Chinook and Cayuse passes through Mount Rainier National Park to reopen this week by Callie Craighead, SeattlePI
Good news for Seattle drivers looking to plan a scenic day trip over the long Memorial Day weekend: the Chinook and Cayuse passes through Mount Rainier National Park will reopen to drivers for the season this Friday.
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced through social media Tuesday that maintenance crews were in the final stages of clearing the roadways to open in time for the holiday weekend. Both passes close each winter due to avalanche risk, and had been closed since Nov. 12.
Chinook, Cayuse passes through Mt. Rainier National Park open Friday
By Q13 News Staff
Mountain passes in Mt. Rainier National Park (Photo courtesy WSDOT)
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK - SR-410 (Chinook Pass) and SR-123 (Cayuse Pass) through Mount Rainier National Park will reopen for the season by 8 a.m. Friday, May 28, in time for Memorial Day weekend.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, maintenance crews are in the final stages of clearing both roadways after a robust winter snowpack.
When the gates open, park visitors can travel Chinook Pass (elev. 5,430 feet) between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, five miles east of the summit.
Updated: 12:37 PM PDT May 25, 2021
Chinook and Cayuse passes through Mount Rainier National Park will reopen by 8 a.m. Friday, May 28.
Maintenance crews are in the final stages of clearing both passes ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
When gates open, park visitors can travel over Chinook Pass via State Route 410 between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and Morse Creek. Cayuse Pass via State Route 123 will open within park boundaries between Stevens Canyon Road and the State Route 410 junction.
Visitors should expect delays of up to 20 minutes along SR 123 due to paving work.
Cayuse and Chinook passes close in the winter due to high avalanche danger, poor road conditions and no emergency response services nearby. The highways closed to traffic on Nov. 12, 2020.