Cayuse Pass
Encyclopedia
Cayuse Pass is a mountain pass
in the Cascade Mountains in the state of Washington.
The pass is about 32 miles (51 km) southeast of Enumclaw on State Route 410
. The intersection with State Route 123
is at the pass.
The pass carries State Route 410
between Enumclaw
and Naches
. Because of the high elevation, Cayuse Pass is usually closed in November due to very heavy snow and significant avalanche
danger. It usually opens in mid May and is not uncommon to have a snow depth at the summit of up to 15 feet.
As part of the All-American Road program, Route 410 through Cayuse Pass has been designated by the U.S. government as the Chinook Scenic Byway.
Mountain pass
A mountain pass is a route through a mountain range or over a ridge. If following the lowest possible route, a pass is locally the highest point on that route...
in the Cascade Mountains in the state of Washington.
The pass is about 32 miles (51 km) southeast of Enumclaw on State Route 410
Washington State Route 410
State Route 410 is a long state highway that traverses Pierce, King, and Yakima counties in the U.S. state of Washington. It begins at an interchange with SR 167 in Sumner and travels southeast across the Cascade Range to a junction with U.S. Route 12 in Naches...
. The intersection with State Route 123
Washington State Route 123
State Route 123 is a state highway in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park east of Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington. Located in the counties of Lewis and Pierce, the long roadway extends through a heavily forested canyon from to...
is at the pass.
The pass carries State Route 410
Washington State Route 410
State Route 410 is a long state highway that traverses Pierce, King, and Yakima counties in the U.S. state of Washington. It begins at an interchange with SR 167 in Sumner and travels southeast across the Cascade Range to a junction with U.S. Route 12 in Naches...
between Enumclaw
Enumclaw, Washington
Enumclaw is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 10,669 at the 2010 census.The Enumclaw Plateau, on which the city resides, was formed by a volcanic mudflow from Mount Rainier approximately 5,700 years ago....
and Naches
Naches, Washington
Naches is a town in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 795 individuals at the 2010 census.-Infrastructure:Naches' infrastructure is based mainly on timber and agriculture, known for its large masses of apple, cherries, pears and various other fruits.-Geography:Naches is...
. Because of the high elevation, Cayuse Pass is usually closed in November due to very heavy snow and significant avalanche
Avalanche
An avalanche is a sudden rapid flow of snow down a slope, occurring when either natural triggers or human activity causes a critical escalating transition from the slow equilibrium evolution of the snow pack. Typically occurring in mountainous terrain, an avalanche can mix air and water with the...
danger. It usually opens in mid May and is not uncommon to have a snow depth at the summit of up to 15 feet.
As part of the All-American Road program, Route 410 through Cayuse Pass has been designated by the U.S. government as the Chinook Scenic Byway.