News

North Cascades Highway reopens as the Easy Fire battle continues

North Cascades Highway reopens as the Easy Fire battle continues

Courtesy of WSDOT Photo: Saga Communications


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The North Cascades Highway is back open after another extended delay.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says that the nine-mile stretch between Granite Creek and the Easy Pass Trailhead reopened at noon on Aug. 22.

The road was closed on Aug. 4 due to the combination of the Easy Fire and a mudslide. Over 7,000 tons of debris was removed from the mudslide area to clear the road.

Fire crews continue to battle the Easy Fire near the same part of the highway. Recent rains and cooler temperatures have allowed the fire to be 36% contained as of Aug. 22.

WSDOT says if drivers plan to drive through Highway 20, they should be aware of lower speed limits between mileposts 150 and 154 due to the Easy Fire.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration

It was only fitting that the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their first World Series title with a beer-soaked celebration worthy of their name. "We've had way too many parade beers," team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich said Friday at a rally that capped a daylong party with fans.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case

Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against rapper Rick Ross a month after he was arrested in Miami Beach when a woman he was living with told police he hit her, court records said.

2 days ago in Crime, Education, Local, Trending

Former Bellingham coach, safety director arrested on child rape charges

He had left the district earlier this year to take a job in another district.

2 days ago in Elections, Government, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Final public hearing set to discuss Bellingham’s 2027 budget

The city council will also vote to send a regional fire authority and fire benefit charge to the February 2027 election ballot.

2 days ago in Government, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Skagit County moving ahead with affordable senior housing project

The new units will be located on the current site of the Mount Vernon senior center.