GLACIER, Wash. — Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced today, Monday, October 23rd, the gate to the final 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway (SR542) is now closed for the winter season.
This morning, according to the announcement, WSDOT maintenance crews closed the section of road known as the road to Artist Point citing forecasted snowfall over the next two nights which would be the first significant snowfall of the season.
Each year, crews remove snow and ice from the highway throughout the winter, however, this final stretch is narrow with sharp curves and steep slopes and closes annually to vehicle traffic for safety. Additionally, a portion of this road becomes part of the Mt. Baker ski area’s terrain.
The announcement noted this year’s closing is about 2 weeks later than the October 7th closure in 2021, and a day sooner than last year’s. The earliest closure was September 27th in 2007.
While the gate is closed, backcountry recreationalists can still access the area and should check conditions in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Northwest Avalanche Center.