White Pass Scenic Byway Vision

The White Pass Scenic Byway will provide an exceptional traveler experience combining improved information and amenities, and vibrant local communities with unique character and hospitality. As the byway becomes better recognized as a travel destination of regional and national significance, more travelers will plan multi-day itineraries to experience the byway.

The byway will be recognized as one of Washington State’s premier wildlife viewing destinations. Wildlife viewing locations like Swofford Pond, Woods Creek , Riffe Lake, Timberwolf Mountain and other locations throughout the byway will be linked to provide wildlife tours for viewing a variety of birds, fish and mammals. The Oak Creek Wildlife area will develop into Washington State’s single best opportunity for a wildlife viewing experience. Following completion of facilities in Naches and at its headquarters, Oak Creek Wildlife area will draw travelers from throughout the region to view the elk, bighorn sheep, birds, and other wildlife that thrive in its diverse habitats.

More and more visitors to Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens will be attracted to the undeveloped, wilder recreation opportunities available in the White Pass Scenic Byway corridor, and choose the byway as the access to those destinations. Loop trips that include Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and a portion of the byway will be part of more visits, increasing the number of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens visitors who also drive the byway and take advantage of byway communities as “base camps” for their trips.

Other recreational projects in the region, for example the development of trail systems in the Cowlitz Wildlife Area, establishment of excursion rail service to Morton, the Naches rail-trail project and the proposed William O. Douglas Trail, will improve the range of activities available to travelers in the region, and enhance the byway as a destination. Water-based recreation, including fishing, rafting, and kayaking will continue to be popular, and draw visitors from around the region. A focus on winter recreation will help to maintain the tourism economy throughout the year, as corridor communities provide food, lodging, and services for alpine and cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.

Regional recreational stakeholders will partner with the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot National Forests, and Mount Rainier National park to support their ongoing recreation programs.

Byway communities will benefit from additional tourism revenues, and continue their processes of revitalization. Mossyrock, Morton, Packwood, and Naches will have healthy, walkable downtowns with a variety of restaurants, lodging opportunities, and retail shops that benefit local residents as well as travelers. Tourism development will be complemented by continuing recovery of the forest products industry, and other commercial economic development to provide a balanced and sustainable regional economy.

The scenic byway management organization, supported by predictable and sustainable operating revenues, will develop and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders agencies and regional recreation and tourism organizations.

Working in partnership with WSDOT, local governments, and state and local agencies, the byway will contribute to quality of life and quality of the environment throughout the region, growing to be a valued asset for communities, and one of the region’s favorite travel destinations.

History of the Committee

The Scenic Byway project was developed by a grassroots group of citizens from throughout the corridor. The group created the Corridor Management Plan which focuses on strategies to enhance the corridor and conserve its unique resources. The plan is not a regulatory document, and does not limit any activities allowed on private lands by local planning, zoning, and environmental requirements. The plan focuses on enhancements for the corridor that will provide more opportunities for recreation and tourism, and strengthen an important sector of the local economy.

The Steering committee met from 2003 until 2007 to complete the Corridor Management Plan. A board of directors was appointed in 2007.

Official Structure

The White Pass Scenic Byway is a non-profit 501c3 organization developed to apply for grants and implement the projects outlined in the Corridor Management Plan. The group meets every other month rotating meetings along the communities of the byway. It is not a membership organization. The board represents interests along the byway, however participation is open to anyone interested in advancing the mission of the organization.

Who is Involved

The initial Board of Directors shall consist of sixteen people. These individuals will be representatives of certain agencies or groups. The following individuals shall be representatives for the specified agencies or groups or shall designate representatives for the board:

1. Mayor of Morton
2. Mayor of Naches
3. Mayor of Mossyrock
4. Superintendent of Tacoma Power
5. Manager of Lewis County PUD
6. Superintendent of Mt. Rainier National Park

Four positions will be selected among the following:

Destination Packwood
Visit Rainier
Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau
Morton Chamber of Commerce
East Lewis County Chamber
Naches Chamber of Commerce
Lewis County Convention and Visitor Bureau

Two positions will represent business interests along the byway.

Two positions will be selected among the following unincorporated communities:

Mayfield
Rimrock
Packwood
Randle
Glenoma
Salkum

One position will represent educational, cultural or heritage non profit organizations.

One at large position.

While not officially members of the Board of Directors, the board shall have the following advisory (non-voting) positions. The initial representatives shall be:

1. Gifford Pinchot National Forest
2. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
3. Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization
4. Yakima Council of Governments
5. SW Regional Transportation Office
6. South Central Regional Transportation
7. Lewis County Board of Commissioners
8. Yakima County Board of Commissioners

Representatives from the following may chose to have a board position or advisory position:

1 Yakama Indian Nation
2. Cowlitz Tribe of Indians
3. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
4. Washington State Parks
5. Washington Department of Transportation Scenic Byway Program

Getting Involved in the White Pass Scenic Byway

Want to get involved? Please contact us for more information.