Chinook Scenic Byway - Enjoy the majesty of Mt. Rainier and the Central Cascade Mountains of Washington State

chinook Scenic Byway in the State of Washington Recognized as the premier driving tour in Washington State, the Chinook Scenic Byway travels through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Experience the diverse landscape of the Central Cascades, from Enumclaw and the glacier-fed White River Valley to the west, up and over 5,430’ Chinook Pass, to the fertile valley of Naches to the east. Spectacular views of Mount Rainier, dense forests, towering peaks, rocky ridges and river canyons dominate this journey. Pass by the unique basalt flows of the Columbia Plateau, old growth forests, lush subalpine meadows, a world-class ski area and numerous streams, lakes and waterfalls. Not only will you find breathtaking scenery,
but endless opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation await.

View incredible 360° photos taken along the Byway

News Along the Byway

If you see tagged butterflies in the mountains this summer, please report the sightings for Butterfly Safari Project through Cowiche Canyon Conservancy which is tracking their migration from CCC’s Snow Mountain Ranch Preserve to the Cascades and back.

June 2013 Recreation Report from the Naches Ranger Station

Governor Jay Inslee signs the bill authorizing the extension of Chinook Scenic Byway to Enumclaw's city limits - read more

2013 Events Along the Byway

June 29	Summer operations begin at Crystal Mountain
July 6	Rock n Roll Party & Outdoor BBQ at Crystal Mountain
July 13	Mt. Rainier Wine Festival at the Alpine Inn at Crystal Mountain
July 26-28	Enumclaw Street Fair
July 27	White River 50 Mile Run
Sept 13-15	Chinook Fest

More News

Experience the Majesty of Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier reigns over the mighty Cascade Mountains and has been the spiritual center and focus of local Native American culture for thousands of years. Its majesty continues to touch the lives of all who visit today. The byway traverses the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park along the corridor between Naches and Enumclaw. The diverse landscape varies from the open views of talus and basaltic rock formations in the east to the dense forest and vegetative cover in the west.

Marvel at Washington's Wildlife

Wildlife and plant species abound in the woods and meadows of Mount Rainier National Park and the two surrounding National Forests that incorporate the Chinook Scenic Byway. Visitors to the Byway may see some of the 63 species of mammals that make areas of the Byway their home, including mountain goats, black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, marmots, coyotes and ground squirrels. Birders won’t be disappointed—163 species of birds reside in the areas along the Byway, including owls, bald eagles and northern goshawks.

Explore the Byway's Trails

Spectacular views of waterfalls, wild rivers and mountaintops are accessible to visitors who explore the hundreds of miles of trails along the Chinook Scenic Byway. You can hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride; you can snowshoe, cross-country ski or snowmobile. You can backpack on trails for weeks in the wilderness areas along the Byway, or stay put alongside a high mountain lake. Discover perfect solitude or make perfect memories with your family along the Byway.