Posted 8.12.13

MARBLEMOUNT — Thunderstorms moved through the western part of North Cascades National Park during the afternoon and early evening of Sun., Aug. 11, dumping heavy rain within a short period. This caused the Cascade River Road to wash out at its junction with Boston Creek, stranding approximately 25–35 vehicles parked at the Cascade Pass Trailhead 1.5 miles above the washout.

Sixty-five stranded people stayed the night in their vehicles.

National Park Service employees are on site assisting those stranded by the wash-out. The wash-out is estimated to be approximately 15 feet deep and 40–60 feet wide. Plans have been developed to build a temporary one-lane road to allow stranded vehicles to leave the area as soon as possible, possibly by the end of the day. The National Park Service has made contact with friends and family members of the stranded hikers to inform them of the situation.

Cascade Pass is one of the most popular destination hikes in North Cascades National Park. The trailhead is located approximately 23 miles from the junction of the Cascade River Road and Highway 20. The Cascade River Road is closed to the public at the park boundary at milepost 18 until further notice.

For information on alternative hikes in the park, call the Wilderness Information Center at 360.854.7245.