One of Washington’s great travel experiences…
Explore small communities, river valleys, foothills, and alpine county including Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.
Yes, the White Pass Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive… But, the best reasons to visit the byway are for the things you can DO here, more than the things to SEE. From East to West, West to East, the byway offers World Class recreation. For many visitors within the region or around the world, the byway is a route for exploring Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mt Adams. For those in the know – either canny locals or niche recreationists from around the country – there are amazing recreational opportunities all along the byway, in every season.
Trophy fishing the Cowlitz… catch and release fly fishing the Tieton… boating Riffe and Mayfield Lakes… hiking the Pacific Crest Trail… camping in dense forests… Mount Adams mountaineering… watching elk at Oak Creek Wildlife Area… wilderness horsepacking… backcountry skiing… rock climbing along the Tieton… downhill skiing at White Pass… snowmobiling… rafting the Tieton… mushrooming the Gifford Pinchot… Visit again and again – there’s plenty to see and do. There’s no place like it in Washington State (or anywhere else!).
ROAD TRIP!
The byway of course is a tremendous tour in itself. But not far off the byway lie some of the state’s most beloved volcanoes, wild backcountry, historic locales, lakes, waterfalls…for starters.
Mt. St. Helens Windy Ridge
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Mt. St. Helens Blast Zone and experience the stark contrast between the lush old-growth forest and the blown-down forest. To experience the many beautiful and fascinating hikes […]
East Side Loop
Explore the east end of the White Pass Scenic Byway and discover the dramatic and rugged beauty of this wilderness area. Spend time touring spectacular Mt. Rainier National Park. Witness unique geologic formations and […]
Mt. St. Helens Johnston Ridge
Forever changing over 200 square miles of rich forestland into a gray, lifeless landscape, the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens has had an impact so powerful, you have to see it to believe […]
Mt. Rainier Loop
Explore the east end of the White Pass Scenic Byway and discover the dramatic and rugged beauty of this wilderness area. Spend time touring spectacular Mt. Rainier National Park. Witness unique geologic formations and […]
Small-scale agriculture, rural residential communities, and rolling hills are prominent features of the west end of the byway.
The Lakes District includes one of the most dramatic driving moments on the corridor – viewing the clear waters of area lakes surrounding the road and the green backdrop of the forested shorelines.
The broad lowland floodplain of the Big Bottom Valley is surrounded by forested foothills, ample wildlife, and occasional views of the nearby volcanoes.
Expansive scenic vistas, limitless outdoor adventure, and three of the Cascade’s most splendid mountain peaks welcome visitors. Meet Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams – a trio of the nations’ most magnificent treasures.
In the Naches Valley, the byway winds through fruit orchards and vineyards, with farmstands offering fresh seasonal produce and local wines.
Byway News
Fire Restrictions to go into Effect at Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Aug. 5, 2022 - Due to the increased risk of wildfires, Gifford Pinchot National Forest fire managers have issued restrictions on campfires, smoking, and other activities within the forest. [...]
Huckleberry Season on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
As August approaches, many in the Northwest look forward to collecting huckleberries and other wild berries on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Forest staff would like to remind the [...]
Mount Rainier National Park announces Stevens Canyon Rd status through July 5
ASHFORD, Wash. – Stevens Canyon Road will remain closed between Bench and Snow Lake trailhead and the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead through the July 4th holiday weekend. There [...]
Forest Service offers fee-free access to day-use recreation sites for National Get Outdoors Day June 11
PORTLAND, Ore., June 7, 2022 — Connect with the outdoors this Saturday, June 11, when the U.S. Forest Service waives fees at recreation sites designed for day-use on National Get [...]
Mount St. Helens Special Recreation Permits & Reserved Tickets Available Online
It’s a good time of year to begin planning for spring and summer adventures on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Permits to climb Mount St. Helens, camp overnight in [...]
Energy Northwest Leading the Charge with EV Charging Stations Coming to the Byway
RICHLAND, Wash. – Electric vehicle drivers in Washington will soon have eight more options for charging their rides along U.S. Route 12. Construction is set to begin on new [...]