Washington

The nationally designated White Pass Scenic Byway boasts magnificent driving tours from the lush evergreen forests of western Washington, up and over the Cascades, and into the sage-covered rolling hills that rise up from the Tieton River drainage on the state’s east side.

Recreational possibilities—camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing and boating—are easy to find here. There are charming communities to enjoy, as well as side trips revealing both the majesty of Mount Rainier and the devastation from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Low-elevation lakes, river valleys, foothills, subalpine ridges, forests, lush meadows and open steppes are all accessible through this gateway. Bald eagles, elk, mountain goats, black bears, marmots and salmon occupy an array of wild habitats and public lands. July and August are generally sunny and mild, with heavy snowfall November through April.