Trip report by: Denis Du Bois
"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
When spring arrives, so does the window of opportunity for skiing Chinook Pass. This chance comes only twice a year. The other time is in the fall, just after the snow starts flying.
When Cayuse Pass (Hwy 410 east of Enumclaw) opens, but the adjoining Chinook Pass is still closed, there is a month of excellent skiing and telemarking on Chinook Pass and Naches Peak.
Cayuse Pass usually opens in April, and Chinook Pass typically remains skiable up until Memorial Day weekend.
This is a fun trail because it starts above 4500 feet, where there's plenty of snow, even when the days turn warm and sunny. The views of Rainier can be awesome, and the bowls are big.
Getting there: Drive highway 410 from Enumclaw to the top of Cayuse Pass and park there.
Rather than skiing the highway, which has severe avalanche hazards, follow the safer trail that begins downhill from the intersection and stays in the trees, rejoining the highway at Tipsoo Lake. Stay away from the avalanche chutes on the east side of Chinook Pass and Naches Peak. Get the current avalanche and pass reports before you go.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.
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