Chinook Pass Summit Viewpoint - Mather Memorial Parkway - Washington
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 46° 52.459 W 121° 30.970
10T E 613072 N 5192266
An incredible 360 view of the mountains up on Chinook Pass. This is at the Summit of Highway 410, Chinook Pass - Elev. 5400'. There is also an access point to the Pacific Crest Trail at this location.
Waymark Code: WM3WJN
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 05/26/2008
Views: 17
This is an incredible viewpoint with 360 degree views of the Cascades of Mt. Rainier National Park. The entrance (not the fee entrance) is a 1/2 mile or so down the road. There are several signs telling you how the glacial valley was formed. Across the highway are restrooms and a trailhead that connects you into the Pacific Crest Trail and also takes you up to Sheep Lake. The area surrounding the immediate viewpoint is covered in wildflowers through most of July and August, so come and enjoy!
According to byways.org, it was "Stephen T. Mather, first director of the National Park Service, who first suggested the creation of "A Cascade Parkway" to preserve the natural beauty along the approach highway leading to the northeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park." The parkway is named in his honor.
Chinook pass closes for the winter in November and typically reopens in mid-May. The best time to see wildflowers in late July.
Program: America's Byways
Website: [Web Link]
Official Name: Chinook Scenic Byway: Mather Parkway Tour
|
Visit Instructions:
Please give a brief description of your visit. Maybe why you were there, what you found interesting, or something along those lines. Photos are also encouraged. Although the only requirement to log a visit to a waymark in this category is to physically visit the location, the photos and extra information you can provide about the area is very helpful to future visitors.