Definition
Washington Pass is a high-elevation mountain pass located in the North Cascades of Washington State, United States. The pass carries Washington State Route 20 (the North Cascades Highway) across the Cascade Range.
Overview
The pass lies at an elevation of approximately 5,477 feet (1,669 m) above sea level and is situated roughly 15 miles (24 km) southeast of the town of Mazama in Okanogan County. It marks the highest point on the 400‑mile stretch of State Route 20 between the western and eastern gateways of the Cascades. The surrounding area is part of the North Cascades National Park Complex and the broader Cascade Range, characterized by steep, rugged terrain, extensive alpine meadows, and a climate that includes heavy winter snowfall.
Washington Pass is a critical transportation corridor, providing the most direct paved route between the Seattle–Puget Sound region and the interior of Washington, including the cities of Spokane and the Palouse. The road is subject to seasonal closures, typically from late November through early May, when snow accumulation and avalanche risk exceed safe operating limits. When open, the pass offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks such as Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, and the Pasayten Wilderness.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Washington Pass” derives directly from the state of Washington, itself named in honor of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The designation reflects a common practice of naming geographic features after the state or notable national figures, rather than indicating a specific historical event or individual associated with the pass.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Elevation | ~5,477 ft (1,669 m) |
| Geographic Coordinates | Approximately 48°48′N 120°55′W |
| Road | Washington State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway), paved two‑lane road with numerous switchbacks and steep grades (up to ~6 %). |
| Seasonal Access | Typically closed during winter months due to heavy snow and avalanche danger; reopening dates vary yearly based on snowpack and road clearing operations. |
| Climate | Subarctic mountain climate; average winter snowfall exceeds 500 in (12.7 m); summers are cool and dry, with high diurnal temperature variation. |
| Flora & Fauna | Alpine meadow ecosystems, subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana); wildlife includes black bears, marmots, pikas, and a variety of bird species. |
| Recreational Use | Scenic driving, photography, hiking (e.g., the Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby), backcountry camping, and historically, downhill skiing at the former Washington Pass Ski Area (operational from the 1930s to the 1960s). |
| Safety Features | Avalanche control programs, weather monitoring stations, and periodic rockfall mitigation measures. |
Related Topics
- North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) – The highway that traverses Washington Pass and connects the western and eastern sides of the state.
- Washington Pass Ski Area – A defunct ski operation that existed near the pass from the 1930s until the early 1960s; remnants of its infrastructure remain visible.
- Cascade Range – The major mountain range extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California.
- Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass – Other prominent mountain passes in Washington State that also serve major highway routes.
- North Cascades National Park Complex – A protected area encompassing national parks, wilderness areas, and forest lands surrounding the pass.
- Mazama, Washington – The nearest community to Washington Pass, serving as a gateway for travelers and outdoor recreation.
All information presented reflects current, verifiable data from United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) road reports, and published climatological records.