The beautiful Chinook Scenic Byway is one of the most stunning scenic drives in Washington State. On June 8, 1998, it was designated an All-American Road by the Department of Transportation (DOT). So, what is an All-American Road? According to DOT, the byway is considered a “destination unto itself.” Basically, the traveling experience is so exceptional that driving the highway is the reason for the trip.
Videos by TravelAwaits
In the case of the Chinook Scenic Byway (PDF), that is so true. Visitors can traverse the 92 miles on State Route 410 as a day trip or spend several days exploring the area. The drive follows the glacier-fed White River from the charming town of Enumclaw through dense old-growth forests over the Chinook Pass through the fertile Naches Valley ending in the town of Naches. Along the way, encounter sparkling alpine lakes, glacial peaks, meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer, and of course, Mount Rainier which appears throughout the route.
Pro Tip: Enumclaw is the starting point and a good place to top off on gas as there are limited gas stations along the byway.
1. Enumclaw
This is such a darling small town. Downtown Enumclaw has streets closed off, so it is very walkable with breweries, a wine bar, boutiques, and a vibrant food scene. The town is on a plateau surrounded by forests, mountains, and farmland. Start your day here with a hearty breakfast at either The Kettle or Charlie’s, both famed for their large portions.
Pinnacle Peak Park
Located in the rural area of town, the route to Pinnacle Peak Park takes you through pastoral farms with Mount Rainier in the background. The peak is actually a volcanic cone and the hike to the top is challenging but worth it for the stellar views. The Cal Magnusson Trail climbs 1,000 feet within a mile, making it a very steep hike.
Logging Legacy Memorial
The Logging Legacy Memorial is an impressive bronze statue of a logger and a pair of oxen towing a large log. It is by local artist Dan Snider and it is massive, weighing over 12,000 pounds. Cast by the Bronze Works in Tacoma, it cost over $500,000. It honors the 8,000 dead and 65,000 injured loggers over the last 100 years.
2. Federation Forest State Park
This was one of my favorite stops on the byway. Federation Forest State Park came about due to the hard work of the Washington Chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. They were concerned about the rapid deforestation that was taking place in the area. The club raised enough money to purchase the initial land from a logging company. Over the years, the holdings increased with the park now encompassing 574 acres of old-growth forest. When visitors hike the nearly 12 miles of trails, they will encounter huge specimens of western red cedar, Douglas fir, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce trees. The interpretive center is open on weekends and is surrounded by a native plant garden.
3. Greenwater
Blink and you will miss tiny Greenwater, a hamlet that was a stop on the historic Naches Trail. It is surrounded by dense forest and is the last town before Chinook Pass. Make sure to stop at Wapiti Outdoors which is famed for their Wapiti Woolies. These hats are handmade from 100 percent virgin wool in the rural villages of Nepal and made to withstand the harsh conditions of Mount Everest. After shopping, drop into the onsite coffee shop before continuing on the byway.
4. Skookum Falls Viewpoint
The Skookum Falls Viewpoint is a pull-off from State Route 410. It is a quick stop for photos. On the day I visited during July, it was barely visible. I was disappointed not to see dramatic falls, but the scenic White River was a nice substitute for the views. It flows past the viewpoint with the sound of rushing water which is so calming. It is a nice stop to stretch your legs.
Pro Tip: Pacific Northwest waterfalls are best viewed in the spring when melting snow brings the water to its peak flow. The Chinook Scenic Byway doesn’t open until it’s plowed in late spring or early summer, but if you visit right after it opens, you’ll still have a pretty high water flow at the waterfalls.
5. Crystal Mountain Resort
The Crystal Mountain Resort is not just for skiing. During the summer months, it becomes an outdoor adventure center with a variety of fun activities for all ages and abilities. Visitors will find some of the best views of Mount Rainier from the summit.
Mount Rainier Gondola
The Mount Rainier Gondola is the gateway to the resort’s summer activities. Take this scenic gondola to the summit and climb over 2,400 vertical feet. At the top, enjoy a stunning panorama of the jaw-dropping Cascade Range, including Mount Rainier. Make sure to dress in layers as weather changes constantly in the mountains and it can get chilly even in the summer.
Summit House Restaurant
The Summit House Restaurant, at an elevation of 6,872 feet, is the highest elevation restaurant in Washington. Guests will dine about the clouds with stellar views of the Cascades while enjoying northwestern cuisine made from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Pro Tip: Book a farm-to-mountain dinner experience at the Summit. Reserve your ticket now to enjoy a carefully curated menu. The dinner is multi-course and highlights high-quality, fresh local ingredients. Tickets include dinner and a gondola ticket.
6. Mount Rainier National Park
The Chinook Scenic Byway passes through portions of Mount Rainier National Park and visitors can take detours from the byway to access the popular areas of Sunrise and Paradise. Be aware that the park is extremely crowded during summer months. The Sunrise parking lot fills up pretty quickly. On my last trip, it was full when I passed the turnoff around 10 a.m. It is a fairly steep and winding road to Sunrise, so signs are posted when it is full. Cars are held at the entrance gate and released on a one-out, one-in basis. There is so much to see and do on the Chinook Scenic Byway that you can skip Sunrise if it is full.
Be sure to check out the 7 Tips For Avoiding Crowds At Mount Rainier National Park.
7. Tipsoo Lake
The beautiful Tipsoo Lake is one of my favorite stops in Mount Rainier National Park and the Chinook Scenic Byway, and it is super easy to access from State Route 410. There is a parking lot with restrooms and you can access the trail around the lake. The 0.70-mile loop trail circling Tipsoo Lake is an easy walk and relatively flat. The glacier-carved basin is filled with subalpine wildflower meadows that peak in July and early August. Make sure to stay on the trail to avoid packing down the meadows and hindering future wildflowers.
Another option is to drive past the parking lot on State Route 410 until you are up the mountain. There is additional parking alongside the highway. From here, visitors have outstanding views of Mount Rainier and Tipsoo Lake. If the conditions all line up, Mount Rainier will be reflected in the lake — definitely the money shot! This area gets heavy snowfall with it lingering into June. At the time of my visit, the snow was all melted. This stop is considered one of the most photographed natural sites in the country. It is easy to see why with the stunning natural beauty of the area around such easy access.
Tipsoo Lake makes a good turnaround point on the Chinook Scenic Byway for a day trip. You can also continue on the byway into the town of Naches where the byway ends. I like to continue on to the White Pass Scenic Byway, which completes a full circle around Mount Rainier.
Related Reading:
