Chinook Pass

Location of Chinook Pass, Washington

Chinook Pass (elevation 5,432 ft) is a pass through the Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Washington. The pass provides the east entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The pass carries Washington State Highway 410 between Puyallup and Naches. Because of the high elevation, Chinook Pass is usually closed in November due to very heavy snow and significant avalanche danger.

File:Chinook Pass Oct 04.jpg

Chinook Pass from the east, October 2004

State route 410 through Chinook Pass has been designated by the federal government as Chinook Scenic Byway as part of the All-American Road program. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful routes in the United States. Because the summit is above the tree line, there are many places to park along the road to view the scenery.

Chinook Pass is closed for the season as of December 6, 2004. Due to an abnormally mild winter in 2005, efforts to reopen the pass will begin in Mid-March, a month earlier than usual.

See Also

• Cayuse Pass
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Cascade Range

External Links

• Chinook Pass at the Washington State Department of Transportation website
• Pass opening and closure dates for Chinook Pass, Cayuse Pass, and North Cascades Highway at the Washington State Department of Transportation website