Itinerary

• This journey begins in the mountain community of Morton located on US Highway 12. Stop at the Morton Loggers’ Memorial, recognizing those who gave their life working in the forest industry and the Morton Depot. Travel north on SR 7 to Mineral Lake, which offers rest, relaxation and world-class trout fishing with unbeatable views of Mt. Rainier. Check out the Historic Mineral Lake Lodge and the post office.

  Continue to the Nisqually enterance to Mt. Rainier State Park. Notice the wooden entrance arch built in 1922. The Nisqually-Paradise Road continues to the Kautz Creek Bridge at 3.3 miles. This is the site of a massive mudflow which occurred in 1947. The original road through this area now lies 20 feet below the surface. A parking lot will allow you to get out and take a look around. Take a short walk along a fully accessible boardwalk leading to an overlook of the 1947 debris flow and a splendid view of the mountain. Notice the young forest that has undergone a complete succession of re-growth within the past fifty years.

  Stretch your legs at Longmire, where you will see your first grand view of the mountain. Visit the Longmire Museum and the National Park Inn, a great place to stop for lunch. Walk along the Trail of Shadows.

  As you follow the byway, keep an eye out for many scenic overlooks and waterfalls as you approach Paradise. At 5,400 feet, this area with its glorious views of Mount Rainier is the primary destination for many visitors to the park. The town offers a visitors center and historic inn as well as many trails.

  Now descending down the mountain, stop and see Mt. Rainier’s stunning reflection in the crystal waters of Reflection Lake. Its picture-perfect beauty makes it one of the most photographed areas of the park — and you can get there by car. On a peaceful day, the reflection is almost too grand!

  Following the White Pass Byway, you will find more historic museums and scenic oversights. Stop at the La Wis Wis Campground, filled with giant trees, and the White Pass Country Historical Museum.

  A few miles off the byway, drive to Lake Scanewa and view Cowlitz Falls Dam. A favorite location for anglers and families, the lake is well stocked with rainbow trout and offers a family-friendly area to picnic and play at Bud Allen Park. The route comes to an end as it returns to Morton.