North Cascades Highway Clearing Has Begun for the 2025 Season!
Stevens Pass in Winter
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Preparing For Your Winter Road Trip

Check the latest Pass Conditions:

Stevens Pass (SR 2)

North Cascades Highway/Washington Pass (SR 20)

Winter Roadway from Drone

Winter Travel Tips

  • Always give yourself extra travel time when you expect winter conditions.
  • If driving a rental car, request 4-wheel drive and/or snow tires.
  • Between November 1 and March 30, all vehicles traveling over a mountain pass must carry chains. Les Schwab sells chains and if you don't use them you can return them for full refund. 
  • If driving your own vehicle, make sure your car has had a recent check-up: Check the battery, replace your coolant with antifreeze, replace old wiper blades and use wiper fluid with de-icer.
  • Cold weather changes the inflation of your tires – before you leave home, check that they are properly inflated; and don’t forget to check the spare!
  • Carry tire chains; practice putting them on before you leave home.
  • Test your heater and defroster. Cold air blowing from what should be your heating system can make for a very uncomfortable trip.
Driving Safety Kit

Your Winter Road Trip Emergency Kit 

  • A flashlight with extra batteries or light sticks
  • A basic first aid kit
  • Paper towels and rags
  • At least one gallon of water
  • Non-perishable food items that need no heating such as energy bars
  • A warm blanket or sleeping bag and pillow
  • Non-clumping kitty litter, road salt or sand
  • An ice scraper, snow brush and a sturdy shovel
  • Extra car fuses 
  • Coats, gloves, hats and boots for each passenger
  • Rain ponchos
  • Hand warmers/foot warmers
  • Duct tape
  • Multipurpose tool (screwdriver, knife, corkscrew for the emergency wine bottle!)
  • Garbage sack
  • Bungee cords
  • Coveralls, work gloves and a painter’s cloth (for installing chains in the snowy muck!)
  • An emergency blanket
  • Emergency candles and a 5# coffee can, with Lid (this can be used for a number of things)
  • Waterproof matches
  • Toilet paper roll

CLICK HERE to download a Checklist / Shopping List from WSDOT