White Pass Scenic Byway

Adventure Awaits!

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!).

Activities...

ROAD TRIPS

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.

High Lakes Loop

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.

Length
79 miles
Time to Allow
4 hours

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 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.

Length
113 miles
Time to Allow
3 hours (allow extra time for stops)

Mt. Rainier Loop

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.

Length
78 miles
Time to Allow
4-5 hours (allow extra time for stops)

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Things to do

There is a lot to do all year round. Discover activities along the byway.

Places to stay

From camping to motels and vacation rentals, we've got you covered!

Plan ahead

Get the lay of the land. Find maps, current conditions and the latest news.

Get the Byway Mobile App

Search

Contact Us

Questions or Comments? Drop us a note we’d love to hear from you.