Chinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,655 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Chinook Pass in Washington State, a sweet little mountain pass sitting pretty at 5,430 feet. We're talking Yakima County, between the towns of Enumclaw and Naches, right in the heart of the Cascade Range.
This totally paved, two-lane ribbon of road—officially known as SR 410, Chinook Scenic Byway, and Stephen Mather Memorial Parkway—hugs the northeast side of majestic Mount Rainier. Completed back in '31, this road is a pure driving joy with twists and turns galore.
Five miles east of Cayuse Pass, Chinook Pass marks the eastern gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. Get ready for jaw-dropping views: we're talking Mount Rainier in all its glory, lush forests, sky-high peaks, rugged ridges, and dramatic river canyons. Because commercial vehicles aren't allowed within the park section, it’s a fave for summer road trippers like us.
Just a heads-up: Chinook Pass usually shuts down around mid-November and aims to reopen by Memorial Day weekend. But Mother Nature calls the shots, so it all depends on the winter snowfall and spring conditions. The pass closes due to avalanche risks, tricky road conditions, limited space for snow storage, and the lack of nearby emergency services.
Where is it?
Chinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.5677, -99.5843
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,655 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 42.5677, -99.5843
Related Roads in north-america
hardThe road to Pine Creek Reservoir in OR isn’t an easy one
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Pine Creek Reservoir, a hidden gem way up in Oregon's Baker County! We're talking serious altitude here – 6,571 feet above sea level! Nestled in the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, this place is about 10 miles northeast of Sumpter and feels like a world away. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. You'll be cruising along Pine Creek Road, an old, rocky path that's entirely unpaved. The last three miles? Buckle up and engage that four-wheel drive – you're gonna need it! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep inclines, with gradients hitting a crazy 23% in some spots! The road stretches for about 4.66 miles from west of Wingville, climbing a whopping 2,588 feet along the way. That gives you an average gradient of over 10%! Due to the steepness, the road is not recommended for motor vehicle use. But hey, the views! You're surrounded by the Elkhorn Mountains, with Rock Creek Butte and Elkhorn Peak towering nearby. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's even a minor unpaved trail leading northwest from the reservoir that climbs even higher, topping out at 7,949 feet. Seriously, this is one of the highest drives in Oregon!
hardThe road to the summit of Mount Fowlkes
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, stargazers and road trippers, listen up! Wanna touch the cosmos? Then head to Mount Fowlkes in Jeff Davis County, Texas! At 6,660 feet, you're practically in space. This peak is home to the renowned McDonald Observatory—a real treat for science buffs. The road up, also known as Texas State Highway Spur 77, is a short but sweet 1.5-mile climb from TX-118. Don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain 446 feet in elevation! Expect some steep sections, with an average gradient of 5.64% and a maximum of 11.4%—enough to make your engine work! But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth the huffing and puffing. Get ready for some unforgettable scenery and maybe even a glimpse of the universe!
moderateAndrews Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're cruising along Highway 550 in stunning San Juan County, Colorado, and you see the turnoff for Andrews Lake Road (Forest Road 590). Take it! It's just a quick 0.6-mile jaunt on a gravel road, totally doable in any car. You'll climb to a breathtaking 10,777 feet above sea level. Heads up, though: this little slice of heaven is usually open from late May to mid-October, depending on the weather gods. Keep an eye out for wandering cows and deer, and definitely stick to under 30 mph. Trust me, you'll want to soak in the views anyway.
easyThe road to Dallas Divide in Colorado provides stunning views in Autumn
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Dallas Divide in southwest Colorado, nestled right in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This beauty sits high, I'm talking 8,999 feet above sea level, right on the border of San Miguel and Ouray counties. Fun fact: it's named after some Vice President guy from way back when. But the real story is this pass, first carved out in 1880, which was a lifeline for early explorers. Now, State Highway 62 is your path to the top. It's a smooth, paved ride stretching just over 23 miles from Placerville to Ridgway. And don't worry about killer climbs – the grades are mellow, averaging around 4%, so most vehicles can handle it year-round. But the real reason to come is the views! You'll catch glimpses of charming towns like Ridgway and Telluride. Seriously, landscape photographers, this is your dream spot, especially in autumn when the colors explode. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you.