Drive the Chinook Scenic Byway

Hit the Road

From Enumclaw, head east on the Chinook Scenic Byway (Highway 410). Although it’s a beautiful route, with more than a fair share of windshield views, there are a few places worth a stop along this first stretch of the road. At the top of that list is Federation Forest State Park (parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/federation-forest-state-park), which is located about 15 miles east of downtown Enumclaw.

There’s accessible parking in the large lot, with level access over to the visitor center and the trailhead. The Whispering Hemlocks Loop Trail, which is the most accessible trail in the park, begins just to the left of the visitor center. This wide level hard-packed dirt trail is covered in crushed gravel, and winds through a shady slice of the forest. There are interpretive plaques along the way and a few benches tucked in secluded nooks here and there. This .3-mile loop trail offers a pleasant stroll through the forest, and it’s an excellent choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

And if you’d like to stop for lunch, there’s also a nice picnic area in the park. The main park road loops through the picnic area, and about midway along there’s an accessible family restroom with accessible parking nearby. From there it’s just a short level walk to a shaded accessible picnic table.

As you continue east on the byway, be on the lookout for Skookum Falls Viewpoint on the right. It’s easy to miss as the signs aren’t always visible from the road, but it’s located about eight miles east of Greenwater. There’s a small paved parking lot at the viewpoint, with room for an adapted van to parallel park. To be honest, this is more of a river view; however you can usually spot the falls in the distance. Take your binoculars!

Mount Rainier Visit

The byway continues south through the forest; and just after it passes the turnoff to Crystal Mountain Resort, it enters Mount Rainier National Park. At this point, keep your eyes peeled to the west for some impressive views of Mount Rainier. There’s a small turnout between mileage markers 63 and 64 that’s worth a stop. There’s no paved parking, but it’s easy to parallel park and get a great view of the mountain from your vehicle. But to be honest, you’ll catch some great views all along this leg of the trip.

Although it’s a slight detour off the byway, a stop at Mount Rainier National Park is highly recommend. Just take the The White River Entrance south of Crystal Creek, and follow the 11.5-mile road to Sunrise — the highest point in the park navigable by vehicle.

At the top of the road, you’ll find the visitor center on the far side of the parking lot. The accessible entrance is on the side, and there’s barrier-free access throughout the building which is filled with exhibits on the surrounding area. The highlight of the visitor center is the Mount Rainier view, which can be had from the far window. And if you’d like a closer look, there’s an accessible scope set up near the window. There’s an equally good view outside, near the picnic tables to the left of the building.

On the way back down the hill be sure and stop at Sunrise Point, which is located on the last switchback before the top. There’s a paved lot in the middle of the switchback, or you can pull over on the side of the road. Either way, you’ll get a beautiful view.

More Mount Rainier Views

After you’ve explored the Sunrise area, head back down the mountain and rejoin Highway 410. Continue south through the park and be on the lookout for more gorgeous Mount Rainier views on the west side of the road. When you come to the junction oh Highway 410 and Highway 123, continue east on Highway 410 towards Chinook Pass. There’s no shortage of windshield views along this stretch of the byway, but make sure and stop at Tipsoo Lake for a closer look at the landscape.

Located near the summit, this stop boasts a large picnic area and trailhead. There’s accessible parking near the accessible vault toilet, and near a few usable tables in the picnic area. There’s no view of the namesake lake from the parking area; however there are some great mountain views. Even if you don’t park the car, it’s worth a quick drive-through.

As you approach Chinook Pass (5,432 feet), you’ll pass under a pedestrian bridge that crosses the byway; and just up ahead there’ a pullout on the right. There are spots to parallel park in the lot, and there’s a lowered wall nearby to afford wheelchair-users a better view. And if you need to use the facilities, there’s an accessible vault toilet in the parking lot across the street.

A Scenic Drive

After Chinook Pass, the byway winds down the mountain, past the turnoff to Bumping Lake and through the evergreen forest. As it descends to a lower altitude, you’ll spot deciduous trees and the Naches River flowing alongside the road. It’s an especially scenic drive in the fall, with the changing colors.

There’s no shortage of pullouts along the route, so feel free to pull over and take in the scenery. It’s also a great route for photographers. Additionally, there’s a nice rest stop about 24 miles from Chinook Pass on the east side of the road. Technically it’s the trailhead for the Mather Memorial Parkway Nature Trail; however there are also accessible vault toilets near the accessible parking area at this site. It’s a nice spot to take a break, but keep in mind that it may be closed near the end of the season.

A Historic Lodge

Just down the road in Cliffdell, Whistlin’ Jack’s Outpost and Lodge (www.whistlinjacks.com), is also worth a stop. A Washington state icon since 1957, the lodge was named for the the whistling warning sounds made by marmots, which later became associated with the local lumberjacks. There’s accessible parking in front of the office with level access over to the gift shop and restaurant. It makes a nice lunch stop, or even a spot for a short break. There’s a pleasant river view from the restaurant, and a few picnic tables outside on a level grassy area.

And although the lodge doesn’t have any wheelchair-accessible rooms, Room 1 may work for some slow walkers. There’s standard parking in front of the room; however there’s some additional space on one side. The room has a one-inch lip at the threshold but it has a wide door, lever handles and laminate flooring. It’s furnished with a 26-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with plenty of room on both sides, two night stands, a wardrobe, an easy chair and a desk with a chair. There’s also a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee maker and a table with two chairs.

The bathroom has a sliding pocket door with a 29-inch clearance, but there’s not enough room for a wheelchair inside the bathroom. It includes a large low-step shower (three inch lip) that measures 58 inches by 28 inches. There are no grab bars in the shower, but the toilet has a grab bar on the right side (as seated). And there’s a standard sink and mirror just outside of the bathroom. Again, the room is not wheelchair-accessible, but it may work for some slow walkers.