Cayuse Pass connects to Chinook Pass and White Pass at the east end of Mount Rainier National Park. The Cayuse Pass summit is at the junction of highways 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: Cayuse Pass is CLOSED for the season. WSDOT crews and Mount Rainier National Park staff agreed to close SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) on Nov. 8, 2009. |
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:
Jamie Holter
WSDOT Communications
P.O. Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206.440.4698
E-mail: HolterJ@wsdot.wa.gov