Chinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,655 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Chinook Pass in Washington State, a sweet little mountain pass sitting pretty at 5,430 feet. We're talking Yakima County, between the towns of Enumclaw and Naches, right in the heart of the Cascade Range.
This totally paved, two-lane ribbon of road—officially known as SR 410, Chinook Scenic Byway, and Stephen Mather Memorial Parkway—hugs the northeast side of majestic Mount Rainier. Completed back in '31, this road is a pure driving joy with twists and turns galore.
Five miles east of Cayuse Pass, Chinook Pass marks the eastern gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. Get ready for jaw-dropping views: we're talking Mount Rainier in all its glory, lush forests, sky-high peaks, rugged ridges, and dramatic river canyons. Because commercial vehicles aren't allowed within the park section, it’s a fave for summer road trippers like us.
Just a heads-up: Chinook Pass usually shuts down around mid-November and aims to reopen by Memorial Day weekend. But Mother Nature calls the shots, so it all depends on the winter snowfall and spring conditions. The pass closes due to avalanche risks, tricky road conditions, limited space for snow storage, and the lack of nearby emergency services.
Where is it?
Chinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.5677, -99.5843
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,655 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 42.5677, -99.5843
Related Roads in north-america
hardA memorable road trip to Jocotitlán
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, adventure seekers, pack your gear because we're heading to Jocotitlán volcano in the State of Mexico! This isn't your average Sunday drive - we're talking about one of Mexico's highest roads, clocking in at a whopping 3,901 meters (12,798 feet) above sea level. Get ready for a thrilling ride through the central highlands, just north of the Toluca Valley. The road to the summit, affectionately nicknamed Xocotépetl, is a wild 19km (11.80 miles) stretch of unpaved, seriously steep terrain. Trust me, your vehicle (and your nerves!) will get a workout. But the reward? Oh, the reward! Once you conquer the climb, you'll be greeted by antennas, communication towers, and views that'll knock your socks off. Seriously, the panoramas from up here are absolutely breathtaking!
hardWhere is Cascade River Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cascade River Road in Washington's Skagit County is calling your name! Nestled in the heart of North Cascades National Park, this scenic route clocks in at 23 miles of pure, unadulterated beauty. Starting near Marblemount off the North Cascades Highway, it climbs up, up, up to the Cascade Pass trailhead, topping out at 3,677 feet above sea level. The first 10 miles are smooth sailing on pavement, but then the road turns to gravel, throwing in some potholes and washboards just to keep you on your toes. While most cars can handle it, I wouldn't recommend bringing a big RV – think steep climbs, tight squeezes, and hairpin turns! Speaking of narrow, this road can get seriously tight, especially on those steep sections. Watch out after rain, even a little bit, can make things tricky. The road gains 3,346 feet in elevation, so buckle up! Mother Nature calls the shots here – keep an eye on the weather. Heavy rain can cause washouts, and the road often closes during late fall, winter, and spring at Eldorado Creek (mile 20). But when it’s open? Epic views await!
hardHow long is the drive from Anchorage to Seward?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Seward Highway in Alaska. Seriously, grab your camera because this drive is *all* about the scenery. We're talking non-stop gorgeousness in every direction. This beauty is 127 miles (204 kilometers) of pure Alaskan goodness, connecting Anchorage and Seward. It's all paved, your only shot between these two spots, and it rocks a cool triple designation as a USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, *and* an All-American Road. Talk about bragging rights! Usually, you can cruise it year-round, but hey, Alaska's gonna Alaska. Snow can shut things down, so keep an eye on the weather. Expect about five hours behind the wheel, but pro tip: stretch it out! Trust me, you'll want to explore the fishing villages, mining towns, and those epic national forests. Gold panning at Crow Creek Mine, anyone? The road climbs a quick 1,000 feet (304 meters) into the mountains, plunges back to sea level, and then just keeps winding through the Alaskan wilds. Starting in Anchorage, the route heads south, weaving from sea to mountains and back again across the Kenai Peninsula, eventually landing you in the harbor town of Seward on Resurrection Bay. Word to the wise: this road has a reputation, especially the stretch from Anchorage to the Portage Glacier Exit. Completed in 1951, it cuts through the Kenai Peninsula, Chugach National Forest, Turnagain Arm, and Kenai Mountains, so keep your eyes peeled. Summer's the prime time to hit this highway – hello, sunlight! And keep your eyes peeled for sheep, eagles, moose, and even beluga whales, not to mention those stunning waterfalls and glaciers.
moderateBoner Bridge is the oldest iron bridge in Indiana
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a trip back in time on Boner Bridge! (Yep, that's really the name.) Nestled in Southern Indiana, this 256-foot-long metal marvel, also known as Pyeatt's Mill Bridge, is one of only a handful of bridges like it still standing. Built way back in 1869 by the King Bridge Company, this one-lane beauty is a rare iron bowstring truss bridge and the longest of its kind in Indiana. You'll be driving across the Little Pigeon Creek river, connecting Warrick County and Spencer County, so soak in the scenery! Keep in mind this historic treasure has an 8-ton weight limit. How cool is it that you can still drive on a bridge that's the oldest iron bridge in Indiana in its original location?! It’s a must-see for any road trip enthusiast!