Snoqualmie Pass (Washington)
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Image:I90ThruSnoqualmiePass.jpg Snoqualmie Pass is the name of a pass through the Cascade Range and of an unincorporated town (CDP) located in Kittitas County, Washington, USA. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 201.
Both town and pass are named after the Snoqualmie people of the valley to the west.
Interstate 90 across the pass is the largest of the three east-west mountain routes across Washington state which are kept open year-round, the others being Stevens Pass (United States Highway 2) to the north, and White Pass (U.S. Highway 12) to the south. I-90 is the primary commercial artery between Seattle, Washington and points east carrying an average of 27,087 vehicles through the pass per day.
Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Snoqualmie Pass ranks 6th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked. It is also the highest rank achieved in Kittitas County.
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Recreation
The town consists of mountain chalets that are mainly seasonally occupied by residents of the Seattle metropolitan area, with few year-round residents. Winter sports are the main draw of the town, but outdoor recreation is available year round.
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses through Snoqualmie Pass and a variety of other trails are also available for hiking in the summer, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months.
Snoqualmie Pass is also the site of the Summit at Snoqualmie, a group of alpine ski areas owned by Booth Creek Resorts. The Summit consists of four ski areas: Alpental, Summit West (formerly named Snoqualmie Pass), Summit Central (formerly Ski Acres), and Summit East (formerly Hyak). The Summit at Snoqualmie is the closest ski area to Seattle, so it is often crowded on weekends.
Snowmobiling just east of the pass is also popular during the winter months. Also in the summer and fall, paragliders and hang gliders may be seen flying above the valley, along the ridge and landing at Keechelus Lake.
History
The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad finished building a track through Snoqualmie Pass in 1909. The same year, an improved wagon road was also built over the pass. Sunset Highway (Washington Primary State Highway 2) was opened through the pass in 1915.[1]
In 1927, the road over the pass became U.S. Highway 10. It began to be plowed and kept open during winter in 1931. By 1933, the first alpine ski hill was cleared at Snoqualmie Pass. In 1934, US 10 was finally paved.
In 1969, Interstate 90 was built over the pass.
Geography
Image:WAMap-doton-Snoqualmie Pass.png Snoqualmie Pass crosses the Cascade Range at 3,022 ft (921 m). Snoqualmie Pass is located at 47°24'36" North, 121°24'21" West (47.409913, -121.405933)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.4 km² (2.9 mi²). 7.4 km² (2.9 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 201 people, 88 households, and 60 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 27.0/km² (70.1/mi²). There were 330 housing units at an average density of 44.4/km² (115.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.03% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 1.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 4.98% from two or more races. 0.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 88 households out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 2.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 2.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.68.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 18.9% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 37.3% from 25 to 44, 29.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 109.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.7 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $81,883, and the median income for a family was $89,532. Males had a median income of $50,417 versus $26,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $54,316. 1.9% of the population and 0.0% of families were below the poverty line. 0.0% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.