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. Choose from featured itineraries that can be completed in a day – or plan to stay overnight for a more leisurely experience. Find detailed descriptions of the points of interest along these routes and download your itinerary to take with you!
A scenic alpine lake nestled on the western slopes of Mount Adams, known for its clear waters that perfectly reflect the mountain. The area features wildflower-filled meadows, easy hiking trails, and campgrounds, making it a popular spot for photography, fishing, and peaceful mountain recreation.
Sitting on the northwest side of Mount St. Helens. The area offers scenic lakeside views, interpretive trails, and ridge hikes with sweeping vistas of the volcano, Spirit Lake basin, and recovering landscape.
The Carbon River area of the park offers a lush, rainforest environment with towering moss-covered trees, fern-lined paths, and the soothing sounds of rushing water. Accessible by gentle trails, this quiet corner of the park invites visitors to experience forests, taken in the river views, and a enjoy a peaceful escape from crowds.
Sunrise is the highest-elevation developed area in Mount Rainier National Park, perched on the mountain’s northeast side with sweeping views of Rainier, Emmons Glacier, and the Cascades. It’s known for alpine scenery, vibrant summer wildflowers, and access to some of the park’s most dramatic ridge and summit-view hikes.
Known for its towering old-growth trees and the turquoise Ohanapecosh River, this area offers a quieter, more sheltered experience than Paradise or Sunrise. Visitors enjoy easy hikes, historic campground facilities, and nearby Silver Falls, making it an ideal destination for peaceful walks, scenic views, and relaxed exploration for visitors year-round.
Located on the south side of Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise is the most popular area of the park, famous for its massive summer wildflower meadows and some of the heaviest snowfall on Earth. It offers iconic close-up views of Rainier, access to classic hiking trails, and the historic Paradise Inn perched above the valleys.
Located at the southwest entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, Longmire sits among dense forests and river valleys. It is home to the park’s original headquarters, the Longmire Museum, and nearby trailheads offering close views of Rainier’s lower slopes without the exposure of high alpine terrain for a gentler experience.
This scenic drive is an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground with its generous supply of campgrounds, hiking trails, restaurants, lodges, places to fish or rock climb and all-terrain roads for those who prefer to get to the high country by other means. This is the kind of country that makes you wonder whether beauty is a place or a state of mind. Or both.
The drive from Cayuse Pass (via Highway 123) to Packwood (US 12) is a favorite scenic drive en route to trailheads in the southern Cascades. Explore points of interest along the White Pass Scenic Byway; beginning at the junction with US 12 to check out the popular La Wis Wis Campground. During mid-May, the road to the campground was still closed though will open near Memorial Day weekend – you can walk into the campground year-round as it’s only about a mile from US 12.
The 124-mile aptly-named White Pass Scenic Byway runs between Chehalis and White Pass. Even non-hikers will find the drive enjoyable with too many points of interest to describe in detail amidst a wealth of recreational and lodging opportunities. The Byway is chockablock with historical museums, lakes to fish or swim, hiking trails, logging exhibits, fairs and more.
Lest this quiet route fool you into thinking these towns are small-town, think again. The towns may be small with an old-fashioned flair but they are also up to date on other important things that never go out of date such as good movies, coffee, grub and shops.
The White Pass Scenic Byway from Mossyrock to White Pass is like pretty beads on a necklace. It’s a necklace Lewis County should be proud to wear. If you’ve never explored this gem, you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the sparkle of this region.
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 Mount Rainier National Park. Witness unique geologic formations and awe-inspiring views on the Chinook Scenic Byway. See alpine lakes, watch elk herds in the hundreds and view historic dams.
Located on the “dry” side of the Cascade Mountains, tour the outstanding beauty and limitless recreational opportunities surrounding Rimrock and Clear Lakes. Extend your time along this lakeshore drive with year-round options for outdoor fun. In the summer, enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, boating and wildlife watching. Come winter, opt for a trek by snowshoe, on cross-country skis or bring the snowmobiles for adventure in this winter wonderland. Picturesque campgrounds, shining alpine lakes, splendid pine forests and fantastic mountain landscapes create a lasting impression of the area’s rugged beauty.
Discover the numerous majestic alpine lakes that create this unique and beautiful landscape. Towering Mount Adams and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest provide the backdrop for this scenic drive offering opportunities for fabulous hiking and great fishing along the way.
Those seeking a short side trip into the forest will marvel at the natural beauty of the Cispus River Area. Watch the waters of the Cispus as they flow gracefully through the forest. Options to extend this forest tour include wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, a simple quiet walk in the woods – and more!
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Mount 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 in the area, a recreation pass may be required for parking.
Experience the grandeur of Mount Rainier, old-growth temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and impressive vistas! An excellent introduction to Mount Rainier National Park. Explore the drive to iconic Paradise, through the old-growth forests of Ohanapecosh, and into the rural mountain community of Packwood.
Offering many of the Byway’s most spectacular attributes, tour the Nisqually area, explore Mount Rainier National Park and discover the Big Bottom Valley. Drive amongst old-growth forests, walk through meadows of wildflowers and witness the area’s animal inhabitants. Tour friendly mountain communities and discover the interesting area history. A wonderful opportunity to get to know the west end of the White Pass Scenic Byway.
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 it. Over two decades later, witness the mountain’s slow but steady recovery. Journey through this healing landscape and behold nature’s awesome power.
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