This July 11 photo, taken from an aerial attack plane, shows the Varden Fire (large plume at top) burning south of Highway 20 near Winthrop, and the Delancy Fire (lower right) north of the highway. (U.S. Forest Service)

This July 11 photo, taken from an aerial attack plane, shows the Varden Fire (large plume at top) burning south of Highway 20 near Winthrop, and the Delancy Fire (lower right) north of the highway. (U.S. Forest Service)

Wildfire closes North Cascades Highway west of Winthrop

The highway is popular among tourists in the summer months.

  • By Bill Pedigo Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, July 14, 2021 7:08am
  • Northwest

MAZAMA — The North Cascades Highway is expected to remain closed through the weekend because of wildfires.

Three fires are burning in the area, according to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: the Varden Fire (more than 1,000 acres), the Cedar Creek Fire (175 acres) and the Delancy Fire (30 acres).

The state Department of Transportation on Monday closed a seven-mile stretch of Highway 20 between Silver Star and Early Winters. Early Winters is 20 miles west of Winthrop.

There is no local detour and the highway will likely stay closed through the weekend, the DOT tweeted Tuesday. The DOT added that some motorists have arrived at the closure point expecting to take a Forest Service road instead.

The state Department of Transportation suggested travelers use I-90 or Highway 2 for statewide travel as there is no reopening date yet for Highway 20.

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