Highway 20 Backcountry Skiing

Highway 20
Backcountry Skiing

Delancey Ridge
EXPLORE/ BACKCOUNTRY

Backcountry Skiing Highway 20

Washington State Highway 20 (the North Cascades Highway) is a classic backcountry skiing corridor, offering roadside access to alpine terrain, though the road is seasonally closed from roughly November through May. While the highway is still open in late fall, it can be an excellent option for early-season ski tours thanks to high elevations and easy pullouts, and in spring it becomes a popular destination as the snowpack stabilizes and the road opens. During the winter closure, there are a few worthwhile tours on the west side of the range, including Ruby Mountain, which remains a favorite for its quality skiing and relatively straightforward access. On the east side, winter touring options depend heavily on where the closure gate is set: if the gate is at Silver Star, several non–snowmobile-accessed ski tours are reasonably attainable, but if access is limited to the Early Winters Sno-Park, the approaches become significantly longer, turning even moderate objectives into big days.
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conditions

Conditions are shown for Washington Pass on Highway 20 and displayed in two parts : observed conditions and forecasted weather. The observed conditions over the past 9 days are taken from two NWAC telemetry stations at Washington Pass. Temperature and hourly precipitation amounts are used from the Washington Pass Base Station at 5,450 feet elevation, and snow and rainfall amounts are calculated from these temperature and hourly precipitation measurements and should be considered estimates. Wind measurements are taken from the Washington Pass Upper station at 6680, as wind data is not collected from the Washington Pass Base Station. Observed conditions are refreshed every hour.

Forecasted weather is collected from the National Weather Service's grid forecast for approximately 9 days and uses the grid identifier OTX/44,148 which sits at 4,320 feet elevation near Washington Pass. The latest forecasted weather is always used.

Observed

Washington Pass (5,450 ft.)

Forecasted

Washington Pass (4,320 ft.)

ski tours

Delancey Ridge

Delancey Ridge

 
Delancey Ridge offers more than 3,000 vertical feet of sustained fall-line skiing, making it a standout backcountry objective when conditions are right. The terrain is relatively steep and committing, so solid avalanche stability is essential. Its predominantly southern exposure also means snow quality can change quickly, with sun crusts forming after clear or warm days. Access is simplest when Highway 20 is plowed to the Silver Star Gate. From there, non-motorized travel provides a straightforward approach. If the highway is only open to the Early Winters Gate, reaching Delancey Ridge without sled access becomes impractical.
Delancey Ridge
Maple Pass

Maple Pass

 
The ski tour to Maple Pass is a classic North Cascades outing, known for its scenic setting and approachable terrain. Starting from Highway 20, the route climbs steadily to the pass, where broad views open up over Lake Ann, Black Peak, and the rugged peaks of the surrounding range. The skiing itself is generally moderate, with rolling slopes and open faces that make it well suited to intermediate backcountry skiers looking for a rewarding but not overly technical tour. Maple Pass is primarily a spring objective, as access depends on the seasonal opening of Highway 20—typically in late April or early May. Spring snow conditions often deliver smooth corn cycles and stable travel, making this tour a favorite once winter closures lift.
Maple Pass
Blue Lake

Blue Lake

 
Blue Lake is a popular and versatile ski touring destination in the North Cascades, offering both mellow touring around the lake itself and access to bigger objectives such as Spire Gully and the Birthday Tour. Located just outside the North Cascades National Park boundary, the Blue Lake trailhead sits directly along Highway 20, which is seasonally closed in winter—typically shortly after Thanksgiving and reopening in late spring—making winter access primarily snowmobile-based. In late fall, before deep snow or full highway closures set in, Blue Lake can be an excellent starting point for reaching high alpine terrain and scoring early-season powder, all while enjoying dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.
Blue Lake
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