Stevens Pass

Understand

Stevens Pass is one of the most popular skiing destinations within driving distance of Seattle. The snow is typical of most Cascade resorts, which tends to be a more wet "Cascade Concrete" than typical of inland resorts. Cloud cover is the norm during the Pacific Northwest winter. Many days the slopes are fogged in, and there are few days of riding in the sunshine.

History

Stevens Pass is named after John Frank Stevens, who surveyed the region in search of a pass across the Cascades for the Great Northern Railway. The railway was built here shortly after, becoming one of the few connections of Western Washington to the rest of the country.

Keeping the railway clear of snow was a great challenge, as the pass is prone to large snowfalls and frequent avalanches. The railroad founded the service town of Wellington on the west side of the pass, to help keep the railway clear in winter. However, in 1910 a massive avalanche buried a train already stuck in snow, the deadliest avalanche in US history. A tunnel was soon built to bypass the worst avalanche terrain, and Wellington (renamed Tye) was abandoned.

Get in

By car

US-2, commonly called the Stevens Pass Highway, crosses the pass. The pass is 64 miles east of Everett. From Seattle and Bellevue, the most direct way is to take SR-522 north to Monroe, where it ends at US-2.

For Seattle residents, Leavenworth is a popular weekend getaway, and Stevens Pass is a major ski resort. Because of this, traffic is notoriously bad on weekends. Expect traffic delays eastbound on Saturday mornings, and westbound on Sunday afternoons.

Stevens Pass Highway sometimes closes for avalanche control. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for winter travel information.

By foot

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

Go next

Drive further along US-2:

• Seattle — where the builders of the pass were trying to get to.
• Leavenworth — the "Bavarian" village nestled in the mountains.

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
• Mission Ridge — on the eastern slopes, with more sunshine than the other resorts. Elevation 4,570-6,820 ft
• Snoqualmie Pass — the closest ski resort to Seattle. Elevation 2,610–5,420 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

Stevens Pass is on the North Cascade Loop itinerary.