Be Prepared for the Washington State Backcountry
Chinook and Cayuse passes are stunning, but they are also very remote. That means you need to be prepared for limited services, no cell signal, and no gas stations for miles. It’s better to be overprepared if you plan on heading into the mountains. •
- Bring extra water and snacks
- Pack offline maps and a full tank of gas
- Plan ahead and check the weather forecast
Expect Heavy Traffic All Across the State
Memorial Day weekend is always a busy one for travel, and expect the same this year. WSDOT has released travel charts for the best and worst times to hit the road on popular highways out of the Seattle area, like I-5, I-90, and US-2. •
- Head east on Friday or back west on Monday for the worst traffic delays
- Check the WSDOT website for real-time traffic updates
- Consider alternative routes to avoid congestion
Construction is Paused, But Watch for WSDOT Work Zones
The good news? Most construction on state highways is paused during the holiday (May 23–27) to help ease traffic congestion. You might still see some lane shifts or work zones in place, so just be alert and drive safely. Work zone speed cameras will likely be active, so slow down because you don’t want a speeding ticket in the mail when you get back!
Visiting Mount Rainier? Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to head into Mount Rainier National Park via Chinook or Cayuse, there are a couple of things you need to remember:
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- Timed-entry reservations are required again this year, so book early
- Road repairs on SR-123 near the park will add about 30 minutes of travel time each way
Ferries, Tolls & Other Travel Tips
Heading to the islands? Washington State ferries will be extra busy, especially westbound Thursday–Saturday and eastbound Saturday through Monday. Make a vehicle reservation if you can beforehand, or consider walking on to get on quicker, but you have to leave your vehicle behind. •
| Tolls | Tolls |
|---|---|
| SR 520 Bridge & SR 99 Tunnel | Weekend rates on Monday, May 27 |
| I-405 and SR-167 express toll lanes | Free during the holiday weekend |
| Vantage Bridge on I-90 | Fully open through July 7th with no lane closures during the Memorial Day holiday |
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- Use the WSDOT mobile app for real-time traffic, ferry updates, and pass conditions
- Check traffic cameras and alerts online before hitting the road
- Tune in to 530-AM or 1610-AM for travel updates while driving
- Have a backup destination in case your first choice is full
Have a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Make sure to drive safely and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t park on road shoulders! If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Have a great time on your Memorial Day mountain getaway!
