Drives Washington Mount Rainier and the South Cascades
Cayuse Pass: Highway 123
WA 123, Cayuse Pass · US 12 junction → Cayuse Pass
The drive
Highway 123 runs north from US 12 near Packwood into Mount Rainier National Park past the old forest at Ohanapecosh, before climbing the valley wall through a short tunnel to 4,694-foot Cayuse Pass. At the top it meets Highway 410, which is the start of the Chinook Pass drive.
The road is mostly sweeping curves.
It is 16 miles and takes about 25 minutes.
Along the way
- US 12 junction (Packwood)
- Ohanapecosh
- Cayuse Pass
Good to know
- The road closes for winter, typically from November until late May; the park expects Highway 123 to close in mid to late November.
- The tunnel on this route has a height limit of 13 feet 1 inch.
- Commercial vehicles are prohibited on Highway 123 and 410 through the national park.
Closed north of Stevens Canyon Road from about November to late May. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Mount Rainier National Park: road status.
Questions about this drive
When does Cayuse Pass close for winter?
Highway 123 over Cayuse Pass closes for the winter, and the park expects it to close in mid to late November. It typically reopens in late May.
How long does the Highway 123 drive to Cayuse Pass take?
The US 12 junction at Packwood to Cayuse Pass is 16 miles and takes about 25 minutes.
Can trucks drive Highway 123 through Mount Rainier?
No. Commercial vehicles are prohibited on sections of Highway 123 and 410 inside the national park. The tunnel height limit is 13 feet 1 inch.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.