North Cascades Highway reopened Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. after weekend closure

(WINTHROP)– State Route 20 North Cascades Highway has reopened between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171) as of 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17. The road was closed Nov. 13 ahead of a snowy forecast, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Travelers of Washington and Rainy passes should be prepared for winter travel through the mountain passes, and drive for conditions. Stay alert for crews and give plenty of room to snowplows. Never attempt to pass a plow. Closure is based on conditions and travelers should plan for changes with short notice. The earliest closure date was Oct. 17 in 2003, and the route was closed on Nov. 18 in 2024.

Road closure updates are posted on the real-time travel map and the mountain pass page. More information about how crews evaluate for the seasonal closure of the North Cascades Highway is available on the WSDOT blog.