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Takhlakh Lake  photo Jack Moskovita
Mountains
  • 1) Sunrise side of Mount Rainier: the road to Sunrise is now open, as is the White River Campground. The hikes are just becoming snow-free. Here is a great early season hike with the trailhead at White River Campground:

Glacier Basin Trail: In summer, the meadows of the basin are a rainbow of wild flowers. Watch for mountain goats on the surrounding slopes and mountain climbers ascending the Inter Glacier to Camp Schurman. After the first mile, a ½ mile spur trail leads along the Emmons Moraine to a view of the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the lower 48 states. Stay on designated trails to protect fragile plants. 7-mile round trip, allow 4 hours, high point 6,000 feet. Two other lower elevation trails are Fryingpan Creek/Summerland  and Owyhigh Lake Trail both accessed from the road to Sunrise.

  • Mount St. Helens is celebrating summer with Music on the Mountains June 30th at Johnston Ridge Observatory. This free concert will be played before the awesome backdrop of Mount St. Helens. Northwest Groove is an R&B/Soul band from Kelso, Washington. The concert will be held rain or shine from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This is a good time to take a trip to the most famous volcano in the northwest. More events
  • Access the Mount St. Helens area at Randle (Hwy 131) and travel FR 25 all the way to the Columbia River Gorge. Be mindful of the remoteness and lack of services; but do listen to the peace and tranquility of the wilderness area. Drive Tour Route
Lakes
Riffe Lake: The new Mossyrock Park swim beach and boat launch are open. If you haven't tried it yet, you will be pleasantly surprised. 

Rimrock Lake: Have you tried stand up paddle boarding (SUP)?  You can get professional lessons and add this adventure to your bucket list. Details
 
Mayfield Lake: Plenty of access at Mayfield Lake Park , Ike Kinswa State Park and Lake Mayfield Resort and Marina. Boating, kayaking, water skiing and jet skiing are some of the popular water sports, while picnicking and camping are the land lubber's dream.

Rivers
Tieton River: On the east side of White Pass, the Tieton River offers the best white-water rafting along the byway.  Fall is the best time, but many folks enjoy activity on the river at the many campgrounds and picnic areas during the summer months.

Cowlitz River: On the west side of the Byway, the Cowlitz River is world known for salmon and steelhead fishing  as well as rafting and kayaking. The Cowlitz River has three hydro-electric dams which create our string of lakes offering all varieties of water sports.

Tilton River: Runs through the middle of the town of Morton. Enjoy great fishing, swimming, kayaking with easy access at Gust Backstrom Park. 

Events for July
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June 30 - August   Storytrail at Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Trail - Randle
 
July 6-7                 OnStage Summer Presentation at Morton Roxy Theatre 

July 7                     Buffalo Nickel Tour at Klickitat Park in Mossyrock  

July 7, 14 and 21  Sherlock Holmes (and Other Foolery) Morton Roxy Theatre 

July 14-15            Pro Solo 18 Tire Rack Packwood Champ Tour 

July 14-22             Randle Lavender Week 

July 21-22             Nile Valley Days  

July 21                  Shabby & Chic Expo at the Mighty Tieton Warehouse 

July 27-29             Packwood Summer Rod Run 

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The White Pass Scenic Byway is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created for the purpose of public education and promotion of the byway's natural and cultural resources as well as enhancing the assets and resources located along the byway.

The White Pass Scenic Byway, U.S. Highway 12, extending from I-5 to Naches is an exceptional journey, offering travelers experiences of wildlife, outstanding scenic and natural landscapes, and unlimited outdoor recreation. The location between Mt. Rainier National Park and Mt. St. Helens National Monument and Mt. Adams is a premier recreation destination. 

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