Chinook Pass
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The highest of the Cascade mountain passes, Chinook Pass rises more than a mile above sea level (5,440 feet) on Highway 410. Just west of the pass, the highway enters Mount Rainier National Park, passing Tipsoo Lake, one of the most beautiful and easily accessed Cascade alpine lakes. Enjoy a picnic lunch here against a striking Mt. Rainier backdrop.
More adventurous folks will enjoy the Naches Peak Loop, a 3.5-mile hike that skirts the lakeshore and then circles this mountain. Part of this loop follows the Pacific Crest Trail.
Boulder Cave is up a forest road just west of the little settlement of Cliffdell on Highway 410. Take a flashlight to explore this tunnel-like cavern.
More than a dozen other Forest Service campgrounds can be found just off Highway 410 between the national park and the town of Naches. Some are free; others charge $8–12. These are only available on a first-come, first-camp basis.
© Ericka Chickowski from Moon Washington, 8th edition
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