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.

Mt. St. Helen’s Windy Ridge Loop

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.

Length
74 miles
Time to Allow
4 Hours

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.

Length
78 miles
Time to Allow
4-5 hours

Mt. St. Helens Johnston Ridge Loop

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.

Length
124 miles
Time to Allow
4-6 hours

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.

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