News Release

Chinook and Cayuse passes to close for the season on Tuesday, Nov. 20

Date: November 16, 2018
Contact: Summer Derrey, WSDOT Communications (Chinook Pass), 509-969-7784
Contact: Lisa Van Cise, WSDOT Communications (Cayuse Pass), 206-440-4702
Contact: Kathy Steichen, Mount Rainier National Park, 360-569-6510

MOUNT RAINIER – The gates to Chinook and Cayuse passes through Mount Rainier National Park are about to swing shut for the season.

Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews, in coordination with the Mount Rainier National Park Service, will close State Route 410/Chinook Pass and State Route 123/Cayuse Pass for the winter at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Chinook Pass will close between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, 5 miles east of the summit. Cayuse Pass will close within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and the Stevens Canyon Road entrance.

These mountain passes typically close sometime in mid-November each year.

Tools to keep travelers connected

Drivers can sign up for email alerts for SR 410/Chinook Pass and SR 123/Cayuse Pass. After entering their email address, subscribers should check the box for “Mount Rainier Area State Highway News” under the “News and Information” section of the page. Additional information for Chinook and Cayuse passes is available on a combined webpage that features the status of closure and reopening efforts. Current weather and highway conditions are posted on the mountain passes webpage.

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