thank you so much for all of your support during GivingTuesday this week! And, it’s December — and that means winter closures, including the Mountain Loop Highway and Highway 20. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Winter has hit the North Cascades and Highway 20 is closing tonight for the season. Photo by Cathorse. 

Thank you! We send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated to WTA as part of GivingTuesday! Over 685 caring people helped raise more than $92,000 for trails and public lands. Every donation makes a positive impact for trails and for everyone who seeks peace and joy in the outdoors.

Mountain Loops close: The Mountain Loop Highway, between the Deer Creek and Bedal Campground gates, has closed for the winter. This restricts access to Barlow Pass and various other trailheads like Mount Dickerman and Goat Lake. The road is expected to reopen in mid-May 2026. 

Highway 20 closing: Highway 20, the North Cascades Highway, will close for the winter between Ross Dam trailhead and the Silver Star gate at 6 p.m. tonight, Dec. 4. With more rain and snow in the forecast these next couple of weeks, hikers may want to pack extra warm and waterproof layers as they head into the mountains. 

Colville National Forest road closures: Several forest service roads in Colville National Forest are closed to motorized vehicles for the winter to reduce risk to wildlife. These roads will be gated through March 31, 2026. Non-motorized traffic is still allowed beyond the gates. 

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