Basics
- Location:
- Starts 41 miles southeast of Seattle in Enumclaw and travels through Mt. Rainer National Park and Mt. Baker-Snowqualmie & Wenatchee National Forest
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 85 miles (136 km)
- Time:
- 3 hours to drive the Byway
- Season:
- Full access is May 26th-December 6 th, best seen July-August
- Fees:
- Some campgrounds charge fees.
Description
The Chinook Scenic Byway follows glacialy fed rivers and streams flowing through wide and flowered alpine valleys, hedged by the pristine and rugged forests of Mt. Baker-Snowqualmie and Wenatchee National Forest. Mt. Raineer sits in the background for the entire drive and is mirrored closely in many reflecting pools and lakes along the way.
The Chinook Scenic Byway starts in Enumclaw which is 41 miles southeast of Seattle. The drive travels east to Naches on HWY 410 for 85 miles through Mt. Rainer National Park and Mt. Baker-Snowqualmie & Wenatchee National Forest. The byway is multi-directional and travels over the Cayuse and Chinook mountain passes.
Plan pleanty of time for distractions like walking through the old growth forest surrounding The Dalles Campground or riding the ski lift at Crystal Mountain. Stop at the Skookum Flats Trail along the White River for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Sunrise Visitor's Lodge finds you at the northeastern slope of Mt. Rainier and gives access to great day hikes treading in seclusion with old forests and winding rivers. The most popular hike along the drive is the Boulder Cave Nature Trail, which is great for all ages; hike a half-mile to a natural stone tunnel nearly 200 feet long!
