Updated August 20, 2021
The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile scenic byway that crosses through many regions of Washington State. The safety of visitors and local residents is our highest priority. Please educate yourself with the latest information before finalizing your travel planning.
On August 19, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee announced he is reissuing the statewide mask mandate for all public spaces effective Monday, August 23, 2021. Every county in the state currently falls within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) substantial or high transmission category. Each of the state’s 35 local health officers recently recommended all individuals wear masks indoors.
The indoor mask mandate applies to all individuals and children over five years of age regardless of vaccination status. All public spaces across the state, including retail stores, malls, restaurants, grocery stores, and public-facing offices, are affected. The limited exemptions to this mandate include office spaces not easily accessible to the public where individuals are vaccinated and when working alone indoors or in a vehicle with no public face-to-face interaction. Small, private indoor gatherings where all attendees are vaccinated are also exempt. While not required, the Department of Health strongly recommends individuals also wear masks in crowded outdoor settings, such as outdoor concerts, fairs and farmers markets.
For additional Covid-19 information please see the latest Covid 19: Washington Ready plan, issued in June of which effectively re-opened all counties in Washington State. The Cascade Loop and Washington State is open for business and recreation but please be advised of the latest masking requirements as noted above.
Further Travel Guidance:
Washingtonians and others who may be visiting Washington from outside the state are expected to comply with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current COVID-19 travel advisory guidance. This guidance recommends travelers delay travel until they are fully vaccinated, at which point they can travel safely within the United States.
If not vaccinated, travelers are expected to follow CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated people, which includes testing before and after travel, wearing a mask, continuing to socially distance and maintain good hand hygiene.
Detailed guidance for domestic and international travelers is available on the CDC website.
[updated 8/9/2021] Highway 20 - North Cascades Highway Reopens!
Wildfires are currently active in the Cascade Loop. This can mean wildfire danger, road closures/diversions and air quality impacts. Please utilize the following links to ensure you are armed with information before you head out.
WS Department of Transportation Road Closure Information (Fire, Major Construction and Vehicle Collision, Weather)
https://www.wsdot.com/TRAFFIC/trafficalerts/
When we learn of specific closures, we share it on our social channels - so be sure to follow us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CascadeLoopScenicHighway/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascadeloop/
USDA Forest Service Active Fire Mapping
https://fsapps.nwcg.gov/afm/
Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map
https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/information/firemap.aspx
Chelan County Emergency Management
https://www.facebook.com/CCSOEM/
Okanogan County Emergency Management
https://www.facebook.com/Okanogan.County.Emergency.Management/
Department of Natural Resources Twitter
https://twitter.com/waDNR_fire
