Top 8 Winter Recreation Ideas
Get outside and find time to play during the holidays!
Winter is a special time of year for friends and families to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors together. Here are top eight best bets for playing outside along the Byway. Remember to plan ahead and be prepared for winter's weather and have a great time!

  1. Hit the slopes at White Pass Ski Area.
  2. Explore on cross country skis at the White Pass Nordic Center.
  3. Go tubing at White Pass Ski Area.
  4. Tour on a snowmobile at one of the 4 sno-parks near the Byway.
  5. Visit the winter wonderland at Paradise inside Mount Rainier National Park.
  6. Take a lowland nature walk at Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Area.
  7. See the sights at Oak Creek Elk Feeding Station near Naches.
  8. Enjoy a cozy cabin and other lodging opportunities after a day of fun outdoors.

Please Recreate Responsibly
Holiday Happenings!
Mineral: Experience the Olde Time Tree Lighting, caroling, and Santa will come to town Saturday, December 12 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Goodie bags are available for the kids, along with hot cocoa and photos with Santa.
Mossyrock: See the annual Poinsettia Display at DeGoede's Bulb Farm.
Morton: Take a ride and enjoy the drive-thru Christmas light display at Gust Backstrom Park. The Festival of Trees is happening December 10-12 and the Tree Lighting Ceremony is December 12.
Cut your own Christmas Tree!
Do you have a fourth grade student in your household? They are eligible to get a free permit for Christmas trees through the "Every Kid Outdoors" initiative!

Permits Online:
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at Recreation.gov. Permits cost $5/tree with a max of 5 trees per household. 

At a District Office:  
Visit the Cowlitz Valley Ranger office at 10024 US Hwy 12, Randle, WA 98377. A walk up service window is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. Please wear a mask. Call (360) 497-1100 with questions.