Winter on the Loop means warm fires, snowy treks, foggy waterfront views and lots of fun! Whether your bliss is found riding through the snow on a fat bike in the Methow, or catching a sleigh ride in Plain, winter is a blast!
The North Cascades Highway closes in winter due to excessive snow, so note that when you plan to travel the Loop at this time of year, you need to plan to backtrack (which we actually love because it allows us to hit our favorite spots twice)!
In the winter it is especially important to keep an eye on the weather. Be sure to check the web cams and driving conditions of Stevens Pass: Web Cams and Pass Conditions – Stevens Pass
It’s always a good idea to check your emergency supplies and car conditions before you leave home. We have created a checklist for you to make sure you are ready for the trip: Prepare for Winter Travel – Be Road Trip Ready!
Each spring we anxiously await the opening of the North Cascades Highway to allow access across the northern loop between the Methow Valley and the Skagit Valley. This link shows the history of opening and closing dates of the North Cascades Highway: Opening/Closing History