White Pass Scenic Byway is Designated as a National Byway
The National Scenic Byway Foundation announced a new national designation for the White Pass Scenic Byway. According to the Foundation, the White Pass Scenic Byway is one of 42 new designations for the America’s Byway Program from across the nation. Collectively, there are 193 such designations in the United States and only seven in Washington, including Chinook Pass Byway, Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway, International Selkirk Loop, Mountain to Sound Greenway (I-90), StevensPass, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Maree Lerchen, board president of the White Pass Scenic Byway, went to WashingtonDC to accept the official designation. She stated, “Aside from the honor and recognition of this coveted designation, we are now in a more favorable position to compete for future USDOT Federal Highway Administration grants. The White Pass Scenic Byway will also be included in the international marketing efforts from the National Scenic Byway Foundation.” Lerchen acknowledged the dedication and commitment of many partners who helped establish this byway program since 2002.
The US Forest Service is a key player on the byway. Much of the byway is on the GiffordPinchotNational Forest and WentacheeNational Forest lands. The location between three major mountain peaks, Mt.Adams, Mt.RainierNational Park and the Mt. St. HelensNational MonumentWashington state geography and geology. distinguishes this byway as one with unique character and prominence. The diverse landscape from the lakes district to river valleys into the foothills and alpine cascade mountain climate to the arid steppe of Eastern Washington provides a cross section of
In addition to the recent designation, the byway board of directors is currently working on a community gateway sign project through the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program. These funds are earmarked for constructing and erecting two major gateway signs at the east (Naches) and west (Mary’s Corner) end of the byway. This grant will also provide for signs in six locations along the byway. Communities receiving these signs are: Mossyrock, Morton, Randle, Packwood, Naches and the summit of White Pass.
Earlier this month, the White Pass Scenic Byway received notice they have been chosen to receive $82,000 from Federal Highways to install wayfinding signs in the byway communities. The grant is being matched by local funds of $20,000 for the project. These traveler signs will help direct travelers off the byway and into their communities.
For more information about the National Byways Designation and grants as well as the National Scenic Byway Foundation visit:
