SR 20 reopens as Sourdough, Blue Lake fires keep burning
Sep 1, 2023, 8:39 AM | Updated: 8:46 am
(Photo from WSDOT)
(Photo from WSDOT)
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has reopened State Route 20 (SR 20), also called the North Cascades Highway after the road has been closed due to wildfires.
WSDOT reopened the road Aug. 20, after the highway closed Saturday, Aug 26. The road is reopened from milepost 120 in Newhalem to milepost 170 west of Winthrop. Sections of SR 20 have been closed off and on since Aug. 4.
More on the Sourdough fire: Sourdough fire to burn ‘many more weeks’
The Sourdough Fire is still burning in the area, currently estimated at 6,234 acres, and is 30% contained as of Friday morning. The fire started in late July after a lightning strike. The Blue Lake Fire has burned 1,056 acres and is 31% contained.
Many recreation areas remain off-limits until the fires die down, with camping, trailheads, and overlooks east of Newhalem still closed. Access to North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan is also unavailable.
SR 20 Sourdough/Blue Lake fires update 8/31 PM (PaintMap edition)
✅SR 20 remains open btwn Newhalem & Silver Star (MP 120-171)
🧑✈️Pilot car operations 8AM-8PM daily MP 158-162
❗️The road is open even when pilot car is not operating
🚧Unexpected closures are possible so plan ahead https://t.co/Bk4W3U33Ym pic.twitter.com/iMIqb8pp2c— WSDOT North (@wsdot_north) September 1, 2023
