north cascades highway????

[Eden]

I was in Winthrop in February, for x country skiing. There was about 3 inches of snow, perfectly groomed, but, really almost impossible to ski with such a lack of snow. None of the alpine ski areas were open. Twisp and Sun Mountain were similar. The whole time I was there, I was thinking about what it would be like to ride there, as it was 48 degrees and perfect cycling weather in February...

That was not typical…. (and there was still serious avalanche danger in the passes - the only year the highway is recorded to have not been closed was 1976). There is usually a period of time in the spring that part of the road has been plowed, but it's not finished, that you can ride part of the way blissfully car free. Unfortunately for us another El Nino year is forecast, so we will likely have another warmer winter with low snowpack. It does bode well for Rebecca's trip - it generally brings us drier, warmer fall.

[Crankin]

I know it was not normal. I still had a seriously good time. Definitely will go back when there's a snowy winter, and maybe for riding, too, during the fall or summer.
I waited years to go to the Methow Valley, because it's not at altitude and has so much snow, most years. I left 8 feet of snow at home, but I decided to just enjoy the place, no matter what.