Activities

A person rides a mountain bike on a sunlit forest trail. The sun shines through the trees, casting long shadows and illuminating dust in the air. The cyclist wears a helmet and is surrounded by greenery and dappled sunlight.

Biking

It’s about the exhilaration of the descent, racing down mountainsides, around alpine lakes, across lazy streams and through the deep forest. For the daring and determined, mountain biking affords active alternatives for discovering the Byway’s pristine natural beauty. Explore Bethel Ridge for a less challenging, yet scenic ride, or for a truly strenuous trek, opt for High Rock Lookout near Packwood. With trails available for the cautious beginner to the accomplished thrill-seeker, countless options for outdoor adventure are waiting to be explored.
A woman with long blonde hair looks through binoculars, standing outdoors with a cloudy sky and forested hills in the background. She wears a dark jacket and a headband.

Bird Watching

Dozens of areas along the Byway offer birders, naturalists, or the casual observer, grand opportunities to explore and seek out countless varieties of birds. Numerous locations along the Byway such as Swofford Pond, the Kosmos Unit of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area, Woods Creek , and Packwood Lake have earned the prestigious designation of being represented on Audubon’s Great Washington State Birding Trail. Grab your binoculars, a camera, and a bit of patience — it’s all you need to enjoy a day with your feathered friends.
Three children in life jackets sit on the edge of a boat, smiling at the camera. The sunny day and calm water create a cheerful, relaxing atmosphere.

Boating

The Byway’s plentiful lakes, rivers and ponds provide boat enthusiasts picturesque places to explore some of the state’s greatest waterways. Lakes Mayfield, Riffe, and Scanewa, and the Cowlitz River are just a few popular spots for boating. On the water is arguably the most relaxing way to spend a beautiful day outdoors. Whether you spend it in a power boat or a row boat, be sure to take time to explore the Byway’s beauty from the water. After a day of boating fun, it’s easy to remember why it’s called the “Great Outdoors”. Call 1-888-502-8690 to check availability of boat launches on Mayfield and Riffe Lakes.
A bright campfire surrounded by rocks crackles in a grassy clearing. In the background, a red tent is set up among green shrubs and trees, under an open sky. Logs are scattered around the campsite.

Camping

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 park

Camping in Tacoma Power Parks

Camping in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Camping in the Naches Ranger District

A pile of fresh, ripe cherries with a mix of red and yellow coloring fills a blue-green container. Some cherries have green leaves attached.

Farmers Market

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

Four people are boating on a calm lake, wearing colorful life jackets. One person is fishing with a rod. The background is filled with trees. It's a relaxed, outdoor scene.

Fishing

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.

Cowlitz River

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Call Tacoma Power at (888) 502-8690 for recorded information about river flows, lake levels and boat launch usability.

Two people outdoors in a forest, crouching on the ground. They are holding a small container and appear to be engaged in a recreational activity, possibly geocaching or studying nature. Both are smiling, with backpacks and wearing casual outdoor clothing.

Geocaching

Ready for a new adventure? Hunt for geocaches around Mount Rainier and in our gateway communities. If you haven’t tried geocaching yet, it’s an outdoor “treasure hunt” using a GPS-enabled device such as a smartphone (with a geocaching app) or GPS receiver. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then look for the geocache (container) hidden at that location. Geocaches in the area highlight the rich history, scenic wonders, quaint communities, and hidden gems of the Mount Rainier region. Can you say “road trip”?!
A person hang gliding through a clear blue sky with white clouds, supported by a wing with blue and green stripes.

Hang Gliding

Floating through the air with the greatest of ease… Watch the skies come alive with the colors of soaring hang gliders launching off Dog Mountain near Morton. The gliders use a private launching area, but it’s a free show to witness their flight. Watch these flying enthusiasts getaway from it all as they attempt to defy gravity gracefully dipping and soaring across the Washington sky and over the forest far below.
A child observes an interactive exhibit simulating a forest with water channels and model trees. The display features educational signs and a slide, set in a colorful, indoor environment with polished floors.

Hatcheries

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.

Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery

Cowlitz Trout Hatchery

Two people hiking through a lush, green forest. The person in front wears a red vest and beanie, while the person behind wears an orange jacket. The trail is surrounded by ferns and tall trees with abundant foliage.

Hiking

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

Two people riding horses cross a shallow stream in a forested area. The clear sky and tall trees create a serene, natural setting. The riders appear to be navigating the rocky terrain, highlighting an outdoor adventure scene.

Horseback Riding

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.

Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

A person wearing protective gear rides a yellow dirt bike up a forested trail, surrounded by green trees on a sunny day.

Motorcycling

Let’s ride! Rambling roads, breathtaking vistas and many pit stops along the way, the White Pass Scenic Byway has all the makings for a great motorcycling adventure. Steep grades and sweeping curves bring the road to life and the natural beauty and varied landscapes along the way make for the perfect setting. Travel the road while taking in the majestic mountain views, stop at intriguing historic sites and have a bite to eat in one of the motorcycle friendly communities… This road is a proven favorite among motorcycling travelers. Print out our tearsheet map and away you go. Hit the road and enjoy the sights along the way.
Two people wearing helmets and camouflage clothing sit on a red ATV in a forested area. Both give thumbs up, with tall trees surrounding them and a glimpse of a trailer or building in the background.

Off-Road Vehicles

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 that are 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

Hands picking ripe blueberries from a bush in a garden. The bush is lush with green leaves and clusters of both ripe and unripe blueberries, with a blurred forest background.

Picking & Gathering

Nature offers traditional gatherers limited opportunities for mushroom picking and huckleberry picking within or near the forested areas along the 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 Passes

Forest Products in the Naches Ranger District – Permits and Passes

A group of people in life jackets are white-water rafting in a blue inflatable raft, navigating through turbulent waters and waves. They are holding paddles and appear to be focused on steering the raft through the rapids.

River Rafting & Kayaking

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.

Cowlitz Kayak

Discover Lewis County

American Whitewater

A person climbs a steep rock face with ropes and a harness against a backdrop of a cloudy sky. The view is from below, focusing on the climber's legs and the rugged rock surface.

Rock Climbing

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

Water Sports

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.

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