commenced later, and took longer. The two sides did not meet until 1931 at Tipsoo Lake near the summit. Recreation From 1940 to 59, Chinook Pass was one of the top ski areas in the state, with a season that ran from December to June. There were numerous non-permanent rope tows that extended from Cayuse Pass to the Tipsoo Lake area. The requirement that they were temporary tows was made by the Mount Rainier National Park so the lifts could be removed when the snow melted in the summer months. With the state government plans to no longer keep Chinook Pass open during the winter months and the opening of White Pass Ski Area, lift skiing ended. It is still a very popular area for backcountry telemark skiing and snowboarding from May to July. Tipsoo Lake is located just a few hundred meters from the summit, with a picnic area and a trail going around the lake, is one of the most photographed landscapes in the United States. Chinook Pass is also a trailhead to the Pacific Crest Trail, providing access to Dewey Lake and Cougar Lake (in the William O. Douglas Wilderness), Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, and the Norse Peak Wilderness. The Naches Peak Loop is a trail route that goes around Naches Peak, containing a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail. See also Cayuse Pass External links Chinook Pass at the Washington State Department of Transportation website Pass opening and closure dates for Chinook Pass, Cayuse Pass, and North Cascades Highway at the Washington State Department of Transportation website ChinookPass.com for Chinook Pass road conditions and Mount Rainier National Park news Mountain passes of Washington (state) Mountain passes of the Cascades Landforms of Pierce County, Washington Landforms of Yakima County, Washington Transportation in Pierce County, Washington Transportation in Yakima County, Washington Tourist attractions in Pierce County, Washington Tourist attractions in Yakima County, Washington