Washington State Route 168

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State Route 168
State highways in Washington
< SR 167 SR 169 >
Lists: current - Interstates - 1937-70 - 1964 renumbering

State Route 168 is a proposed highway that would be an alternate route across the Cascade Range. Currently, State Route 410 through Chinook Pass serves this route between Enumclaw and Naches, Washington.

The route would begin in Greenwater, where the White River and Greenwater River meet, travel along Greenwater River, run under the historical Naches Pass through a proposed two-mile tunnel. On the other side, the highway will run alongside the Little Naches River until rejoining State Route 410 a few miles northwest of Cliffdell.

Two major advantages of such a highway are that the route would be an all-year pass, as Chinook Pass is 5,432 feet above sea level, and is closed every winter due to avalanche danger. Also, commercial vehicles, except for explosive cargo, would be permitted, since such vehicles are prohibited within Mount Rainier National Park.

Currently, Forest Service roads 70 and 19 make up much of the proposed alignment. However, the two roads are only connected by an unpaved connector crossing over Pyramid Pass.

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