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Blewett Pass: Highway 97, Wenatchee Mountains, Washington
Photo: Thayne Tuason · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Washington Central Washington

Blewett Pass: Highway 97

US 97 · Highway 970 junction near Cle Elum → US-2 junction near Leavenworth

Leisurely34 mi35 min2,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,100 ftOne way
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The drive

US 97 crosses the Wenatchee Mountains at Blewett Pass, 4,102 feet, between the Highway 970 junction near Cle Elum and US 2 near Leavenworth. This drive runs north. The road climbs in long, sweeping grades through pine forest along Swauk Creek, crosses the summit, and descends along Peshastin Creek.

North of the summit the forest shows the scar of the Labor Mountain Fire, which closed the pass for more than two weeks, the longest closure in its history.

The drive is easy: gentle curves, a climb of about 2,100 feet, and about 35 minutes. It is a common shortcut between I-90 and the Cascade Loop towns.

Along the way

  1. Highway 970 junction near Cle Elum
  2. Blewett Pass summit
  3. US-2 junction near Leavenworth
Elevation
2,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,100 ft
Highway 970 junction near Cle ElumUS-2 junction near Leavenworth
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Highway 970 junction near Cle ElumUS-2 junction near Leavenworth
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The pass is kept open in winter, but traction tires or chains can be required after snow.
  • The burn scar north of the summit means hazard-tree work can bring occasional closures; check the WSDOT travel map before you go.
  • Alternate routes when the pass is closed are US 2 over Stevens Pass and SR 28 through Wenatchee and Quincy.
  • There are few services on the pass itself; fuel up in Cle Elum or Leavenworth.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check WSDOT: Blewett Pass.

Questions about this drive

How long does Blewett Pass on US 97 take?

The Highway 970 junction to US 2 near Leavenworth on US 97 is 34.2 miles and takes about 35 min.

Is Blewett Pass open in winter?

Yes. WSDOT keeps US 97 open over Blewett Pass in winter, though traction tires or chains can be required after snow.

How high is Blewett Pass?

Blewett Pass on US 97 is 4,102 feet.

Was Blewett Pass closed by a fire?

Yes. Wildfire has closed US 97 over Blewett Pass for weeks before, and burn-scar work and winter weather can still close the pass, so check WSDOT before you go.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Blewett Pass: Highway 97, from Highway 970 junction near Cle Elum to US-2 junction near Leavenworth