So you've decided to take a weekend trip around the tri-pass! These passes consist of Cayuse Pass, White Pass, and Chinook Pass. Your car is all gassed up and ready to go, and your first stop is Cayuse Pass on state route 410. Cayuse Pass is just 41 miles southeast of Enumclaw with an elevation of 4675 ft. Cayuse Pass is typically closed in November due to heavy snow and outstanding avalanche danger caused by the high elevation. It usually opens in May and is known to have a snow depth at the summit of up to 15 feet. Cayuse Pass is tucked away in the Cascade mountains consisting of windy turns intersecting state route 123 and 410 is the second-highest pass in Washington. Cayuse Pass is on the east side of Mt. Rainier National Park and is a backcountry skiing destination.
The next pass you'll be going through is Chinook Pass, which has an elevation of 5430 ft and is located on the crest of the cascade range just a few miles up from Cayuse Pass. It is also usually closed from November through May due to heavy snowfall. This route is a favorite for summer tourists, as it provides the east entrance into Mt. Rainier National Park, and there are many places along the road to park to enjoy the scenery. There is no commercial vehicle access on this pass through the national park section. Chinook Pass is also the trailhead to the Pacific Crest Trail; this is a long-distance hiking trail that aligns with the highest portion of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Chinook Pass also provides access to Dewey and Cougar Lake. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful routes in the United States.
Our weekend trip's final pass is White Pass, located 25 miles southeast of Mount Rainier at 4500ft elevation. Not far off White Pass Scenic Byway are some of the state's volcanoes, lakes, and waterfalls visible throughout the entire trip. Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams are the three volcanoes you can see from White Pass. Mt. Adams being the largest volcano in the state of Washington. This road has various turnouts and overlooks that pass through Wenatchee National Forest. White Pass is Washington state's best roadway for wildlife watching. Nearby areas offer excellent opportunities to see elk, bald eagles, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, black bears, and others. The White pass is 120 miles long, and it is recommended to allow a minimum of 3 hours to enjoy this road. Be sure to have your tire pressure checked to ensure that you will have the best grip on the road during your sightseeing adventure.
If you are planning on a mini road trip, give Bristow's Auto Repair a call. We are here to help keep you on the road no matter what you drive! Make your check-up appointment with some of the most qualified auto mechanics in the business today. We back our work with a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty. Our entire team focuses on creating a top-notch customer service experience for you. We specialize in BMW and Porsche service and repair, so you'll know that your car is in the best of hands. Make your appointment with us today.
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