White Pass Scenic Byway

06/12/2026

It's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend to get outside and explore! Take a scenic drive along the White Pass Scenic Byway and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Cascade Mountains.

06/09/2026

Looks like blue skies are on the forecast this weekend! Pack up the car, grab your favorite road trip snacks, and head out along the White Pass Scenic Byway. Whether you're going for the mountain views, exploring local stops, or simply enjoying the drive, it's a great weekend to get out and explore! www.whitepassbyway.com

06/05/2026

Planning a hike at Mount Rainier National Park? Remember that up at high elevations, trails in the mountains remain snow-covered, with slippery conditions, hidden hazards, and rapidly changing weather. Carry traction devices and trekking poles, stay on designated routes, obey all trail closures, and check current conditions at a visitor center before heading out. Have fun, and be safe out there!

06/03/2026

Looking for a fun way to kick off the weekend? Washington’s Free Fishing Weekend is back June 6–7, giving everyone a chance to fish without purchasing a license for many species!

Be sure to check current regulations before you go, as some rules and licensing requirements still apply. Learn more: https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news/free-fishing-weekend-returns-june-6-7-opportunity-fish-without-license-many-species

Free Fishing Weekend returns to Washington June 6–7, giving people across the state a chance to fish for many species without buying a license. Already have a license? Invite a friend or family member who has never fished, or hasn’t been out in years, to join you on the water.

We’re spotlighting some of the great opportunities available during the event, starting with lowland lakes.

From neighborhood lakes to larger reservoirs, Washington offers thousands of lowland lake fishing opportunities. Popular catches during Free Fishing Weekend include rainbow trout, small and largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and other game fish.

In 2026, WDFW staff are stocking 15.5 million trout and kokanee in more than 500 lowland lakes statewide. Anglers can also participate in the Trout Derby, with tagged derby trout stocked in more than 100 lakes and hundreds of prizes available.

During Free Fishing Weekend, seasons, size limits, daily limits, gear rules, recording requirements, and area closures still apply. Licenses are still required to fish for or harvest salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and all shellfish.

Anglers should check the current fishing regulations and any current emergency rules. Check fishing regulations on the WDFW website, in the Fish Washington® mobile app, or in the 2025-26 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Learn more about Free Fishing Weekend in our news release https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/free-fishing-weekend-returns-washington-june-6-7

Photo credit Brandon Torres

05/31/2026

Blue skies, sunshine, and sparkling water! Time to plan your visit to Mayfield Lake. Pack a picnic, launch the boat, cast a line, or simply soak in the views and enjoy the best of summer in the Pacific Northwest.

05/28/2026

Great advice from the National Park Service. Remember to be safe out there on the trails!

“You must choose, but choose wisely…” -Grail Knight

Nobody wants slippy-sloppy. Or was it sloppy-slippy? Either way, taking the wrong footwear on the trail can quickly turn a fun hike into a painful one. Before heading out, research the route and terrain so you can choose the right gear for your adventure. Heels, open-toed shoes, and flip-flops are not ideal for hiking trails. For dirt or gravel trails, opt for sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction and ankle support. For paved or urban pathways, comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes are usually a better fit. Your feet will thank you later.

Now, to be fair, it's ! Flip-flops are great for beach parks, the pool, short walks, getting lost in the parking lot, or just embracing vacation mode. But rocky trails, waterfalls, uneven terrain, being chased by a herd of bison, mud, and steep inclines? That’s where things can get a little…well, slippy. Also sloppy.

Make good choices.

Image: A screenshot of a post from the National Park Service account on X that reads: “Always hike with proper supplies and equipment. Remember, flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies.”

05/23/2026

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and in Packwood that means one thing -- the annual flea market extravaganza is back!
Shop antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, collectibles, and more all weekend long. Happening now through Monday!

05/22/2026

Memorial Day Weekend has arrived and also marks the opening of many roads near the Byway and access to Mount Rainier National Park. Time to get outdoors and play!

Are you planning to visit Mount Rainier this Memorial Day weekend? With a holiday weekend comes crowds and congestion throughout the park. To avoid congestion, plan to arrive early or late in the day at trailheads and busy areas such as Paradise. Have a backup plan in case parking is full at your destination.

- Many roads open for the summer season today, Friday, May 22, including State Routes 410/123 on the east side of the park, Stevens Canyon Road, and White River Road to the day use parking area at the White River Campground (campground closed). Westside Road is also open. Sunrise Road remains closed until early July. Check road status at https://go.nps.gov/MORAroads

- The Jackson Visitor Center and Paradise Inn are open at Paradise. The Longmire Museum and National Park Inn are open at Longmire. Wilderness information centers are open in Longmire, Paradise, and White River. Check hours of operation at https://go.nps.gov/MORAhours

- The Ohanapecosh Campground Area, including day parking, picnic areas, visitor center, restrooms, parking lots, trails, & amphitheater, remains closed for construction this summer. The Silver Falls Trail is open starting from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot as an out-and-back hike only. The Silver Falls trailhead in the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed. Learn more about Park Construction impacts at https://go.nps.gov/MountRainierConstruction

- There continues to be no public vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from State Route 165 due to the closure of the SR165/Fairfax Bridge. Carbon River & Mowich Lake can still be reached with long-distance hiking via the Wonderland Trail inside the park.

NPS Photo of visitors looking at an exhibit panel along Trail of the Shadows in Longmire, May 2026.

02/15/2026

Tomorrow, February 16, is a fee-free day in honor of Presidents’ Day! Come enjoy a winter day in the mountains!

Next Monday, February 16, is fee free day in recognition of President’s Day. Plan ahead to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip!

- The gate at Longmire to Paradise closes nightly and opens for the day once it has been assessed for public safety. Check Alerts daily for status of the Paradise Road: https://go.nps.gov/MountRainierAlerts

- All vehicles are required to carry tire chains and be prepared to use them if necessary.

- The Longmire area is open every day barring major storm events and emergencies. The Longmire Museum is open 9 am-4:30 pm daily. The National Park Inn and General Store at Longmire are also open daily.

- The Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise is open 10 am-3:30 pm Friday through Monday, as conditions allow.

- The sledding runs at Paradise are not open this year. Sledding is not permitted anywhere else in the park.

- Are you prepared for winter recreation? Plan your route, bring the 10 Essentials, and never travel alone. If weather, visibility, and conditions look poor, have a backup plan and try again another day. Learn more about winter safety at https://go.nps.gov/MORAWinterSafety

Learn more about fee free day visitation requirements at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

NPS Photo of Mount Rainier from Longmire, January 2026.

02/12/2026

With a guitar in hand and plenty of mountain spirit, the rangers are serenading you straight to Mount St. Helens for a visit!