Explore small communities, river valleys, and foothills, including Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.
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Known as the gateway to recreation in the Central Cascades, the natural and pristine White Pass Scenic Byway winds through the forests of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier National Park before ascending to the arid landscape of Eastern Washington. This diverse geographic range offers visitors an unlimited playground for camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, boating, and wildlife watching.
In the summertime, this area buzzes with activity as visitors enjoy the rivers, lakes, forests, and trails from their basecamps. Early fall can be the best season for hiking, as trails are snow-free and sub-alpine vegetation begins to change color. Winter time brings visitors to the byway to enjoy the White Pass Ski Area, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing.
This byway is 120 miles or 193 kilometers long. Average drive time will vary according to how many stops you make along the way, traffic, and road conditions. Visitors will want to allow for a minimum of 3 to 6 hours to enjoy the route.
The byway is a tremendous tour in itself.
Not far off the byway lie some of the state’s most beloved volcanoes. The White Pass Scenic Byway travels through wild backcountry, historic locales, lakes, and waterfalls. Learn more about Mt. St. Helens Windy Ridge, East Side Loop, Mt. St. Helens Johnston Ridge, DeGoede’s Bulb Farm, the Morton Depot and the Mt. Rainier Loop, Riffe Lake, Taidnapam Park and Mossyrock Dam, Cowlitz Valley Elk Habitat and more at the new White Pass Scenic Byway website.
AREA LODGING
Click here for lodging in Packwood.