CHELAN, Wash. — The North Cascades National Park is closed to visitors.

The National Park Service has decided to close the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area to park visitors until further notice in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Highway 20 will remain open just west of Newhalem and the eastern closure point will remain near the Early Winters Campground.

All owners of facilities where access is gained through National Park lands are permitted access through closed areas as necessary.