December 2025 Storm Impacts to Winter Access in Washington
- Kyle McCrohan
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Intense rainfall and flooding has wreaked havoc for local communities, and caused significant damage to infrastructure across the state. As snow returns to the mountains, Cascade Backcountry Alliance reminds everyone to be mindful of the communities most impacted by the flooding, respect road closures, and be patient with repairs.
This reflects the state of winter recreation access as of January 11th, 2026. For the most up to date information on road conditions, check out the WSDOT real time map.
US 2 / Stevens Pass
As of January 11th, 2026, US2 fully reopen between Skykomish and Coles Corner.
In Tumwater Canyon, there is a significant washout where one lane fell into the Wenatchee River. This closure will take longer to repair. In the meantime, there is a bypass between Coles Corner and Leavenworth via the Chumstick Highway, which adds approximately 30 minutes.
Parking is now allowed at most typical backcountry locations east of Stevens Pass.
I 90 / Snoqualmie Pass
There are no full closures of I90, but currently eastbound at approximately Mile 36 (just east of North Bend) is reduced to two lanes due to a developing washout. This will likely add travel time
Highway 410 / Crystal Mountain
There is a washout along 410, limiting vehicle traffic to one lane, but we seem close to being back to regular operations.
Crystal Mountain is no longer limiting parking reservations, and the shuttle will begin operating after Christmas once again.
For more details, see Crystal Mountain's mountain report.
Highway 542 / Mt. Baker
After a temporary closure, Highway 542 reopened on December 21.
Highway 12 / White Pass
Highway 12 is currently open, but there are some minor detours around Naches and on the west side.
Highway 20 / North Cascades
Highway 20 was closed seasonally prior to the flooding event.
On the east side, debris flows from the Cedar Creek Fire covered the road between the Early Winters Gate and Silver Star Gate. However, on 1/2/2026, this section of Highway 20 reopened!
On the west side, the highway is currently closed at Bacon Creek (MP 113), well before the typical winter closure at Ross Dam.
Additionally, there is a significant washout around East Creek, past the season closure, which could delay a spring opening.
Highway 530
Highway 530 is currently closed between Darrington and Rockport.
Blewett Pass
Blewett Pass is currently open.
Paradise / Mt. Rainier
Paradise remains open, pending weather conditions and staffing.
Other Notable Damage
There will likely be many damaged forest roads, but this is what we know so far:
The Suiattle River Road washed out badly around MP 4.5. There are additional wash outs further down the road.
The Index Galena Road washed out before the Troublesome Creek Campground.
Glacier Creek Road has two significant washouts around MP 3.5-4.
There were many washouts on the Palouse to Cascade Trail, both west and east of Snoqualmie Pass. Washouts between Hyak and Easton may impact the ability for Sno-Parks to groom the P2C for nordic skiing this winter.
There is a debris flow across the Icicle Creek Road at MP 8, but this is around where it is typically gated for the winter.
Minor washouts have been reported on the Beckler River Road and Baker Lake Road.
There is debris on the Cascade River Road at MP 4.5. Additionally, the Rockport Cascade Road has washed out.
The Anderson Watson Lakes Road has washed out.
sheesh. Thank you for the thourough report. Parking pressure on snoqualmie this year is gonna be nuts.