White Pass Mobile App Connects Travelers and Services, Destinations

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Tourists motoring over the Cascade Mountains through the glorious gap of White Pass now have a new resource at their disposal that will aid in their discovery of the many hidden gems of east Lewis County.

In December 2015 the White Pass Scenic Byway group launched its new, and free, White Pass Scenic Byway app for smartphone users. The app will allow tourists to learn about the various attractions of byway via their mobile devices as they travel on and around Highway 12.

More than business situated along the White Pass Scenic Byway are highlighted on the app including eateries, watering holes, inns and grocery stores. The app will help travelers find places to wet a fishing line, go for a hike or go for a swim. The app will also act to notify travelers as they approach specific location or events, and will serve to alert drivers to road closures or delays.

According to statistics provided by the Scenic Byway group, about 90 percent of American adults use cellphones and 62 percent of cellphone users access apps from their device. The White Pass Scenic Byway group also reported that half of the visits to its website in 2015 were made from a mobile device.

According to Byway president Trent Richardson, from Lake Mayfield Resort and Marina, the Byway was eager to get on board with the growing mobile app trend. In a press release Richardson stated, “We know visitors come to our area looking for things to do and places to go, and we know they aren’t traveling with their laptops. They are using their cellphones and tablets, so with a mobile app we can provide up to date info as they drive our byway.” 



Doubling down on that effort boost local tourism the White Pass Scenic Byway has also produced thousands of tearsheet maps that detail hiking and driving tours, pocket guides, mass marketing and gateway signage. The concerted effort to boost the economy of East Lewis County communities has been paid for by grants provided by lodging tax dollars. The cost to maintain the Scenic Byway app alone will cost a minimum of $3,100 per year.

Per the press release, tourism spending in Lewis County totaled $199.7 million in 2015, which was a 2 percent increase over 2014. Tourism activities also support 2,330 jobs, which bring in $53 million in earnings. 

For more information or to add a business listing to the White Pass Scenic Byway app contact Mary Kay Nelson of the Scenic Byway group by email to info@whitepassbyway.com.