This Washington Mountain Pass And Lake Is One Of The Best Places To View Summer Wildflowers
By Rachel Raimondi|Published July 10, 2023
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Rachel Raimondi
Author
Writer some days, editor other days, nerd all days. Love to travel to lesser-known spots and give them the love they deserve. Independently owned motor inns, Mom and Pop restaurants, uncrowded National Parks and trails.
In between these, spend my free time virtually adventuring through point-and-click games. Native New Yorker but can frequently be found roaming other parts of the United States.
The Chinook Pass Scenic Byway is a 96-mile road that runs from Enumclaw to Naches. Along the way, you will pass through a trove of scenic treasures, between towns, forests, rivers, and high desert plains. While this is a gorgeous scenic drive through the Cascade Range to take any time of year, in the summer, it’s also a great choice if you want to take in summer wildflowers in Washington.
As you drive along, be sure to keep your eyes open for all of nature's beauty, whether that's endless skies, unique wildlife, or jaw-dropping vistas.
The road goes through the town of Greenwater, by the 250-foot Skookum Falls, Crystal Mountain (the state's largest ski resort), Boulder Cave, and more. But that's not quite what I'm sending you here for....
Tipsoo Lake is an alpine lake located in the Northern Cascade Range at 5,298 feet above sea level.
Take the 0.6-mile loop nature trail that goes around the lake to see all the flora it has to offer. It's relatively flat and fit for all. (Except dogs, you'll have to leave your pooches at home for this one!)
Just keep in mind that the road is seasonal. You'll only be able to head out here roughly between late May and late November, depending on the weather.
