Temporary trailhead and campground closures planned along Highway 20

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is planning temporary closures at trailheads and campgrounds along Highway 20 from Aug. 3 – Sept. 15, 2026, in support of the Selkirks to Surf transportation project. 

This work continues project work that was begun in August 2025.  Work includes paving, chip sealing, and striping. Trailheads and campgrounds under closure will include the following sites: 

• Rainy Pass (Heather Maple) Picnic Area and Trailhead 
• Rainy Pass – Pacific Crest (PCT) North Trailhead 
• Washington Pass Overlook 
• Bridge Creek Trailhead 
• Cutthroat Trailhead 
• Lone Fir Campground 
• Klipchuck Campground 

These efforts will provide needed maintenance on roadways and parking lots at seven popular recreation sites along the North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20). These projects are part of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a historic investment in the protection and sustainment of our public lands.  

By addressing critical maintenance backlogs, these projects will help ensure safe and comfortable access to the national forest and other public lands for many years to come. 

Throughout the implementation of these projects, sites will be required to undergo temporary closures to public access. The U.S. Forest Service understands that such closures will have a significant impact on visitors, however, please know that these closures are temporary, will be kept to a minimum, and that they are necessary to ensure adequate access and improved visitor experience for years to come.   

Specific timeframe for trailheads and campgrounds subject to change based on contracting schedules, weather, road closures, etc. 

Campground Closures: 

• Klipchuck Campground and entry road (also affects access to Driveway Butte Trailhead) – CLOSED Aug 3 – Aug 27 
• Lone Fir Campground – CLOSED August 28-Sept 4 

Alternative Campgrounds 

The nearest U.S. Forest Service campgrounds are Early Winters (State Route 20), Ballard and Riverbend Campgrounds (Lost River Road west of Mazama); and Falls Creek and Chewuch Campgrounds (Chewuch Road, north of Winthrop). 

Trailhead Closures: 

• Rainy Pass Picnic Area (Heather and Maple Pass Trailhead) – CLOSED August 14 - 19 
• Rainy Pass North (Pacific Crest Trailhead) - CLOSED August 14 - 19 
• Cutthroat Lake Trailhead and entry road – CLOSED August 14 - 28 
• Washington Pass Overlook  - CLOSED August 18-21 
• Bridge Creek Trailhead  - CLOSED August 19 - 21 

 All trailheads will be closed during construction work.   There will be no access to bathrooms, hitch rails or other trailhead facilities.  Vehicles cannot be parked overnight at these sites during the paving process.     

Notice will be posted at each parking area at least 10 days prior to the start of work to allow recreationists time to remove their vehicles.  

Specific Trails Affected:  

• Rainy Lake Trail No 310, Heather Maple Pass Trail No 740 and Lake Ann Trail No740.1 – no access to bathrooms or ADA trails during construction activities!  When feasible, contractors will allow hikers to pass through but expect that roadside parking will quickly max out and is not a suitable alternative. It is never acceptable to park along State Route 20 with wheels over the white fog lines.  Choose another area to hike if parking options are full. 
• PCT Trail No 2000 (PCT North of Rainy Pass) – Through-hikers will be able to make their way around the construction area to regain the PCT.  The trail will be inaccessible to stock.  There is limited roadside parking along State Route 20 that will quickly max out.   It is never acceptable to park along State Route 20 with wheels over the white fog lines.  Choose another area to hike if parking options are full. 
• Bridge Creek Trail No 2000 (PCT South into North Cascades National Park) – this trail is on the opposite side of SR20 from the parking area so the trail will remain accessible, but the limited roadside parking will make access difficult.  There are additional pullouts east of the Bridge Creek Trailhead within a half mile that can accommodate a horse trailer as well as passenger vehicles. Recreationists should use caution walking along SR20 to access the trail.  
• Washington Pass Overlook Trail No.  585 – This ADA trail will be inaccessible during construction activities.  There are many scenic viewpoints just to the east of the overlook that provide good views of the valley and surrounding peaks. 
• Cutthroat Lake Trail No. 483 – there will be no access to the trail from the Cutthroat Lake side. The one-mile access road will also be closed.  There are no suitable parking areas within a reasonable distance.  Visitors can access this area from the Rainy Pass North (PCT) Trailhead once this trailhead is open. Be aware that both trailheads may be closed at the same time. Please choose another area to hike. 
• Lone Fir Trail No. 535 – This ADA trail will be inaccessible during the time the campground is closed. 
• Driveway Butte Trail No. 481 and Early Winters Trail No. 522 – these trails will be inaccessible during the time the campground is closed. 
• A reminder that parking along SR20 is limited and it is never OK to park over the white fog lines.  If trailheads are full and parking cannot be found, choose a different hike.   

Please call Methow Valley Ranger Station at 509-996-4000 for hiking information.