Local News

Repair Work to Begin on 120 Year Old Harts Pass Road

Aug 07, 2017

The 120 year old Harts Pass road winds high into the forest, stopping near the timberline and opening up into the vast Pasayten Wilderness. Once used to access gold and silver mines, the highest road in Washington State is now popular with recreationists and thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Continued access to such a treasure is an important benefit provided by the Forest Service.

Much needed repair work will begin August 14th on the Harts Pass Road, west of Winthrop Washington. Travelers should expect longer delays and the road between Buckskin Trailhead and Slate Peak will likely be closed to vehicles until mid-September.

“During construction, there will not be room for vehicles to safely drive the narrow road up to Slate Peak to turn around,” said Mike Liu, Methow Valley District Ranger. “Hikers should be able to make their way from Buckskin Trailhead through the worksite, however.”

Work planned includes fixing damage caused by runoff this spring and improving parking at Slate Peak. In addition, workers will remove accumulated rock and clean up the roadway at Deadhorse Point; a portion of the road well known by locals for being steep and narrow.

Get the latest forest news and alerts by texting ‘follow OkaWenNF’ to 40404, 'liking' us on facebook or following us on twitter @OkaWenNF. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.