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
Popular La Wis Wis Campground closed this summer for upgrades
Thanks to Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) funding, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is able to invest in significant upgrades to the historic La Wis Wis Campground this summer. Forest recreation [...]
Energy Northwest Breaks Ground on U.S. Route 12 Electric Vehicle Charging Network
RICHLAND, Wash. – Construction began yesterday on a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the White Pass Scenic Byway on U.S. Route 12. The network will comprise eight [...]
U.S. Forest Service offers free access on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 12, 2023 — The U.S. Forest Service will celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday and recognize King’s work towards equality for all [...]
Winter Weather Recreation Safety Tips for Public Lands
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 9, 2023 — The winter recreation season is in full swing, and Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service officials remind everyone that adventures are better [...]
Mt. Rainier’s Access to Paradise Saturdays and Sundays Only Starting November 29
Mount Rainier National Park Announces Winter 2022-23 Recreational Access Changes Ashford, Wash. – Mount Rainier National Park announced updates today to winter 2022-23 recreational access, including changes to the Paradise [...]
Gifford Pinchot National Forest 2022 Christmas Tree Permits Available
Tis the season to create memories and explore the forest while finding a holiday tree for your home! Starting November 17, 2022, visitors may buy Christmas tree-cutting permits [...]