Taking on the 248 Twists and Turns of Old Blewett Pass in WA

Old Blewett Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.243m (4,078ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Kittitas and Chelan counties, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Old Blewett Pass in WA

Is Old Blewett Pass in WA paved?

The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called the Old Blewett Pass Highway and comprises Forest Road 9715 and Forest Road 7320. It’s 15.61km (9.7 miles) long, pretty narrow and features 248 curves.

When was Old Blewett Pass in WA built?

Located within the Wenatchee National Forest, the first road through the pass was a wagon road built from Cle Elum to Werner in 1879. In 1956, the Blewett Pass Highway was rebuilt to go through Swauk Pass (Blewett Pass) and is now the current US 97.

Is Old Blewett Pass in WA open?

Set high in the Wenatchee Mountains of the Cascade Range, the road is not maintained in winters, and seasonally closed. It’s open from April thru September. Don't let the pavement fool you: occasionally you'll encounter rockfall and downed trees.

Is Old Blewett Pass in WA worth it?

This drive offers beautiful views due to the heavily forested surrounding area. There are many pullouts along this road where you can park. Along the way you can see the site of an old restaurant and a 1930s rope-tow ski lift.

Pic:  kontra1