This tiny WA town has an annual town-wide flea market. It’s right next to a scenic lookout

Anyone who has traveled between Eastern and Western Washington by car knows there are a lot of unincorporated communities, tiny towns and abandoned land on the way. Sometimes, the long drive is enough to keep folks from visiting the west or east side entirely.

Next time you’re making the trek across the Cascades, consider purposeful stops along the way to give the drive a refreshing change.

Palisades Viewpoint, Scenic Stop

The Palisades Viewpoint, around Packwood, will make you realize the many opportunities for scenic pit stops when driving across the Cascade Mountains.

Part of the White Pass Scenic Byway, Palisades Viewpoint is a rest area offering views of volcanic Palisades rock formations, showcasing the trees that grow right up until the sharp edge. Informative signage is posted around the viewpoint, which also includes a recently-renovated rest area.

The United States Forest Service says there used to be a view of Mount Rainier from the viewpoint, but the trees grew too tall.

There’s no fee to visit Palisades Viewpoint. Picnic tables are available if you want to stop and snack while you enjoy the scenery. It’s operated by the U.S. Forest Service and isn’t far from other recreation sites, including campgrounds, if you want to stay the night.

From Tri-Cities, take Interstate 82 through U.S. 12 past Yakima. Stay on U.S. 12 through White Pass, then turn onto NF-1275 near milepost 141.

Visiting Packwood, WA

After you’ve visited the viewpoint, continue southwest on US 12 for about 10 miles to reach Packwood, a census-designated place and unincorporated community. You might even spot elk in town during your visit.

Each Labor Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend is the Packwood Flea Market, a decades-long tradition of filling the town with vendors. It’s one of the largest flea markets in the Western United States.

The White Pass Country Historical Museum is in Packwood, featuring cultural and historical exhibits from White Pass to Kosmos.

It’s also a great place to stay during ski season, with the White Pass Ski Resort nearby and several lodging options.

Food and history in Packwood

The Packwood Brewing Company is located off US 12, offering award-winning craft beer and a rotating seasonal menu. It’s a family-friendly dining option, allowing children and dogs in the taproom and beer garden.

Their historic building was built in 1933 and was the Save More General Store for early Packwood locals. Now it’s been redone into what’s called a “new-old space.” You can even stay in one of two lofts above the brewing company, which feature a rustic aesthetic and classic mountain town views.

Another food option is Cliff Droppers, also right along US 12. The highly-rated burger joint is family-owned and operated and the “best burgers in town.” A classic burger costs $12.25 and specialty burgers, with region-specific names like the Sasquatch and Rainier Burgers, range around $17.

To get from Packwood to Seattle, get back on U.S., 12 until WA-123. Continue through Enumclaw and onto Auburn before taking I-5 to Seattle.

This story was originally published June 17, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "This tiny WA town has an annual town-wide flea market. It’s right next to a scenic lookout."