Mazama, Washington — Winter Gets a Vote on the Highway

Mazama sits near the upper end of the Methow Valley where the North Cascades begin dictating transportation.

State Route 20 crosses the mountains west of town through Washington Pass.

Then winter closes it.

For months in many years, snow blocks the direct highway connection across the Cascades, changing how the upper valley relates to the rest of Washington.

Mazama evolved from ranching, mining and timber country into a recreation-centered community.

Climbing, skiing, mountain biking and hiking now draw people toward terrain whose remoteness once discouraged settlement.

Vacation development and seasonal crowds bring their own pressures, while wildfire remains an unavoidable part of life in the dry mountain landscape.

The highway can cross the Cascades.

Winter retains veto power.