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 [1], 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.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/south-cascades/mount-rainier-national-park