Washington Reopens Chinook and Cayuse Passes
The Washington State Department of Transportation reopened both mountain passes following brief closures due to snow.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Current Conditions
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The Washington State Department of Transportation has reopened Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass to traffic. The routes were closed following heavy snowfall and vehicle collisions.
Why it matters
The rapid reopening restores critical mountain access for regional travelers. It highlights the volatile nature of travel through high-elevation corridors as winter weather begins to impact mountain pass safety.
The Washington State Department of Transportation reopened both State Route 410-Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass. Both roads were closed on October 25 following heavy snowfall and multiple collisions.
The players
Washington State Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the construction and maintenance of road systems throughout Washington, including the management of mountain pass closures.
The details
Officials performed a reassessment of current road conditions before clearing the routes for traffic. Motorists are advised that winter weather is forecast for mountain passes throughout the week of October 26, 2026.
Timeline
October 25, 2026, 5 p.m.: Chinook Pass closed due to snowfall and collisions.
October 25, 2026: Cayuse Pass closed.
October 26, 2026, 1 p.m.: Both mountain passes reopened to the public.
Week of October 26, 2026: Winter weather is forecast for mountain passes.
Mid-November to early December: Chinook Pass is expected to close for the winter season.
Seasonal Patterns
This reopening follows standard Washington State Department of Transportation winter mountain pass closure protocols. It reflects the recurring cycle of short-term weather disruptions before the permanent winter closure of high-elevation routes.
Drivers planning to traverse mountain passes should monitor local forecasts for incoming winter weather systems throughout the week. Travelers can check real-time road conditions through the official department portal before departing.
The takeaway
Travelers should remain prepared for sudden, weather-driven road closures as winter conditions take hold in higher elevations. Always check road status updates before venturing into mountain areas during late autumn.
What happens next
Chinook Pass is scheduled to close for the winter season at some point between mid-November and early December 2026.
Further reading
For more information on current road statuses, visit Washington Current Conditions.
More information
For up-to-date travel alerts, check the real-time mountain pass conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Courier-Herald.
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Do you make it a habit to check real-time mountain pass conditions before driving in winter?
