2 passes set to reopen along scenic highways through Pierce County. Here’s when
Two passes in the Mount Rainier National Park area will reopen for the season next week.
According to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation, the state Route 410/Chinook Pass and state Route 123/Cayuse Pass will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 22.
“When the gates open, park visitors can travel SR 410/Chinook Pass between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, about 12 miles northwest of the summit, and Morse Creek, five miles east of the summit,” the release said. “SR 123/Cayuse Pass will open within the park boundaries between the southern park entrance near Packwood, WA and the SR 410 junction.”
Both passes close every winter because of snow levels and avalanche dangers, the release said. Crews have finished clearing both highways, and workers from the National Park Service are wrapping up work on Stevens Canyon Road and Sunrise Park Road.
“As a reminder, all commercial vehicles are prohibited from traveling through Mount Rainier National Park, which includes sections of SR 123 and SR 410,” the release said.
To track road closures before heading to the park, visit www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/road-status.
