White Pass Scenic Byway

Rare Carnivores of the Cascades | Peak Perspectives:125th Anniversary Speaker Series
2024-06-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Location: Paradise Inn Great Room
As one of the last strongholds of the Cascade red fox, Mount Rainier National Park also hosts a portion of the returning wolverine population in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. To mark the park’s 125th Anniversary, we’re honored to host Jocelyn Atkins, Founder and Executive Director of the Cascades Carnivore Project (CCP), for a discussion. Over the past decade, CCP has collaborated with the park, conducting scientific studies on these rare, high-elevation carnivores to assess their conservation status and understand the impact of climate change on their populations.
The CCP’s efforts have yielded significant results, including documenting the first wolverine kits at Mount Rainier National Park in over a century and providing vital data leading to the listing of the Cascade red fox as Endangered in Washington. Through collecting carnivore scats along trails, utilizing specially designed camera monitoring stations, and conducting DNA analyses, the project aims to unravel the behaviors of these carnivores within the park and ensure their long-term survival.
Additionally, Jocelyn will share insights into the CCP’s successful community science program, offering opportunities for volunteers to actively participate in studying rare carnivores in the park and beyond

Glacier Change at Mount Rainier and across the American West | Peak Perspectives:125th Anniversary Speaker Series
2024-06-26 19:00 - 20:00
Location: Paradise Inn Great Room
Glaciers are shrinking across the American West, from the Rocky Mountains in the east to the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada in the west. However, the magnitude of these changes have not been broadly catalogued until recently. For the 125th anniversary of Mount Rainier National Park, Dr. Andrew Fountain will discuss how Mount Rainier stands out among the glacier-covered regions because the total area of glaciers on the mountain is greater than the sum of all the glacier-covered area outside the state of Washington. As a Professor of Geography and Geology at Portland State University, he’ll present a brief summary of the early history of glacier explorations in the West, discuss how and why the glaciers have changed over time and between mountain ranges.

Mossyrock Freedom Festival
2024-07-04
The Mossyrock Freedom Festival is a spirited annual event celebrating community, patriotism, and freedom in the heart of Mossyrock. This family-friendly festival features live music performances, delicious food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and fun activities for all ages. With a vibrant atmosphere, the Mossyrock Freedom Festival brings people together to honor the values of liberty and unity.

Randle Lavender Week
2025-07-11 - 2025-07-13
Randle Lavender Week
Join us in Randle at Cowlitz Falls Lavender Co. to celebrate the annual lavender harvest. The Annual Lavender Celebration is always free to attend, offers acres of field parking, and has food, drinks, and snacks on site for purchase all day long. At the event the crafting table is free as well and you can tour our outdoor market consisting of many fine artists and local hand craft vendors. Stop by the main event, the U-Cut lavender field. Register online for free tickets including a BOGO coupon on U-Cut lavender, or you can purchase field packs of different types ahead of time to speed through the checkout line. Our collection of handmade essential oils, décor, soaps, and cosmetic products will also be available, all created on site from the local crop.
Visit our events page at www.cowlitzfallslavender.com/events to plan your trip and view the schedule as it builds out including artist demonstrations, painting classes, pottery demonstrations, and informative discussions.

Packwood Summer Rod Run
2025-07-25 - 2025-07-27
Packwood Summer Rod Run
July 25-27
Packwood
Cars and their fans flood the streets of Packwood for this multi-day love affair of cars. Fun, raffles, games, and one-of-a-kind trophies! Friday night meet and greet, Saturday night street dance featuring music by “One Shot.” Come join the fun!

Mossyrock Blueberry Festival
2025-08-01 - 2025-08-02
The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival is an annual celebration in Mossyrock, Washington, held the first weekend of August. This free event features live music, a car show, a parade, pie-eating contests, and more. Visitors can enjoy blueberry-themed activities and treats, supporting local farms and businesses. For more information, visit mossyrockfestivals.org.

Annual Rimrock Grand Prix Motorcycle Race
2025-10-05
Fast fun on the west end of Rimrock Lake, a spectacular setting in the Cascade Mountains 35 miles west of Yakima along Highway 12. The Rimrock Grand Prix is a day of motorcycle racing and fun for all ages. Race classes include an expert, an amateur, and a kids race as well. Top riders will receive a cash prize!

Dog Lake Marathon & Half Marathon
2025-10-10
The Dog Lake Half Marathon, located near White Pass Ski Resort, is one of Washington’s premier downhill runs. This fall run is the most scenic certified race the Pacific Northwest has to offer and is scheduled on a Saturday in mid-October so runners can enjoy beautiful fall colors and crisp mountain air and still have time to recover for work on Monday.

Fee Free at all Washington State Parks
2026-01-01, 2026-01-19, 2026-03-09, 2026-03-19, 2026-04-22, 2026-06-06, 2026-06-07, 2026-06-19 and 1 more date
Washington’s state land management agencies have designated 12 Discover Pass free days for 2026, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience our state’s beauty.
On these free days, a Discover Pass is not required to park at Washington state parks or on lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sno-Park permits are still required when visiting Sno-Parks.
Each of the Discover Pass free days celebrates an important day of the year with the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the restorative impact of nature with friends, family or in a moment of well-deserved solitude.
The 2026 dates are:

Thursday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
Monday, Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, March 9 – Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday
Thursday, March 19 – State Parks’ 113th birthday
Wednesday, April 22 – Earth Day
Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7 – Free Fishing Weekend
Friday, June 19 – Juneteenth
Sunday, Aug. 9 – Smokey Bear’s birthday
Saturday, Sept. 26 – National Public Lands Day
Saturday, Oct. 10 – World Mental Health Day
Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day

Free Entrance Days in Mt. Rainier National Park
2026-02-16, 2026-07-03 - 2026-07-05
Free Entrance Days in Mt. Rainier National Park
Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

February 16: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
November 11: Veterans Day

Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.

White Pass Winter Carnival
2026-02-28 - 2026-03-01
February 28 – March 1
White Pass Ski Area
Experience the magic of Winter Carnival at White Pass! Marvel at a massive hand-built snow castle, enjoy tubing, obstacle course races, night skiing, music, and family-friendly fun all weekend. Don’t miss the Torchlight Parade and fireworks Saturday night—plus great food, festive vibes, and unforgettable winter memories for all ages.
Admittance to the base area, day lodge, and castle area are all free and open to the public.

Packwood Mountain Festival
2026-05-02 | White Pass Country Museum, 12990 US-12, Randle, WA, 98377, United States
The Packwood Mountain Festival is a vibrant event nestled in the mountain community of Packwood. This annual festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventurous spirit of the region, attracting visitors from far and wide.
The festival typically spans several days, offering a diverse array of activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages and interests. From live music performances, artisan markets to culinary delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Packwood Flea Market
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-25
May 22-25
Packwood, Washington
This bi-annual Memorial Day weekend event turns the town of Packwood into a huge flea market, one of the largest in the Western US. Hundreds of vendors sell antiques, novelties, clothing, and all kinds of household and decorative items. Tools, toys, and extraordinary finds abound. Come join the fun!

Free Entrance Days at Mt. Rainier National Park
2026-05-25, 2026-08-25

Free Entrance Days in Mt. Rainier National Park
2026-06-14
Free Entrance Days in Mt. Rainier National ParkCome experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

February 16: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
November 11: Veterans Day

Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.

Chinook Fest
2026-06-18 - 2026-06-21
Chinook Fest
June 18-21
Jim Sprick Community Park, Hw 410, Nile Valley west of Naches
Great music meets the great outdoors! Unplug for a weekend of music, camping, local craft beer, wine, food and artisans.

Lavender Celebration Weekend
2026-07-10 - 2026-07-12
Over 40 farm and craft vendors featuring farm-fresh goods, handcrafted items, fine art, handcrafted jewelry, our own lavender farm stand, U-Cut lavender, demonstrations, kettle corn, various foods, guided crafts, and more. Held at the peak of the lavender season, our field will be in full bloom. Free entry!
Find event information here.

Morton Loggers Jubilee
2026-08-06 - 2026-08-09
Morton Loggers Jubilee
August 6-9
Morton
The Annual Loggers’ Jubilee has become “the Granddaddy of all Logging Shows” and a celebration for people of all ages. From the Main Street Parades to the Lawnmower Races, the world-famous Logging shows to the Jubilee Queen Coronation, Morton’s Loggers’ Jubilee promises a good time for all.

Packwood Flea Market
2026-09-04 - 2026-09-07
Packwood Flea Market
September 4-7
Packwood, Washington
This annual Labor Day Weekend event turns the town of Packwood into a huge flea market, one of the largest in the Western US. Hundreds of vendors sell antiques, novelties, clothing, and all kinds of household and decorative items. Tools, toys, and extraordinary finds abound. Come join the fun!

Cascadia Renaissance Faire
2026-09-05 - 2026-09-06
Experience the sights, sounds, and traditions of the Cascadia Renaissance Faire. Celebrate Celtic heritage with live music, traditional dance, storytelling, thrilling combat demonstrations, and handcrafted artisan goods—set amid the stunning Cascadian landscape. Savor hearty fare, vibrant performances, and immersive living history during a weekend where the past comes alive and Celtic spirit shines.
