Gifford Pinchot National Forest

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses over 1.3 million acres of forests, mountains, river valleys, waterfalls, wildernesses, and volcanoes.

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of the oldest National Forests in the United States. Included as part of the Mount Rainier Forest Reserve in 1897, this area was set aside as the Columbia National Forest in 1908. It was renamed the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 1949. Whether you seek solitude, social activity, creative inspiration, wildlife, forest products or scenic beauty, you can find it in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. We invite you to enjoy the many different aspects of your National Forest. Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1,312,000 acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established by Congress in 1982.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/home

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Glacier View Wilderness - The 3,078 acre Glacier View Wilderness is located on the west boundary of Mt. Rainer National Park.

Goat Rocks Wilderness - The Goat Rocks are remnants of a large volcano, extinct for some two million years.

Indian Heaven Wilderness - Fall is a good time to visit due to the brilliant fall colors and the winding down of mosquito season.

Mount Adams Wilderness - Multiple trails provide access to spectacular views of Mt. Adams, including its glaciers, mountain streams, meadows, open alpine forests and lava flows.

Tatoosh Wilderness - The long rugged Tatoosh Ridge runs north-south out of the park to cross the Wilderness near the middle.

Trapper Creek Wilderness - Streams and waterfalls are plentiful among the steep forested canyons at lower elevations. The old-growth Douglas-fir forests that comprise the heart of this Wilderness provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.

William O. Douglas Wilderness - This Wilderness is named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas who was noted for his concern for civil rights and environmental protection issues during his career.

Invasive Species