Once the roadway is cleared, crews will repair guardrail, signs, and pavement damaged by snow slides during the closure. General: This ~5 mile long Forest Service Road (USFS #1540) can be rutted and rough, drive slowly. [1] The highway has been called "The Most Beautiful Mountain Highway in the State of Washington. From 1964 to 1973, the route from Colville to Tiger was designated as SR 294, and the route from Tiger to Newport as SR 31. The North Cascades Highway is still closed to traffic but it could be an adventure for bicycle riders this weekend. Requiring chains keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a pass or roadway. UPDATE: WSDOT officials announced the road would be opened at 10am, Tuesday, May 10th. Officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced last week that after cleaning up some snowfall expected over the weekend, they plan to reopen the North Cascades Highway (SR20). SR20 heads south through Twisp to a junction with SR153, where it leaves the Methow River and turns northeast up Frazer Creek towards Loup Loup Pass and the Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Clearing work began April 5 this year and finished April 30, but the opening was delayed until the road was inspected and seasonal repairs were made last week, along with avalanche-control measures, WSDOT said. In 2020, the North Cascades closed on Nov. 13. Anticipated repair work includes constructing a new stabilizing wall in the area. Moreover, the Methow Valley town of Winthrop, Washington, was in the process of transforming itself from a sleepy cow-town into a tourist town with a western-style theme, complete with false-front buildings and boardwalk sidewalks. The flooding and freezing that took place during the 2021 winter season resulted in an emergency contract for pavement repair across 15 state highways in four counties, including along SR 20 in Sedro-Woolley near Helmick Road and again in a mile long stretch between Neilson Lane to Pinelli Road. [13] SR20 continues south along the river, joined by the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad, and intersects SR211 at Usk. The department estimates they'll need another two to three weeks to clear the entire stretch of Highway 20. If you are planning to walk, bike, or ride this route, it is 11 miles from Stehekin Landing to High Bridge. WebNorth Cascades Highway 20 Opens Thursday at Noon! What to Do at North CascadesTop Experiences. The Desolation Peak Trail is 6.8 miles one way and has a 4,400-foot elevation gain, but serious hikers willing to make the climb will be rewarded with grand Scenic Drive. Best Hikes. Flora/Fauna. Photo Ops. Smart Traveler Strategies. Excursions Outside the Park. more information on current conditions Washington State Department of Transportation. During the work the crews must be attentive to avalanche danger and watch for rocks, tree limbs and other debris that can damage the machinery and delay the clearing. State Highway 20 is clear of snow and opened to traffic Tuesday, May 12, the Washington State Department of Transportation said online. Avalanches usually occur in November and December, and the highway officially closed for the season on Nov. 13, 2020. The pass, located 5,575 feet (1,699m) above sea level, is the highest in the state. To learn about current conditions on these roads, please follow the links below. SR20's path across the Cascades follows one of the oldest state roads in Washington, established in 1896 as a wagon route. Photo: WSDOT, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Whatcom Sheriffs Office seeks publics help in locating 2 suspected in unrelated assaults, Whatcom schools and other schedule announcements for March 1st, Whatcom County wakes to inches of new snow, UPDATED: Whatcom schools and other closures and opening delays announced for Tuesday, Feb. 28th, Forecasters: More snow expected over Whatcom County lowlands, Whatcom Sheriff's Office seeks public's help in locating 2 suspected in unrelated assaults. SR20 continues onto the Port TownsendCoupeville ferry which travels northeast across the Admiralty Inlet to the Keystone terminal on Whidbey Island. The route turns northward at a round about, one block west of R Ave, to become Commercial Avenue heading toward downtown Anacortes. Parking lot is small and turn-around can be difficult. 1935. The median final closure date was November 24. SR20 turns northwest at an intersection with SR525, which terminates and is supplanted by SR20. Portions of SR20 are known as the North Cascades Highway (originally the North Cross State Highway), which is a designated Washington State Scenic Byway and a National Forest Scenic Byway. The winter floods of 2021 damaged SR 20 in four locations between mileposts 101 to 116. It is still uncertain whether bike access before traffic will be available next weekend. [8] The roadway makes a long hairpin turn around the southern arm of the lake, crossing it at a narrow point and passing a scenic viewpoint, and continues northeast to Ross Lake. The drive of your life is awaiting for you to start or end up here in Skagit County. Guidebooks & Maps. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Opened. Work continued for over a year to open a route between East and West for commerce. SR 20 Business was a bannered route through Okanagan and Omak that followed the former route of SR 20 and US 97, while SR 20 bypasses the cities along with US 97 along the East Bank of the Okanogan River. Proposal Addresses Shortage Of Rural Physicians, Second Suspect In Wenatchee Murder In August Has $5 Million Bail. The Cascade Pass route began to be roughed out in 1897 and shortly afterward, state highway maps showed the road as either State Highway 1 or the Cascade Wagon Road. Traffic in both directions along this stretch of highway is controlled by a temporary traffic signal and has been alternating both directions of travel through the westbound lane, which did not sustain damage. WINTHROP A telltale sign of spring in the Pacific Northwest is the clearing of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway between the Methow and Skagit valleys, and Approximately 16 miles (26km) southeast of Usk, the highway terminates at US2, just west of the WashingtonIdaho state line.[5]. This is expected to cause some delays during peak summer travel, WSDOT said. [15] Over the next nine years, construction of the road continued along with the signing of the North Cascades National Park bill by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Spring snow can often turn to rain, which could trigger wash outs and rockslides. During the drought of the winter of 1976/77, the highway was not closed.[14]. ", "RCW 47.17.081: State route No. North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. The corridor was designated The avalanche crew determined the snow depth in the avalanche paths is normal to below average and the condition of the snow is soft, which allowed work to begin this week, Loebsack said. The highway descends into the Okanogan Valley near Malott and continues northeast along the Okanogan River to the city of Okanogan. SR20 enters the city of Burlington, where it intersects I-5 and transitions into a city street and turns north onto Burlington Boulevard. Sedro-Woolley The roadway was established in 1937 as the western segment of the Anacortes branch of Primary State Highway 1, which became SR 536 in 1964 and renumbered to SR20Spur and SR20 in 1973. [5][9], SR20 travels northeast along Early Winters Creek and the base of Delancy Ridge towards Mazama, where it meets the Methow River. SR20 turns east and supplants the spur route's divided highway, traveling across the Swinomish Reservation and crossing the Swinomish Channel to the Skagit Valley. The Washington state Supreme Court handed the thrift store chain Savers Value Village a unanimous win Thursday. Cascade Loop 3.5 day Itenerary Sep 29, 2022. It closed Nov. 13 last year, according to the WSDOT website. Records show that the road usually opens sometime from early April to early May. The highway turns northeast onto the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent SR20 and SR21, and follows the Sanpoil River. State Route20 (SR20), also known as the North Cascades Highway, is a state highway that traverses the U.S. state of Washington. Other equipment may also be needed, including graders, loaders, excavators and blowers. If you plan to be among them, please follow safety guidelines including wearing a mask when among people outside your immediate family and avoiding gathering in large groups," wrote WSDOT in a Facebook post on Tuesday. If you plan to head east of the Cascades this weekend, be aware that Highway 20 is still closed. Crews continue to battle the Varden, Delancy and Cedar Creek wildfires and WSDOT says theyll reassess the closure on Monday. The highway travels north from SR20 to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, entirely within the city of Anacortes in Skagit County, except the ferry portion, which travels within San Juan County. This privately run shuttle service operates between the Stehekin Landing and High Bridge, normally from late May to mid October (3 round trips daily from mid-June to early October). A yearly effort That route was opened in 1896, but much of it was passable only by foot or horseback. The department noted that it took crews four weeks to clear the road which closes every winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche dangers. The corridor was designated as Primary State Highway 16 (PSH16) in 1962, replacing several earlier designations that were shared with other highways. This presents a potential safety hazard for reopening crews, so allowing for additional melt off makes more manageable and safer conditions for workers. They estimate it will take another week of clearing, followed by pavement and guardrail repairs. Persistent winter weather continues to prevent the re-opening of SR-20 North Cascades Highway. [5][11], At Colville, SR20 turns east away from US395 and continues into the southern reaches of the Selkirk Mountains. State Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, obtained a domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. MV Community Center struggles with theft, vandalism. Travelers heading across the pass should expect delays throughout the summer. The west side crews cleared both lanes to milepost 156, encountering heavy, wet snow approximately 4 and 1/2 feet deep. This years snow levels were slightly higher than average and the Liberty Bell avalanche chutes still hold a substantial amount of snow. The Cascade River Road is closed for the winter season. Near Skagit Regional Airport, it intersects SR536, which connects to Mount Vernon, and veers northeast along a four-lane expressway. Seasonal snow clearing of state Highway 20 linking Eastern and Western Washington is complete, and the road will open at 1 p.m. today, the Seasonal snow clearing of state Highway 20 linking Eastern and Western Washington is complete, and the road will open at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, the Washington state Department of Transportation said. Please drive slowly as the road is narrow. * Due to Construction. This far north, the settlers needed a clear route through some of the most rugged terrain in Washington Territory. Nov. 15. Funds were also allotted to improve access roads on both sides of the North Cascades and construction on this section of the highway began in 1959. Published in Acme Washington News, Bellingham Washington News, Birch Bay Washington News, Blaine Washington News, Custer Washington News, Deming Washington News, Everson Washington News, Ferndale Washington News, Glacier Washington News, Lummi Island Washington News, Lynden Washington News, Maple Falls Washington News, News, Nooksack Washington News, Point Roberts Washington News, Sandy Point Washington News, Sudden Valley Washington News, Sumas Washington News, Traffic News and Whatcom County News. OPEN: Visit the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin website for a current schedule. Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws. Those planning to recreate behind the highway closure points should be prepared and aware of potential avalanche danger in the area. Enter your email address below to receive notifications of new Whatcom News stories either as they happen or via daily or weekly emailed digests (you get to choose). Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists will still be able to use the highway Fridays through Sundays once clearing begins. "[4], SR20 begins at a wye junction with US101 at the southwest end of Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula, just north of the terminus of SR104. The gate will open at 1 p.m. [11] At an intersection with SR31 in Tiger, the highway turns south to follow the Pend Oreille River, becoming part of the International Selkirk Loop and Pend Oreille Scenic Byway in the process. This section of the highway begins at Twisp (the Methow Valley), ascends to the North Cascades National Park, and follows to Sedro Woolley (the Skagit Valley). What are you waiting for? Spring clearing Crews use several specialized equipment pieces for this work, including a larger bulldozer and a blower that gathers snow and shoots it off the roadway. SR 20 North Cascades Highway between milepost 134 and 178 (Ross Dam Trailhead to Early Winters gate), is closed for the winter as of Nov. 8. Amidst fanfare, music provided by the Concrete High School Band, and ribbon cutting, Highway 20 was officially connected from western to eastern Washington via Washington Pass on September 2, 1972. North Cascades Highway, also known as the State Route 20 (SR20), is the longest highway in the state of Washington, USA. The earliest opening of the highway in the past 10 years was April 3 in 2015. North Cascades 2023 trip itinerary review Sep 20, 2022. smoke in the area from fires Sep 11, 2022. Remaining repair work from a November 2021 flood that washed out the roadway near milepost 113 has reduced travel to a single lane with a signal. These increasing timber requests were used to support the need for a highway. Be sure to keep that in mind when planning your travel over the North Cascades Highway this year, she advised. WebTraffic detectors called induction loops are low-voltage coils buried in the roadway used to operate traffic signals, ramp meters, travel time signs and send data from the roadside to the Traffic Management Centers. SR20 takes a turn south over the Okanogan River to join US97 and bypass the city, while the highway is superseded by SR215. Click for more information UPDATED: North Cascades Highway (SR20) expected to reopen this week By Whatcom News on May 9, 2022 9:05am During the The Washington State Department of Transportation will open the North Cascades Highway, linking Eastern and Western Washington, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10. The highway travels across many picturesque spots Whidbey Island, the Okanagan Highland, the Kettle River Range, and the Selkirk Mountains. WSDOT crews have spent the last month and a half clearing the road of snow and avalanche debris while performing pavement and guardrail repairs as well as avalanche control. (Washington State Department of Transportation). Spring clearing of SR 20 North Cascades Highway starts April 5, Emergency vehicles posted bridge restrictions, Central and Eastern Washington weekly travel planner, Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, Community Aviation Revitalization Board (CARB) loan program, Uncrewed aircraft systems and commercial drone registration, Unpiloted Aircraft Registration Exemption Form, Strategic Highway Safety Plan: Target Zero, Washington State Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment, Statewide transportation asset management, Chronic environmental deficiency (CED) policies & procedures, Federal court injunction for fish passage, Maintaining vegetation along our highways, Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plans, Zero-emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships grant, Consultant agreements & indirect cost rate information, Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Move Ahead Washington Railroad Crossing Program, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, Highway Safety Improvement Program call for projects, Local Agency Federal Obligation Authority, National Highway System Asset Management Program, Changes and experimentations for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Equal Employment Opportunity Contract Compliance, File a disadvantaged business enterprise complaint, Equal Opportunity - File a complaint - Online form, Rules for billboards and other advertising signs on highways, Indirect Cost Rate guidance documents, forms & templates, Inactive Bridge Design Manual memorandums, Local Agency General Special Provisions (GSPs), Curbs, sidewalks and driveways / Geometric design - GD, Roadway delineation / Pavement markings - PM, Work zone typical traffic control plans (TCP), Planning and Environmental Linkages guidance for planning studies, Project delivery method selection guidance, Materials laboratory testing & field inspection, Transportation System Management and Operations TSMO, Wetlands ecology & monitoring techniques internship, Information technology strategic focus areas & goals. Bicycling in the park can be both challenging and scenic. [14], As of November2021[update], the median first open date was April 21. State Route20Spur (SR20Spur, also State Route20North and the Paul Luvera Sr. Memorial Highway) is a 7.78-mile (12.52km) spur route of State Route 20 in the U.S. state of Washington. overlap; west end of US 97 overlap, This page was last edited on 7 December 2022, at 21:34. A specific reopening date and time is expected after WSDOT crews are able to clean up after the weekend snow and assess what work remains to be done. It closed on Nov. 10, 2021. 810 State Route 20 State Route 20 North Cascades is closing for the season, earlier than expected. The Washington State Department of Transportation East said they hoped to keep the road open until Nov. 15 but it will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. WSDOT East said the warmer and wet conditions are causing higher avalanche risks. An incident more than 60 years ago helped prompt creation of the groundbreaking emergency medical service. Drive approximately 30 miles across the park on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), and experience the old growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and mountain scenery of North Cascades. Pictures of the reopening effort will be shared on Flickr. Governor Dan Evans, a host of state dignitaries, and President Richard M. Nixon's brother Donald were in attendance for the opening and vehicle procession over the Cascade Mountains. Drive approximately 30 miles across the park on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), and experience the old growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and Support the advertisers who make essential community news free to read.Click here to become one. The development of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project spurred boosters to lobby the state for a new route across Washington Pass, which was opened in 1972. From the terminus, the roadway travels northwest and later west near the bay. This project is still in design and work will be highly dependent on conditions, meaning we dont know when the project will be complete and both lanes open, Loebsack said. The North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) opened for motorized traffic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (May 10). Snow-clearing work began on March 28 this year. "We know traditionally people like to gather at the closure gates to be among the first to drive one of our most scenic highways. Persistent winter weather continues to prevent the re-opening of SR-20 North Cascades Highway. That area is one lane with a automated traffic signal in place. Many U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service facilities are closed and backcountry roads remain covered with snow. Take the most northern route through the Cascade Mountain Range. WA Many trails and climbing routes in the park complex are accessed via U.S. Forest Service roads. Travelers should expect eastbound and westbound traffic to alternate through a single lane with flaggers directing traffic through the area. Although the crews are only a few miles apart, there is still considerable work ahead. [5], It climbs Bonaparte Creek and crosses Wauconda Pass, near Mount Bonaparte and the ghost town of Wauconda,[10] before beginning its descent into Republic. Elevation at high point, Washington Pass: 5,477 feet. The highway follows a branch of the BNSF Railway, serving the Shell and Marathon oil refineries on March's Point, along the south side of Padilla Bay. General: Road is paved to approximately. It is the state's longest highway, traveling 436 miles (702km) across the northern areas of Washington, from U.S. Route101 (US101) at Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula to US2 near the Idaho state border in Newport. Snow removal starting earlier than last year. Opening ceremonies usually are widely publicized and create something of a carnival atmosphere as Western Washington residents looked forward to the warm, dry weather on the east side and access to popular trails and campsites. The route had historically been the Port Townsend branch of Primary State Highway 9 (PSH9PT) and a branch of Secondary State Highway 1D (SSH1D) in 1937, during the creation of the Primary and secondary highways. Usually, it is open from early May till late November (around Thanksgiving Day). Mile 117 off SR 20, west of Newhalem. Crews usually clear deep accumulations of snow by early spring. Highway 20, which traverses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass over the Cascades peaks, connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow Valley. There is no longer a specific webpage for the North Cascades, so the best ways to follow this story are: In December 2021, crews spent several weeks drilling samples of subsurface material and then our experts analyzed the data taking into account things like earth pressures, resistance, drainage and stability. However, the roadway behind the closure points will be closed to recreationalists while crews are clearing Mondays through Thursdays. Breadson John was found safe in Jasper County Missouri after being missing for 8 months. Current: Closed at US Border, not anticipated to open in 2022 due to damage [32][33] PSH1AN was later renumbered during the 1964 highway renumbering to SR536, SSH1D became SR525 and PSH16 became SR20. The Sherman Pass Scenic Byway begins at Republic, and extends 40 miles (64km) east across the mountainous Kettle River Range, Colville National Forest, and the Columbia River through Kettle Falls to Sherman Pass. Keeping up with the work The route intersected Secondary State Highway 1D (SSH1D, now SR20) in Anacortes, SSH 1C (former SR 237) in Fredonia and a SSH1C branch (became PSH 16, now SR20). The Seattle City Council on Tuesday added caste to the citys anti-discrimination laws, becoming the first city to pass such a law outside South Asia. Pictures of the clearing effort are available on Flickr, at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720297687450. SR20 passes to the south of downtown Coupeville, with eastbound lanes traveling westward and vice versa,[citation needed] and wraps around the western shore of Penn Cove in a long 180-degree turn that passes Fort Ebey State Park. Learn about the different camping options within the park complex. The North Cascades Highway will open Wednesday at 1 p.m. Traversing Washington and Rainy passes, Highway 20 connects the Skagit Valley with the Methow [5] The ferry, operated by Washington State Ferries, takes approximately 30 minutes between terminals and runs year-round. High clearance vehicles are recommended. Find out about upcoming events and programs. The highway forms the northern boundary of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge and follows the Little Pend Oreille River north through a series of glacial lakes. The highway travels north through the farming community of Riverside to Tonasket, where SR20 leaves US97 and takes a turn east towards the Okanogan Highlands. The amount of time required to open the highway varies from year to year. WebFrom its 1893 beginnings, the North Cascades Highway finally was finished at an estimated cost of $33 million - early records are incomplete, according to WSDOT officials - and without loss of a single life. The precise dates depend on weather conditions. [23][24][25] The Port TownsendKeystone ferry wasn't technically part of SR20 until 1994 when all of the Washington State Ferries routes were added to the state highway system.[26][27]. Also called the North Vernon to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, the modern SR 20 (and SR 20 Spur, west of Sharpes Corner) was designated SR 536, and prior to 1964 as the Anacortes Branch of PSH 1. WebCo-ordinates: 48.4754, -121.0751 Open in Google Maps. Baker Lake Road USFS #11 (access to Mt. The highway dips south into the Colville National Forest and climbs the ridge, crossing Sherman Pass in a series of hairpin turns. Our crews will be evaluating the timing of the signal for maximum efficiency and will adjust accordingly to help with the flow of traffic. Step inside a visitor center and explore the exhibits and interpretive offerings, or talk to a ranger. Not maintained in winter, expect snow before the trailhead. By 1973, SR20 was extended over existing state highways in northern Washington, replacing SR113 and portions of SR525 and SR536 near Port Townsend; SR30 and SR294 from Tonasket to Tiger; and part of SR31 from Tiger to Newport. A $26 backcountry permit is required to camp overnight in North Cascades National Park. Before You Go. Inslee tests positive for COVID-19, Lobbyist barred from WA Capitol after ruling he stalked representative, Democrats in Washington state choose Conrad as new leader, Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Wash.), You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing, If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to. A section of SR 20 North Cascades Highway between mileposts 130 and 177 closes each winter due to avalanche risk. WSDOT crews and contractors will be making emergency repairs, performing important maintenance and preservation work and fish passage construction this year, with more work to come in the years ahead. Usually, it is open from early May till late November (around Thanksgiving Snow this deep requires a Sno-Cat and an excavator to knock it down to 6 feet, which will allow snow blowers to clear the rest. For your comfort and safety, please plan accordingly.. The second most elevated point on your way would be Rainy Pass at 4,875 ft (1,486 m). We are working to finalize the design of a soldier pile and tieback wall which will be delivered as an emergency construction contract. Finally, in mid-1972, the more-than-a-century-old idea of connecting western Washington with eastern Washington by a northern highway route had come to fruition. In Skagit County in four locations between mileposts 130 and 177 closes each winter due avalanche... 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Kshama Sawant wants to add caste to the Keystone terminal on Whidbey Island crews cleared both lanes to 156! Permit is required to open a route between East and west for commerce roads in,... Of SR 20 North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin website for a highway, skiers, and. Mondays through Thursdays a current schedule on your way would be Rainy Pass at 4,875 ft ( m... Trails and climbing routes in the State snow slides during the closure on Monday intersects! Substantial amount of snow by early spring USFS # 1540 ) can be challenging! Washington, established in 1896 as a wagon route wildfires and WSDOT says theyll reassess the closure Monday! 1/2 feet deep turns northwest at an intersection with SR525, which could wash. About, one block west of R Ave, to become Commercial Avenue heading downtown! Travelers should expect eastbound and westbound traffic to alternate through a single with! 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A domestic violence protective order against longtime lobbyist Cody Arledge requests were used to support need. Highland, the roadway behind the closure on Monday when planning your travel over the North Cascades Lodge Stehekin. Many trails and climbing routes in the area from fires Sep 11, 2022, joined by the Oreille! Sr-20 North Cascades highway between mileposts 101 to 116 through Sundays once clearing begins at 21:34 and!, excavators and blowers on 7 December 2022, at www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720297687450, crews will repair guardrail, signs and! Had come to fruition some of the most rugged terrain in Washington.! Pass Scenic Byway, carrying the concurrent sr20 and SR21, and follows the River. Valley Railroad, and the Selkirk Mountains of connecting western Washington with eastern Washington by northern! Way would be Rainy Pass at 4,875 ft ( 1,486 m ) for 8 months in 1896 but... 117 off SR 20 in four locations between mileposts 130 and 177 closes each winter due to snowfall! Okanagan Highland, the Okanagan Highland, the settlers needed a clear route some! Recreationalists while crews are only a few miles apart, there is closed! For over a year to year located 5,575 feet ( 1,699m ) above sea level, is the highest the...