Chinook and Cayuse Passes Scheduled To Open on Memorial Weekend

It's getting close to Memorial Day and road trips are starting up. Two passes are on schedule to open up soon according to the Washington Department of Transportation.

The Washington DOT is saying that SR 410 Chinook and SR 123 Cayuse passes will reopen for the season by 8 a.m. Friday.

Get our free mobile app

According to a posting on the WSDOT's Facebook page, the DOT's goal is to always open both passes by Memorial Day weekend.

When the gates open, Mount Rainier National Park visitors can travel SR 410/Chinook Pass between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, five miles east of the summit. SR 123/Cayuse Pass will also open within the park boundaries between Stevens Canyon Road and the SR 410 junction.
Cayuse and Chinook Passes close each winter due to high avalanche risk, poor road conditions, lack of snow storage, and no emergency response services within close proximity.

Both highways closed to vehicle traffic for the season on Nov. 12, 2020.

If you are looking for a breathtaking route for your summer road trips, both Chinook and Cayuse Passes provide the scenery and photo opportunities.

4 Amazing Photos Of Chinook and Cayuse Passes

I've taken a few trips up Chinook Pass before and nothing beats looking straight up at Mt. Rainer. It's breathtaking and the family will love stopping and hiking up some trails at the Mt. Rainer National Park. You could even pack a lunch and make a day of it!

LOOK: Route 66’s quirkiest and most wonderful attractions state by state

Stacker compiled a list of 50 attractions--state by state--to see along the drive, drawing on information from historic sites, news stories, Roadside America, and the National Park Service. Keep reading to discover where travelers can get their kicks on Route 66.