Cayuse Pass connects to Chinook Pass and White Pass on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park. The Cayuse Pass summit is at the junction of State Routes 410 and 123. The 4,675-foot-high pass is about five miles west of the Chinook Pass summit.
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Pass status as of Nov. 21, 2011
Cayuse Pass is now closed for the winter.
Closure details: - SR 410 is closed at Crystal Mountain Boulevard to the Cayuse Pass summit.
- Eastbound SR 410 out of Enumclaw remains open to Crystal Mountain Boulevard and the ski resort.
- This is a mountain pass and conditions can change rapidly. Check the Crystal to Greenwater road conditions before heading up to Crystal Mountain.
- SR 123 is closed from the SR 410 intersection to the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (milepost 2.5).
Chinook Pass is also closed |
Why does WSDOT close Cayuse Pass for the winter?
WSDOT closes the pass due to high avalanche risk. Cayuse Pass has numerous slide areas that pose significant danger to travelers, WSDOT maintenance crews and park staff.
What are the usual opening and closing dates?
In an average year, Cayuse Pass closes in November and reopens in April. The pass did not close over the 1976-77 winter. View a table of closing and opening dates since the 1973-74 winter.
What are the closure points?
Crews close the gates in the north on SR 410 just south of Crystal Mountain Boulevard and in the south on SR 123 at the Mount Rainier National Park entrance. The closure affects eight miles of SR 410 and nearly 14 miles of SR 123.
Wasn't there once a ski area at Cayuse Pass?
Yes, the ski area operated from 1946 to 1959.
How can I get information on other mountain passes?
Mountain pass info is available on WSDOT's Web site or by calling the 5-1-1 travel information system.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Kris Olsen
WSDOT Communications
P.O. Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206.440.4475
E-mail: OlsenK@wsdot.wa.gov