
Where is Cayuse Pass?
Usa, north-america
16.3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Cayuse Pass is calling! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Washington State, hovering around [elevation] above sea level.
You'll find it straddling the line between Pierce and Yakima counties, smack-dab in the heart of central Washington. Get ready for a fully paved but seriously twisty and turny ride. You'll be gripping the wheel the entire way! At the top, you'll hit a junction.
This epic stretch is about 10.12 miles long, running north-south from State Route 123.
Word to the wise: Cayuse Pass is a fair-weather friend. Typically, it shuts down around November due to heavy snow, and doesn't thaw out until sometime in May. Snowdrifts can get HUGE, which combined with avalanche danger, icy roads, and limited emergency services, makes it a no-go zone in winter. So, plan your trip accordingly and get ready for some killer views β when you can actually *see* them!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 16.3 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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