North Cascades Highway to partially reopen, but some sections remain closed for extensive repairs
By Griffin Beach on Friday, May 1st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
NEWHALEM, WA – As the weather warms and Washington residents head outdoors, a popular sightseeing route will remain closed while crews repair significant damage from winter storms.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will partially reopen the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), but the closure will remain in effect from Porcupine Creek to Diablo Lake.
“This isn’t just clearing debris,” Melissa Ambler, WSDOT assistant region administrator, said. “In many places, we have to rebuild the roadway from the ground up.”
Ambler noted that while there is visible damage, including complete washouts and rockslides, water runoff has also eroded the material supporting the highway in several locations. In some areas, the road is no longer fully supported from underneath.
Work to clear a rockslide near Diablo Lake is expected to begin as early as next week.
While WSDOT has made quick repairs to other highway emergencies this season, officials said this situation is different due to the extent of the damage. There is currently no safe way to allow public access through the area for hiking, biking, or camping.
“We’re moving this work forward as quickly as we can,” Ambler said. “Our goal is to reopen the highway safely and keep people informed on the progress we are making.”
Photo courtesy of WSDOT
