White Pass Scenic Byway

Explore small towns, river valleys, and mountain peaks

Length

124 Miles | 199 KM

Drive Time

3 Hours

Recommended Stay

2 Days

Regions

Metro Puget Sound, Wine Country

explore the white pass scenic byway

Highway 12 between Marys Corner and Naches

Designated as a national scenic byway in 2009, the White Pass Scenic Byway travels through the Cascades, connecting forested foothills near Interstate 5 with the open landscapes and vineyards of the Yakima Valley. The route winds through river valleys and forests before climbing to White Pass. Along the way, visitors can experience sweeping views, scenic pullouts, wildlife viewing, lakes, rivers, and access to nearby Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.

Time Your Trip: While the pass can close temporarily in winter due to heavy snow, White Pass is a maintained, all-season highway that’s typically open year-round.

A waterfall in the forest — Credit: CLShebley/ Adobe Stock

A pond reflects orange and yellow foliage — Credit: Paula Cobleigh / Adobe Stock

A lake is seen in the distance with tree-covered hills — Credit: Gunnar / Adobe Stock

A herd of elk in the snow — Credit: Paula Cobleigh / Adobe Stock

Arid hills — Credit: Hanjo Hellmann / Adobe Stock

discover destinations

Chehalis and Centralia
Near the western entrance to Highway 12 along Interstate 5, Chehalis and Centralia offer historic downtowns and provide a convenient jumping-off point before heading into the official byway.

Mossyrock
Located between Mayfield Lake and Riffe Lake, Mossyrock offers hiking, boating, fishing, and other outdoor adventures. Stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic at Tacoma Power Parks or Ike Kinswa State Park.

Morton
This small town with roots in the timber industry is known for its scenic setting and easy access to nearby parks and lakes. Tour the Historic Morton Train Depot and learn about the railroad’s connection to the town.

Randle
This community in Lewis County serves as the gateway to the Mount Adams Wilderness Area and is home to the ranger station for the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Fish the Cowlitz River, stop by the Windy Ridge viewpoint to see Mount St. Helens, and enjoy access to remote forest landscapes.

Packwood
Located along the Cowlitz River, Packwood is a popular basecamp for exploring the byway and nearby Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll find lodging, breweries, and easy access to hiking, river recreation, and seasonal events.

Mount Rainier National Park
North of Packwood, visitors can access Mount Rainier National Park via the Stevens Canyon Entrance during the summer season, typically June through late September. This is the closest entrance to the closest entrance to the Ohanapecosh area. Note: The Ohanapecosh Campground is closed for restoration through November 2026.

White Pass
The high point of the byway is home to alpine scenery, wildflower meadows in spring, and panoramic viewpoints. Come winter, the White Pass Ski Area transforms into a hub for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.

Naches
The eastern gateway to the byway, here the landscape opens into orchards and rolling hills. Naches provides access to the Tieton River corridor and connects to the broader Yakima Valley and Washington’s Wine Country.

Side Trips: Mount St. Helens & Mount Adams
In addition to Mount Rainier, visitors can access two other volcanoes from the White Pass Scenic Byway: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Mount Adams.