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 Bywayâs 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 mountainsâ majesty and enjoy nature at its best.
Camping at the Lewis County PUD park
Local farmers, growers, artisans, and musicians share their harvests and talents at farmersâ 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 â late September/Early October
Calling all anglers â take your pick â this Byway is loaded with boundless opportunities for some of the Northwestâs 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 fisherâs 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 â with so many options, a great day on the water is nothing less than a guarantee.
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.
Tacoma Power operates two large fish hatcheries on the Cowlitz River, the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery. Tacoma Powerâs newly remodeled Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery includes a new, award-winning education center. Inside the Visitor Center, interactive displays show a salmonâs journey through life, exploring the 5 âHsâ of a salmonâs life cycle â 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 areaâs 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
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 â and ride away from it all.
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.
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. Donât 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 â Permits and Passes
Forest Products in the Naches Ranger District â Permits and Passes
Energizing the body and recharging the soul, a river rafting or kayaking adventure along one of the Bywayâs waterways is an unforgettable and âmovingâ 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 â the recipe for rock climbing, the ultimate Washington getaway. The Bywayâs 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.
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 Bywayâs 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.
White Pass Scenic Byway
PO Box 805
Chehalis, Washington 98532
info@whitepassbyway.com
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