Two Washington Mountain Passes Officially Closed Due to Snow
Two Washington State mountain passes have closed for the winter due to heavy snowfall.
If you are thinking of going up to Mount Rainier, you'll have to wait as Chinook Pass is now closed for the winter season.
What Passes Are Closed In Washington Right Now?
According to a posting from the Washington Department of Transportation, both Chinook and Cayuse are now closed. Here are the details of the closure from WA DOT:
The gates to State Routes 410 and 123 inside Mount Rainier National Park, including Chinook and Cayuse passes, will remain closed for the season after heavy snow and a forecast of more to come.
Chinook Pass (elevation 5,430 feet) closed on Saturday, Nov. 6 on SR 410 between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, 5 miles east of the summit.
Cayuse Pass (elevation 4,675 feet) is closed within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and the park arch at SR 410/123 milepost 2.5 at the southern park boundary.
People may go in on foot or skis for recreation beyond the closed gates but are advised to use extreme caution as there is often avalanche danger.
Typically SR 410 Chinook Pass and SR 123 Cayuse Pass reopen in late May.
It's always good to know before you go and getting stuck on a mountain pass is no fun.
How Do I Check The Passes With The Washington DOT?
I remember one winter, my wife and I tried to go up on Chinook Pass during winter and ran straight into a down tree crossing the entire road.
We turned around and headed back to town but it's always good to know before you go.
You can always check out the WA DOT here.