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 […]
Wildlife Watching
Experience the captivating wildlife of Washington along scenic routes and designated viewing areas. Each winter, hundreds of elk gather at Oak Creek Wildlife Area as part of a supplemental feeding […]
Rock Climbing
Take three parts exhilaration, two parts trust, and one part fear. Add a dash of patience, and garnish with a love of heights — the recipe for rock climbing, an […]
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 […]
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 places for huckleberry picking […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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”?!