A 10-ton, 8-foot-tall base is installed as part of a new set of welcome signs to the White Pass Scenic Byway, a nationally recognized segment of U.S. Highway 12 that runs between Mary's Corner and Naches.
New massive stone and wood gateways now welcome drivers to the segment of U.S. Highway 12 that is formally known as the White Pass Scenic Byway.
The 10-ton signs, which loom more than eight feet tall, were installed this week at Mary's Corner and on the east side of the pass in Naches.
Additional "Welcome" signs have also been recently installed in Mossyrock, Morton, Randle and Packwood as part of a years-long effort to draw tourists to the picturesque countryside between Interstate 5 and the east side of the Cascades.
The gateway signs were funded by federal enhancement grants; total construction cost was about $200,000, according to information from the group calling itself White Pass Scenic Byway.
The signs were inspired by historic Depression-era signs by the Civilian Conservation Corps that lend a distinctive aura to entrances at Mount Rainier National Park and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Maree Lerchen, president of the group, said, "The Gateway signs are just the latest in a series of projects for the White Pass Byway that have included the development of the new Mount Rainier Viewpoint just west of White Pass, improvements to day use areas and campgrounds along the Tieton River east of the pass, new interpretive signs in each of the byway communities, and maps and brochures."
The Byway group said its impact continues to be felt in East Lewis County. Since its marketing efforts ramped up in 2007, they say lodging tax revenues in unincorporated Lewis County have grown from approximately $85,000 to $145,000 annually, and estimated total tourism revenue has grown to about $7.2 million a year.
More wayfaring signs are planned. Next year's signs, funded by a National Scenic Byways grant, will direct visitors to destinations and services once they are in communities along the 124-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 12 formally designated as the scenic byway.
A community celebration of the latest signs will be held at noon this Wednesday, Nov. 9. Supporters will meet at the Mossyrock Community Center and carpool to the celebration site.
More information is online at www.WhitePassByway.com.
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Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Maree Lerchen.
