Snoqualmie Pass

Understand

At 3,015 feet, Snoqualmie Pass is Seattle's closest access to winter recreation. The Summit at Snoqualmie resort consists of four ski areas, which were created as separate resorts, but merged over the years into an interconnected group of bases.

The stretch of I-90 to and from Snoqualmie Pass is also known as the Mountains to Sound Greenway, the first interstate designated as a National Scenic Byway. In the summer, the pass is a hub for hikers and climbers.

Trails have existed over Snoqualmie Pass for centuries, as it was well-known to the Native Americans living in the Snoqualmie and Yakima valleys. In the 1850s, American settlers were looking for better ways to cross the Cascades into Puget Sound, and quickly identified the pass as the superior route for pack trains and wagons. The first road was constructed in 1867, and incrementally improved over the next century. When the interstate was built in 1969, crossing the pass became easy. Today, millions of vehicles go over the pass every year, making this route Seattle's most vital link to the rest of the country.

Get in

By car

Interstate 90 (I-90) is the only road through the pass, connecting Seattle (55 miles west) to Ellensburg (50 miles east) and Spokane. Exit 52 is near Alpental and Summit West, Exit 53 is near Summit Central, and Exit 54 (Hyak) is near Summit East.

In the summer, traffic can be a problem during major holiday weekends.

In the winter months, heavy fog, rain, and snow are all commonplace. I-90 stays open during the winter, but sometimes closes during storms or for avalanche control. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation for winter travel information.

By bike

By foot

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends along the west coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. Snoqualmie Pass is an important supply stop between two of the more remote sections of trail.

By ski bus

During ski season, several ski buses leave in the morning from Seattle, Bellevue, and North Bend, and return in the afternoon.

Get around

During ski season, Summit at Snoqualmie runs the free Summit Shuttle between the main bases.

Stay safe

The Cascades see significant snow accumulation during the winter, which persists well into the summer. Avalanches trigger frequently, especially during warming periods. If you're venturing past the boundaries of the actively-maintained resort, refer to the Northwest Avalanche Center for current avalanche information.

The Cascades are habitat for black bears. There have been fewer than a dozen bear attacks in Washington in the last century, but hikers need to know about bear safety. Ask a park ranger for local advice.

Go next

• Seattle — the largest city in the Pacific Northwest
• North Bend — the nearest town to the west, made famous by Twin Peaks
• Cle Elum — the nearest town to the east

Make a loop back across the mountains:

• Blewett Pass (US-97) to Stevens Pass Highway (US-2) — the next pass to the north
• Chinook Pass (WA-410) through Mount Rainier National Park — the next pass to the south

Explore the other ski resorts in the Washington Cascades:

• Mount Baker — holder of the world record for most snowfall. Elevation 3,500–5,089 ft
• Stevens Pass — the biggest terrain within two hours of Seattle. Elevation 3,500–5,089 ft
• Mission Ridge — on the eastern slopes, with more sunshine than the other resorts. Elevation 4,570-6,820 ft
• Crystal Mountain — just east of Mount Rainier, with close-up views of the big mountain. Elevation 4,400–7,012 ft
• White Pass — a relaxed atmosphere for all abilities. Elevation 4,500-6,550 ft

Snoqualmie Pass is on the Mountains to Sound Greenway.