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.
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 began in March 8, a month earlier than usual.
Recreation
Tipsoo Lake is located just a few hundred meters from the summit with a picnic area and a trail going around the lake.
Chinook Pass is also a trailhead to the Pacific Crest Trail, providing access to Dewey Lake and Cougar Lake to the south in the William O'Douglas Wilderness , and Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and Norse Peak Wilderness .
Naches Peak Loop is a trail route that goes around Naches Peak, containing a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Parking at Chinook Pass and Tipsoo Lake requires no fee or permit.
See also
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