Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - Mt.Wash.

This section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is between Hwy 242 at McKenzie Pass, and Hwy 20 at Santiam Pass. The southern portion of this trail is within the Mt. Washington Wilderness.

Trails in Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit June 15 - October 15 for overnight use, and some will require one for day-use.

Visitors with a long-distance hiking permit issued from the Pacific Crest Trail Association for hikes greater than 500 miles do not need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. Check Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 for long-distance hiking permits, conditions and closures.

Current Conditions

ALERT: Dry Creek Trail has not been maintained for years and has heavy blow down of trees killed by wildfire throughout the forest. The Shadow Lake fire of 2011 damaged the Dry Creek trail beyond repair. The trail is impossible to find in most places and filled with heavy blowdown. The East side of the Mt. Washington Wilderness provides a true Wilderness experience as there are no longer any maintained trails on that side of the crest. Visitors can access Dry Creek via the Dry Creek Access Point, which provides access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness, but map and compass skills are required.

Visitors to the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for all overnight use and some require one for day-use.

General Information

Visitors with a long-distance hiking permit issued from the Pacific Crest Trail Association for hikes greater than 500 miles do not need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit. Check Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 for long-distance hiking permits, conditions and closures.

Some trailheads require a recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes & Permits page for details.

Wilderness Restrictions Apply
Stock users must use weed-free feed
Motorized and mechanical equipment (including bicycles and drones) are prohibited in the wilderness.
Groups must be under 12 people and 12 head of stock.
Build campfires at least 100 feet away from water.
Pack in / Pack out!
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints”—please refrain from cutting, damaging or gathering vegetation or other forest items, i.e. rocks, etc.
Please bury human waste 6-8” deep and at least 200’ away from water.