This new story about North Cascades closures due a summer repaving project is based on a May 10, 2022, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
The funding provided to the National Park Service by the Great American Outdoors Act is starting to result in various infrastructure projects across the National Park System. From Denali to Cuyahoga Valley and the North Cascades, infrastructure is finally being improved all over the country.
These projects do, however, come with some facility closures and/or service interruptions, which may last a few days to several months.
In the case of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex in Washington, this means a number of significant closures this summer, the National Park Service said.
This includes popular places in the North Cascades, such as the Diablo Lake Overlook, Colonial Creek Campground, the North Cascades Visitor Center and the Cascade River Road to the Cascade Pass Trailhead, among several others.
Numerous Closures in the North Cascades This Summer Due to Repaving Project
Repaving parking lots, side roads, and campgrounds will cause temporary closures and delays at numerous locations at the Marblemount facilities and within North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
This includes areas along both State Route 20 and the Cascade River Road.
Marblemount Ranger Station Closures
From June 20 to July 22, facilities and parking areas at the Marblemount Ranger Station will be impacted by the project. Facilities will remain open, but visitors may experience wait times up to one hour.
North Cascades Campground Closures
From July 24 to August 18, numerous areas associated with North Cascades campgrounds will be closed.
Closures will be staggered during this time and include campgrounds, parking lots, pullouts, overlooks, and access beyond the Skagit River bridge, including the North Cascades Visitor Center.
Campground closures include:
- Goodell Creek Campground will be closed July 24 – August 8. It will reopen to reservations on July 29-30 and reopen to reservations on August 5.
- Newhalem Creek Campground, Skagit River Bridge and the North Cascades Visitor Center will be closed July 24 – August 4. It will reopen to reservations on August 5.
- Colonial Creek North and South Campgrounds will be closed August 7-18. It will reopen to reservations on August 12-13 and reopen to reservations on August 19.
Campgrounds will open to reservations if the project completes on an earlier date. For more information on campground reservations visit, www.Recreation.gov.
Cascade River Road Closures
From July 5 to July 22, the Cascade River Road will be closed to vehicle traffic at Eldorado, milepost 20, three miles from the trailhead.
Foot traffic is allowed beyond the closure for most of the project timeframe. Visitors should expect loud noises and dust during the project.
North Cascades State Route 20 Closures
From July 5 to July 22, numerous areas along State Route 20 will be affected.
Closures include Diablo Lake Overlook, the road to the Environmental Learning Center, overlooks and pull outs, Ross Dam Trailhead, and the Happy Creek Nature Trail Parking area.
Firm dates and additional information will be available in the Alerts and Current Conditions sections on the park website, www.nps.gov/noca.