Cayuse Pass (el. ) is a
mountain pass in the
Cascade Mountains
The Cascade Range or Cascades is a major mountain range of western North America, extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California. It includes both non-volcanic mountains, such as the North Cascades, ...
in the state of
Washington.
The pass is about southeast of
Enumclaw
Enumclaw ( ) is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 12,543 at the 2020 census.
The Enumclaw Plateau, on which the city resides, was formed by a volcanic mudflow (lahar) from Mount Rainier approximately 5,700 ye ...
on
State Route 410. The intersection with
State Route 123 is at the pass.
The pass carries State Route 410 and State Route 123 between
Packwood and Enumclaw. Because of the high elevation, Cayuse Pass is usually closed in November due to very heavy snow and significant
avalanche
An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, such as a hill or mountain.
Avalanches can be set off spontaneously, by such factors as increased precipitation or snowpack weakening, or by external means such as humans, animals, and ear ...
danger. It usually opens in mid-May, and is not uncommon to have a snow depth at the summit of up to .
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.
External links
WSDOT website for Cayuse pass
Mountain passes of Washington (state)
Mountain passes of the Cascades
Landforms of Pierce County, Washington
Transportation in Pierce County, Washington
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