yakima to emumclaw Washington

[Road_Phantom]

Hi, we will be on route 90 in August heading west from Idaho to Enumclaw and wondered if route 12 to 410 over the chinook pass is a good alternative as far as steep grades go compared to the Snoqualmie pass. I don't mind the longer ride if it's an easier ride.

[legsnred]

410 Chinook Pass is by far the shortest route and a pretty drive but is also the most curves and climbs. Hwy 12 White Pass is the longest drive and curves and climbs but also a very pretty drive, I-90 is freeway driving no bad curves and lowest elevation pass but 18 can be terrible traffic jam.

[ppine]

Snoqaulmie is built to interstate standards. It is fast and easy. My grandfather talked about driving the old road when it was dirt in Model A and there were 34 stream crossings. It is only a little over 3,000 feet.

Chinook and White Passes are why we take the lesser traveled roads in the West. Sure it is slower but a wonderful road to experience.

[HuckleberryHunt]

Agree. I-90 to hwy 18 is the better of the routes for ease of travel, but Chinook is beautiful and scenic.

[obgraham]

Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 is a much "easier" drive. The grades are gentler, the curves less, and the road is 4-lane. With plenty of traffic.

Chinook Pass is a 2-lane roadway with some long pulls and some interesting curves and "edges". It is, however, a much more interesting drive than I-90, and is driven by RV's of all persuasions all the time.

Oh, and just west of Yakima, near Naches, you'll find fantastic fruit stands!