White Pass Scenic Byway

Riffe Lake is one of the signature lake destinations along the western side of White Pass Scenic Byway near Mossyrock, Washington. Formed by Mossyrock Dam on the Cowlitz River, the lake stretches through forested hillsides and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and scenic stops along the US Highway 12 corridor. Visitors should check current lake levels and boat launch conditions before traveling, as access can vary during low-water periods.

Located south of Randle in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Area is a family-friendly stop for birding, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and hiking along White Pass Scenic Byway. The Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Trail offers a quiet forest experience through multiple habitat areas, with interpretive signs, picnic tables, and access to a longer old-growth loop for visitors who want a deeper hike.

Near Naches on the eastern end of White Pass Scenic Byway, Oak Creek Wildlife Area is one of the route’s best wildlife-viewing stops. The WDFW-managed area includes a winter elk feeding program near the visitor center on US Highway 12 and a separate bighorn sheep viewing area along Old Naches Highway. Winter viewing is weather-dependent, and visitors should check current WDFW conditions, seasonal closures, and tour information before traveling.

The Grove of the Patriarchs is a well-known old-growth forest area in the Ohanapecosh section of Mount Rainier National Park, accessed from the WPSB corridor via US Highway 12 and State Route 123. The area is known for massive western red cedars, Douglas-firs, western hemlocks, the Ohanapecosh River, and opportunities to learn about Mount Rainier’s southeast forests and volcanic landscape.

2026 access note: The Grove of the Patriarchs remains closed to all public entry due to flood damage that destroyed the suspension bridge. Visitors should not plan to access the grove in 2026. Nearby seasonal areas, including the parking lot, restrooms, Eastside Trail, and alternate Silver Falls access, may be available depending on current park conditions. Check National Park Service updates before traveling.

The Ohanapecosh area of Mount Rainier National Park is a seasonal side trip from White Pass Scenic Byway, reached from US Highway 12 by traveling north on State Route 123 near Packwood. Known for old-growth forest, the Ohanapecosh River, and access to Mount Rainier’s southeast corner, this area is a strong byway point of interest, NOTE: The Ohanapecosh Campground area is closed in summer 2026 due to construction, and the Silver Falls Trail cannot be accessed from the campground trailhead or hiked as a loop. Visitors should check National Park Service conditions before traveling.

Mayfield Lake is a family-friendly recreation stop near the western gateway of White Pass Scenic Byway, offering easy access to boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, camping, picnicking, and nature watching. Located near Mossyrock and Silver Creek, the lake is home to Ike Kinswa State Park and Mayfield Lake Park, making it one of the most accessible water recreation areas along the US Highway 12 travel corridor.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of the defining landscapes of White Pass Scenic Byway, with direct access near Randle, Packwood, and the US Highway 12 corridor. The forest offers year-round recreation including hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, winter recreation, trail access, and connections to Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and the Cascade foothills. Travelers should check the U.S. Forest Service for current road, trail, fire, permit, and seasonal access information.

Rimrock Lake and the Tieton River are major recreation highlights on the eastern side of White Pass Scenic Byway near Naches, Washington. Rimrock Lake, formed by Tieton Dam, is a popular stop for fishing, boating, paddling, camping, picnicking, and scenic lake views. The Tieton River is especially known for seasonal whitewater rafting when late-summer water releases create strong flows downstream of Rimrock Lake.

Windy Ridge is a seasonal Mount St. Helens side trip from White Pass Scenic Byway, accessed from Randle by following Forest Roads 25 and 99 when roads are open. This route is not directly on the byway, but it is one of the most memorable nearby scenic drives for visitors exploring the east side of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Forest Roads 25 and 99 are typically open from late June through November, depending on weather, road conditions, and construction activity. Along Forest Road 99, travelers can find interpretive stops, views of the blast zone, Spirit Lake, volcanic landscapes, and access to Windy Ridge Interpretive Site.

For 2026, visitors should check current U.S. Forest Service conditions before traveling. Forest Road 99/Windy Ridge access is expected to reopen June 19, 2026, and Spirit Lake infrastructure work may affect weekday travel.

The Pacific Crest Trail crosses US Highway 12 near White Pass, making it one of the best hiking and backpacking access points along WPSB. Visitors can reach the White Pass North Trailhead east of the White Pass summit by turning onto Forest Road 498 from US Highway 12.

Hikers can access sections of the Pacific Crest Trail through Cascade forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness landscapes. The trail connects White Pass with some of Washington’s most scenic high-country routes, including sections leading toward the William O. Douglas Wilderness, Goat Rocks Wilderness, and Mount Rainier region.

Trail access is seasonal and conditions can change due to weather, wildfire impacts, and road closures. Visitors should check current U.S. Forest Service information before hiking , especially for long trips or overnight travel.

Directions Take Exit 68 from I-5 to White Pass Ski Area which is located 12 miles Southeast of Mt. Rainier National Park at the summit of US HWY 12. Packwood is 20 miles west of the summit, and Yakima is 50 miles east of the summit. It is approximately 40 miles west of the Town of Naches and 93 miles east of the City of Chehalis.

Experience the full White Pass Scenic Byway on a west-to-east road trip along US Highway 12, traveling from the forested foothills near I-5 and Marys Corner to the open landscapes of the Yakima Valley near Naches. This route connects small towns, river valleys, lakes, mountain passes, wildlife areas, and outdoor recreation across one of Washington’s most scenic corridors.

Begin near Marys Corner at I-5 Exit 68 and follow US Highway 12 east toward Mossyrock. This western gateway to the byway offers access to Mayfield Lake and Riffe Lake, two popular stops for boating, fishing, paddling, camping, picnicking, and lake views.

Continue east to Morton, a historic timber community surrounded by forested foothills. Stop at the Morton Loggers’ Memorial and Morton Depot to connect with the area’s railroad, logging, and small-town heritage before continuing deeper into the Cowlitz River Valley.

From Morton, follow US Highway 12 toward Randle and Packwood. This stretch of the byway offers access to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Cowlitz River, Lake Scanewa, campgrounds, trailheads, wildlife viewing, and side trips toward Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, along with views and regional connections to Mount Adams. Packwood is a strong stop for food, lodging, fuel, local shops, and mountain-town character.

From Packwood, continue east as US Highway 12 climbs toward White Pass. This alpine section of the byway offers mountain views, winter recreation at White Pass Ski Area, nearby hiking, camping, and access to the Pacific Crest Trail near the White Pass summit.

After crossing White Pass, descend toward Rimrock Lake and the Tieton River. This eastern section of the byway is known for lake recreation, fishing, camping, scenic viewpoints, and seasonal whitewater rafting on the Tieton River.

Continue east toward Naches, where the byway connects with the Yakima Valley and nearby Oak Creek Wildlife Area. This eastern gateway offers wildlife viewing, open landscapes, and access to additional scenic routes, including State Route 410.

Plan extra time for stops, photos, meals, short hikes, and seasonal road-condition checks. From lakes and river valleys to alpine recreation and volcanic landscapes, White Pass Scenic Byway offers one of Washington’s most complete mountain road trip experiences.