Snoqualmie Pass Elevation

1. Snoqualmie Pass History and Elevation

• How did Snoqualmie Pass get its name?
  • Snoqualmie Pass was named after the Snoqualmie indigenous people who have lived in the Pacific Northwest for centuries.
• How long has Snoqualmie Pass been used?
  • Native Americans used the pass for centuries before European settlers arrived in the area.
• When was Snoqualmie Pass explored and surveyed?
  • Throughout the mid to late-19th century, various groups explored and surveyed the pass, which eventually led to the construction of a railroad through Snoqualmie Pass in 1909. The railroad was retired in 1980.
• What major road used to run through Snoqualmie Pass?
  • United States Route 10 used to run through Snoqualmie Pass but was replaced by Interstate 90 in 1969.
• What is Snoqualmie Pass known for today?
  • Today, Snoqualmie Pass is known for its vacation chalets, mostly used for skiing and other winter activities.
• What ski areas are available at Snoqualmie Pass?
  • The nearby Summit at Snoqualmie area offers four different ski areas: Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East, and Alpental.
• How close is Snoqualmie Pass to Seattle?
  • Snoqualmie Pass is the closest skiing destination to the city of Seattle and receives many visitors from the city each year.
• What other activities can be enjoyed at Snoqualmie Pass?
  • In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy activities such as climbing, hiking, and even hang-gliding in and around Snoqualmie Pass.

2. Elevation of Snoqualmie Pass

• What is elevation and why is it important?
  • Elevation tells us how high or low a location is in relation to sea level. It’s an important geographical statistic that can influence wildlife, weather conditions, and other environmental factors.
• What is the elevation of Snoqualmie Pass?
  • The summit of Snoqualmie Pass has an elevation of 3,015 feet (919 m), which makes it the lowest elevation of the three east-west mountain passes in Washington State.
• How does Snoqualmie Pass compare to other mountain passes in Washington?
  • White Pass has an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), and Stevens Pass has an elevation of 4,061 feet (1,238 m), both of which are higher than Snoqualmie Pass.
• What are the elevations of key locations around Snoqualmie Pass?
  • The Snoqualmie Tunnel has an approximate elevation of 2,600 feet (790 m).
  • The census designated place of Snoqualmie Pass has an elevation of 2,726 feet (831 m).
• What are some of the largest mountains in the area surrounding Snoqualmie Pass?
  • Mt Baker to the north has an elevation of 10,781 feet (3,286 m).
  • Mount Rainier to the south has an elevation of 14,411 feet (4,392 m).
• How does the elevation of Snoqualmie Pass affect the area's climate?
  • The high elevation results in much lower temperatures and substantial snowfall compared to nearby cities like Seattle. Temperatures can drop below freezing for long periods, and the area receives over 400 inches of snowfall annually.
• What are the typical temperature ranges in Snoqualmie Pass?
  • The coldest month is January, with average highs of 32°F (0°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C).
  • The warmest month is July, with average highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C).
• What challenges does the elevation of Snoqualmie Pass create for travelers?
  • The extreme weather conditions, especially the heavy snowfall, can make Snoqualmie Pass a treacherous spot to traverse. Snow chains are often necessary for vehicles to navigate the area safely.

3. Elevation of Snoqualmie Pass Compared to Washington

• How does the elevation of Snoqualmie Pass compare to the rest of Washington State?
  • Snoqualmie Pass has a relatively high elevation compared to the rest of Washington State, which has a mean elevation of 1,700 feet (520 m).
• What is the highest point in Washington State?
  • The highest point in Washington is Mount Rainier, with an elevation of 14,417 feet (4,394 m). It is also the highest mountain in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest.
• What is the lowest point in Washington State?
  • The lowest point in Washington State is the Pacific Ocean, which is at sea level.
• What is the highest incorporated town in Washington State?
  • The highest incorporated town in Washington is Waterville, located in Douglas County, with an elevation of 2,622 feet (799 m).
• What are the elevations of major cities in Washington State?
  • Seattle: 170 feet (52 m)
  • Tacoma: 243 feet (74 m)
  • Vancouver: 171 feet (52 m)
• What is the elevation of Spokane?
  • Spokane is an exception with a relatively high elevation of 1,843 feet (562 m).

Map: