It drains a scenic mountainous area of the Columbia Plateau on the east side of the Cascade Range southeast of Mount Hood.

In the 1840s, a section of the Oregon Trail called the Barlow Road passed through the river corridor.

To qualify as an ORV, each value must be a unique, rare, or exemplary feature that is significant at a regional or national level.

During the late summer and early fall, glacial outflow from Mount Hood turns the river milky white due to suspended sediment concentrations.

[4] The White River offers opportunities for a wide variety of recreational activities, including whitewater kayaking, Nordic skiing, photography, camping, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.