History of Snoqualmie Pass in Timeline

Snoqualmie Pass is a mountain pass in Washington State, serving as a crucial route for Interstate 90 (I-90) through the Cascade Range. Situated at an elevation of 3,015 feet (919 m), the summit lies on the boundary between Kittitas and King Counties. It's a significant transportation corridor facilitating travel and commerce across the state.

1909: Milwaukee Road Completion

In 1909, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (the "Milwaukee Road") completed a line through Snoqualmie Pass, part of its Pacific Extension.

1914: Completion of Snoqualmie Tunnel

In 1914, the 2¼-mile (3.6 km) Snoqualmie Tunnel, from Hyak due west to Rockdale, was completed. It was at an approximate elevation of 2,600 feet (790 m).

1915: Sunset Highway Opens

In 1915, the Sunset Highway was opened through Snoqualmie Pass.

1927: Road becomes U.S. Route 10

In 1927, the road over Snoqualmie Pass became U.S. Route 10.

1931: Road is kept open during winter

In 1931, the road over Snoqualmie Pass began to be plowed and kept open during winter.

1933: First ski hill cleared

By 1933, the first alpine ski hill was cleared at Snoqualmie Pass.

January 21, 1934: Seattle Ski Park Opening

On January 21, 1934, the Seattle Parks Department opened the Seattle Ski Park at Snoqualmie Pass. It was the first municipally owned ski facility in the United States.

1934: U.S. Route 10 is paved

In 1934, U.S. Route 10 was finally paved.

1940: Closure of Seattle Ski Park

In 1940, the city government closed the Seattle Ski Park ski hill.

June 24, 1946: Spokane Indians Bus Crash

On June 24, 1946, seven players on the Spokane Indians minor league baseball team, and their manager, were killed when their bus veered through a guard rail on the Snoqualmie Pass Highway and plunged down a 500-foot embankment and into a ravine.

1950: Construction of Snow Shed

In 1950, a snow shed was constructed on Snoqualmie Pass when the road was known as US 10. The snow shed covered the westbound lanes.

1969: Interstate 90 Construction Begins

In 1969, construction of Interstate 90, the replacement for U.S. 10, began across Snoqualmie Pass.

1980: Abandonment of Rail Line

In 1980, the rail line through Snoqualmie Pass was abandoned.

1991: Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust Active

Since 1991, the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust has been working to protect the scenic value of the I-90 corridor over Snoqualmie Pass.

April 2014: Avalanche bridges replace snow shed

As of April 2014, the snow shed that formerly covered the westbound lanes of US 10 was replaced by avalanche bridges. These bridges stand away from the slope to allow slides to pass under the road.