Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest | State Route 20 Trailheads Closed due to paving & construction activities on the Methow Valley Dist.

State Route 20 Trailheads Closed due to paving & construction activities on the Methow Valley Dist.

An area closure is in effect at four trailheads at and near Washington Pass, State Route 20, for construction activities related to paving the parking areas and access roads for these site. Heavy equipment will be utilized to remove old pavement, brush, level and grade each site, and install new pavement.
The objective of the order is to provide for public health and safety by implementing a closure in the vicinity of Rainy Pass, Washington Pass, and Bridge Creek trailheads along the State Route 20 highway corridor.

Alert Start Date: August 13, 2025

Alert End Date: October 8, 2025

Rec Sites Affected:

Washington Pass Observation Site

Bridge Creek Trailhead

Heather Maple Pass (Rainy Pass Picnic Site)

Rainy Pass North Trailhead (PCT)

Order Number: 06-17-04-25-20

Associated Documents

SR20 Trailhead Paving Closure Order

Forest Order

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Methow Valley Ranger District of the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest. This Order is effective August 13, 2025, and will remain in effect through October 8, 2025, unless it is rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS:
1. Entering into or being upon National Forest System lands, as described below and displayed on the attached maps, Exhibits A, B and C [36 CFR § 261.53(e)].

2. Being on a National Forest System Road as described below and displayed on the attached maps, Exhibits A, B and C [36 CFR § 261.54(e)].

CLOSURE AREA DESCRIPTION:

All areas within and enclosed by FSR 5310500 in T35N R18E Section 19, FSR 5310520 in T35N R17E Section 27 and FSR 5310600 and 5310700 within T35N R17E Section 21.

State Route 20 and Trail 2000 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail will remain open during this closure period.

The following roads are included in this closure order:

Roads Closed

FSR 5310500 - Washington Pass Overlook
FSR 5310520 - Bridge Creek Trailhead
FSR 5310600 - Rainy Pass Pacific Crest Trail North Trailhead
FSR 5310700 - Rainy Pass (Heather/Maple) Picnic Area

See Exhibits A, B and C for closure maps of Bridge Creek, Rainy Pass, and Washington Pass areas.

EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following people are exempt from this Order:

Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a corporation, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.)