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.

The White Pass Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive—but the real reason to visit is everything you can do along the way. From end to end, the byway offers world-class recreation in every season. It’s a gateway to Volcano Country home to Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams, while also rewarding those who linger with unforgettable experiences beyond the overlooks.

Fish the Cowlitz. Hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Boat Riffe and Mayfield Lakes. Ski White Pass. Stay overnight in cozy mountain lodges, cabins, and lodgings tucked along the route. Take short drives off the byway to explore trailheads, viewpoints, and lakes worth exploring. Climb, camp, paddle, snowshoe, or slow down and unwind—then come back again. There’s truly nowhere else like it in Washington State.

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.

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 (allow extra time for stops)

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West Side Loop

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.

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

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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)

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Winter

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