White Pass Scenic Byway
White Pass Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in Washington. Within Washington it covers roughly 120 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along White Pass Scenic Byway with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
The White Pass Scenic Byway follows US 12 for about 110 miles from Marys Corner to Naches, crossing the southern Washington Cascades between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens in country locals call 'the playground of volcano country.' The route is a National Scenic Byway that passes through both the Gifford Pinchot and Wenatchee National Forests, climbing through dense conifer forest, wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and river valleys for nearly its entire length, with waterfalls and mountain views appearing at nearly every turn. Wildlife-watching here is considered among the best in the south Cascades: bald eagles, elk, mountain goats, black bears, marmots, and spawning salmon all occupy habitat visible from the road. Recreation options range from camping, fishing, and hiking to skiing and even hang-gliding, and heavy snow from November through April makes early fall — after the bugs die down and before the snow returns — many travelers' favorite season to drive it.
- ~110 miles on US 12, Marys Corner to Naches
- National Scenic Byway
- Between Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens
- Gifford Pinchot & Wenatchee National Forests
- Among WA's best wildlife-watching byways
- Bald eagles, elk, mountain goats, black bears
Plan a drive on White Pass Scenic Byway →
What is a National Scenic Byway?
National Scenic Byways are roads recognized at the federal level for at least one outstanding quality — scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological or recreational — that gives travelers a reason to seek them out rather than just pass through.
Where to Stay along White Pass Scenic Byway
13 campgrounds and RV parks sit within about 5 miles of White Pass Scenic Byway.
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