Chinook and Cayuse passes closed for the season

MOUNT RAINIER – Chinook and Cayuse passes through Mount Rainier National Park are now closed for the season following the temporary closure on Saturday, November 4.

Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews have closed State Route 123/ Cayuse Pass and State Route 410/ Chinook Pass for the winter due to avalanche danger, poor road conditions and additional snowfall in the forecast.

Chinook Pass (elev. 5,430 feet) is closed between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, five miles east of the summit. Cayuse Pass (elev. 4,675 feet) is also closed 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.