Which Sherman Pass cameras should I check?

WSDOT publishes two stills at the summit itself, looking each way. Check both — weather on one side of the pass is not the other side. If a picture failed to load, use the official WSDOT page.

Why is Sherman Pass closed when the camera looks clear?

A clear picture does not cancel a chain requirement. WSDOT closes SR-20 for crashes, downed trees, and winter maintenance — things a still photo may not show. The official page always wins.

511now / Answers / Is Sherman Pass open?

Is Sherman Pass open right now?

Q: Is Sherman Pass open right now?

Only WSDOT can say. Open the official WSDOT Sherman Pass page for today's current status: open, closed, or chains required. Then look at the two summit stills to see the road for yourself. Sherman crosses SR-20 between Republic and Kettle Falls in northeast Washington.

Q: What about Wauconda Pass?

Wauconda is the next SR-20 summit to the west, between Tonasket and Republic. It has its own WSDOT report and its own camera — crossing the Okanogan Highlands means taking both.

Updated August 19, 2026 · Pictures refresh every few minutes

Only WSDOT can say. Open the official WSDOT Sherman Pass page for today's current status: open, closed, or chains required. That page remains the final authority.

Then look at the two summit stills below to see the road for yourself.

Check both summit cameras

SR-20 at Sherman Pass summit, view 1 — The summit, first view. Open all Sherman and Wauconda cameras.

SR-20 at Sherman Pass summit, view 2 — The summit, second view — the other direction.

Official WSDOT stills at the summit. Check the time printed on the picture — if there is no time, do not trust it.

Why Sherman Pass matters

At 5,575 feet, Sherman is the highest pass kept open year-round in Washington — higher than Snoqualmie, Stevens, or White. It crosses SR-20 between Republic and Kettle Falls, and there is no quick alternative up there: the detours add hours. That makes the official page worth reading before you commit.

Why the pass can be closed when the picture looks fine

A clear picture does not cancel a chain requirement. WSDOT closes and restricts highways for crashes, spun-out vehicles, and winter maintenance — things a still photo may not show. Night glare can look like ice, and an old picture can lie. The official page always wins.

What about Wauconda Pass?

Crossing the Okanogan Highlands on SR-20 means taking Wauconda Pass too, between Tonasket and Republic. It has its own WSDOT report and its own camera — check both before you go.

Check again before you leave

The Sherman / Wauconda traffic desk keeps the official link and the cameras in one place.

Sources

WSDOT Sherman Pass report — open, closed, or chains required.
WSDOT mountain passes — every Washington pass.