Chinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington

Chinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,655 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
1,655 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
42.5677, -99.5843

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