The crackling of the campfire, starry night skies, the peace and quiet of the great outdoors… Camping may be the most relaxing way to experience the Byway’s wonder, beauty and adventure. Whether you seek the solitude and simplicity of tent camping or are looking for the perfect place to park the family RV, the White Pass Scenic Byway offers a true wilderness experience. Over thirty-five high-quality campgrounds are located along the byway. With so many choices, you may find yourself next to a picturesque lake, along a bubbling river, or nestled amongst the tall trees. Get back to nature, lose yourself in the mountains’ majesty and enjoy nature at its best.
Camping at the Lewis County PUD parkCamping in Tacoma Power ParksCamping in the Gifford Pinchot National ForestCamping in the Naches Ranger District
A world apart from the race of alpine skiers and snowboarders, spend the day weaving through peaceful forests and meadows on cross-country skis. The White Pass area offers an intricate web of groomed cross-country trails at the resort, as well as scenic logging roads and open slopes. The peace and quiet of the Byway’s ski trails offer breathtaking vistas as well as classic forested snow scenes. Experience the magic and beauty of the season gliding along through the wilderness.
Local farmers, growers, artisans, and musicians share their harvests and talents at farmers’ markets in both Morton and Packwood each spring and summer. Find farm-fresh, seasonal fruit and veggies. Browse beautiful wares and artwork created by local artisans. Connect with these rural communities and enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled afternoon at the market.
Morton Farmers Market | Open Saturdays, May-September Packwood Farmers Market | Open Saturdays, June – late September/Early October
Calling all anglers — take your pick — this Byway is loaded with boundless opportunities for some of the Northwest’s best fishing. From fly fishing for rainbows to reeling in that 40-pound salmon, anglers seeking to lure their limit are sure to hook their catch in these prized fishing waters. Visit Mayfield or Riffe Lake for a day on the water, or troll the Cowlitz River, a year-round fisher’s paradise and home to the best steelhead fishing in the state. Both the Barrier Dam and Blue Creek boat fishing access areas have river fishing sites developed for wheelchair-bound users. Beautiful lakes and rivers dot the Byway — with so many options, a great day on the water is nothing less than a guarantee.
Fishing on the Cowlitz RiverFishing in the Gifford Pinchot National ForestFishing in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Call Tacoma Power at (888) 502-8690 for recorded information about river flows, lake levels and boat launch usability.
Tacoma Power operates two large fish hatcheries on the Cowlitz River, the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery. Tacoma Power’s newly remodeled Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery includes a new, award-winning education center. Inside the Visitor Center, interactive displays show a salmon’s journey through life, exploring the 5 “Hs” of a salmon’s life cycle – hatchery, hydropower, harvest, habitat and high seas. The salmon hatchery produces nearly 13 million fish each year, including about 1.3 million spring Chinook, 5.0 million fall Chinook and 2.4 million coho salmon.
Discover the true beauty of this natural playground with a trek along one of the area’s beautiful pathways. Hike along trails that pass by crystal lakes and streams, through acres of wildflowers and witness countless viewpoints. Traverse trails through dense forests, towering peaks and rugged mountains. Surrounding the Byway are the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, as well as the William O. Douglas, Tatoosh, and Goat Rocks Wilderness Areas. With year-round opportunities for wilderness adventure, pick a hiking trail and spend the day exploring the hidden gems of this unspoiled wilderness.
Download a Byway Hiking Tearsheet Map Hiking Trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
For those who prefer to enjoy the great outdoors on horseback, several horse camps and countless getaway trails are located along the Byway. Spend the day trotting the trails taking in breathtaking views of rich mountain forests of Washington, alpine meadows and bubbling streams. Treat yourself to a leisurely tour on Divide Trail for fabulous views of Adams Glacier or enjoy fantastic vistas on the High Lakes Trail, a historic trail once used by Yakama Indians for berry picking. See the sights the cowboy way, on the back of a horse — and ride away from it all.
Horse Riding and Camps in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National ForestsHorse Riding and Camps in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Get off-road and start exploring! The byway provides excellent opportunities for off-road riding. From high-mountain trails to dry open spaces there are many places to drive in the dirt. Divide Ridge near Naches is popular with four-wheel drive enthusiasts and offers trails both scenic and challenging. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest with over 200 miles of trails has some of the best trails in Washington State. A great place to ride with some spectacular views and a variety of terrain from easy to difficult.
Off Road Vehicles in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Blue Lake Area in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Nature offers traditional gatherers limited opportunities for mushroom picking and huckleberry picking within or near the forested areas along White Pass Scenic Byway. The best areas for huckleberry picking are at higher elevations in the Cowlitz and Trout Lake Districts. Mushrooms may be harvested anywhere in the National Forests unless otherwise restricted, but note that harvesting mushrooms in the Wilderness Areas is prohibited. Use a reputable forest guide to help you determine which mushrooms are edible. Don’t remove more mushrooms or berries than you need; but always remember to leave some to share with many wildlife creatures that use them for food.
Forest Products in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest – Permits and PassesForest Products in the Naches Ranger District – Permits and Passes
Energizing the body and recharging the soul, a river rafting or kayaking adventure along one of the Byway’s waterways is an unforgettable and “moving” experience. Home to some of the fastest whitewater in the state, journey past rugged basalt cliffs and beautiful tree-lined shores. Get introduced to the rivers of the Byway, the Tieton and Tilton, Cowlitz and Cispus. Join the many people who have come to know and love rafting these raging rivers.
Take three parts exhilaration, two parts trust and one part fear. Add a dash of patience, a teaspoon of soreness, and garnish with a love of heights — the recipe for rock climbing, the ultimate Washington getaway. The Byway’s Tieton River Canyon offers numerous routes up its craggy sides. Adventurous souls can spend the day exploring its many cracks and faces while taking in the splendid vistas and that arid Eastern Washington air. A great way to stay in shape, experience the thrill of the challenge, and discover stunning vistas from quiet and remote vantage points. Rock Climbing in Royal Columns
The mountains of the Byway’s White Pass area offer premier skiing and the driest powder in the Cascades. Averaging over 300 inches of snowfall a year, ski and boarding enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels will enjoy relaxed slopes and steep runs. An acclaimed family-friendly ski resort, it also serves as a training ground for Olympic medalists. Hit the hills and find excellent snow conditions on the slopes November through May – it’s a must ski! White Pass is also known as one of the top mountains to board in the Northwest. From its half pipe and natural quarter-pipes, drops and chutes, these runs will challenge the most experienced boarder. But no worries if you’re new to the sport – there are plenty of areas just the place for beginning boarders looking to find their snow legs. Abundant snowfall, unspoiled beauty and a fun-filled, friendly atmosphere make this place a snow-lover’s paradise.
Those with a love of the snow and a need for speed — climb aboard a snowmobile and experience the Byway’s beckoning backcountry. Miles and miles of groomed trails are ready and waiting for this enthusiastic group of recreationists to hit the trails. Weaving in and out of the snow-covered trees, racing across meadows of white powder — feel the rush of the cold winter air and experience this exhilarating, high speed adventure.
Washington State Snowmobile Sno-Parks
Snowmobile Usage in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
The cool breeze on your face. Feeling the water beneath your feet. From waterskiing and windsurfing to paddleboarding, spend the day on the water at one of the Byway’s many lakes! Riffe Lake and Mayfield Lake are favorites on the west side of the Byway, while Rimrock Lake and Clear Lake are popular east side destinations. Be ready for a day of fun on the lake.
Bugling elk, daring mountain goats, acrobatic eagles, and swiftly moving salmon are just a few of the area residents that can be spotted along the Byway. Head to Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Trail, the Cowlitz Wildlife Area’s Kosmos, and Swofford Pond – home to numerous varieties of waterfowl and songbirds. The diverse lands along the Byway encompass several different habitats. From fertile valleys to alpine woodlands to pine forests, keep your eyes peeled for a wide array of wildlife.
Oak Creek Feeding StationWoods Creek Watchable Wildlife Trail
White Pass Scenic Byway
PO Box 805
Chehalis, Washington 98532
info@whitepassbyway.com
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