Washington's scenic Route 20, which leads through the North Cascades National Park, is a sublimely beautiful cycling route. It's closed throughout the winter, and you can cycle it in the summer - but in the spring, there is a magic moment when it's open sans vehicle traffic. But how and when do cyclists find out?



Each year in the late fall, Washington Route 20 gets pounded by incessant snow storms which pile so high and deep, the road is closed for 40 miles.

Each spring, Washington State DOT crews work to clear the snow from the closed passage - which is one of the most scenic stretches, leading right through the heart of the North Cascades National Park. The work takes time, and is entirely dependent on weather and resources, so when the road first opens is anyone's guess.

But when it does open, there is a brief shining moment when cars can't get through, but you, dear cyclist, can.



Many cyclists have written about the journey itself. Here's a great read about the trip.

We're here to give you hot tips on how and where to find out when the route opens for cyclists so you can get there!

1. Check real-time travel data on SR 20.
2. Sign up for email alerts on SR 20 status from WS DOT. This requires an account creation with your email address. Once you create the account, you can select from a list of routes "SR 20" and check that box.
3. Check the WSDOT real-time travel map to see progress of the clearing
4. Check the North Cascades National Park cycling details page

If you need people to ride with, Mount Baker Bike Club members can log in and post to the forums, post a member-led ride to the event calendar, or use the member directory to find contact info for your riding buddies.

You're going to get warm on the way up, but when you stop at the top, or in the shade along the way, you're going to want something to keep all the heat in and the snow-chilled breeze out.

And remember - you'll need to be dressed warm enough for the descent...