Journey Through Autumn's Splendor: A Fall Road Trip Along Washington's White Pass Scenic Byway
Content and photos courtesy of White Pass Scenic Byway
Autumn along the White Pass Scenic Byway is a captivating experience, where the calm of the season takes hold as crowds quiet and traffic fades. The beauty of fall remains vibrant, whether it's foraging for chanterelles or huckleberries in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, witnessing a majestic bull elk, or taking in the beauty of the plentiful fall foliage. Birdwatchers are treated to the sight of migratory birds heading south, while squirrels busy themselves gathering food in preparation for winter.
At Mount Rainier National Park, nature puts on a stunning display. A patchwork of gold, bronze, red, and yellow foliage blankets the landscape. Early morning frost or the first dusting of snow adds an extra layer of magic. Vine maples, huckleberry bushes, and mountain ash berries glow in autumn hues, making it one of the most breathtaking times to visit. On the east side of the White Pass Summit, golden larches reach their peak in mid-November, offering a spectacular sight.
Crimson and gold blanket the hillsides at Mt. Rainier National Park.
Larch trees turn gold in late autumn, standing out against the evergreens.
Traditional foraging opportunities continue into the fall, with mushroom picking and huckleberry harvesting available in the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. The higher elevations offer the best huckleberry patches, while mushrooms can be gathered throughout the National Forest. Note that gathering in designated Wilderness Areas is prohibited.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, camping along the Byway is ideal. Whether tent camping or RVing, over 35 campgrounds offer beautiful settings by lakes, rivers, or tucked into the towering trees. The crackling of a campfire (weather permitting), starry skies, and the stillness of nature create an unforgettable atmosphere.
For adventure seekers, the Byway offers diverse activities. Hiking trails lead through wildflower meadows, alongside pristine lakes and streams, and up to panoramic viewpoints. The surrounding wilderness areas, including the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Goat Rocks Wilderness, offer some of the finest trekking in the region. Top picks include the hike to Snowgrass Flats in the Goat Rocks and the Silver Falls Trail near Ohanapecosh.
River rafting and kayaking along the Byway’s waterways offer an exhilarating way to experience the region. The Tieton, Tilton, Cowlitz, and Cispus rivers host some of the state’s fastest whitewater, with rugged cliffs and forested shores as your backdrop. Whether for tranquility or thrill, the White Pass Scenic Byway in autumn promises an unforgettable journey into nature’s beauty.
As autumn fades into the crisp embrace of winter, the White Pass Scenic Byway leaves visitors with a lasting sense of tranquility and wonder. The vibrant foliage and quiet moments spent foraging, hiking, or simply sitting by a campfire create memories of a season well-lived. Whether you came for the thrill of adventure or the peace of nature's beauty, the Byway's charms linger long after the journey ends. With each passing season, this stunning route offers something new to discover, but the magic of fall—its colors, wildlife, and stillness—will always hold a special place in the heart of those who travel its winding paths.
For more information about the White Pass Scenic Byway please visit www.whitepassbyway.com.