Hiking

There are almost 1,500 miles of trails on the forest open to hiking.

Backpacking

There are a variety of trails within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that are great for backpacking. Many of these trails travel through designated Wilderness. 

Help us protect fish, wildlife, and your natural resources by practicing Leave No Trace techniques. Make sure to bring out all that you bring in, camp on durable surfaces, and make sure to follow local restrictions. Remember to be prepared for emergencies and weather changes. 

Some designated trailheads may require a day use fee. You will need to purchase a day or annual Recreation Pass and display it in your vehicle. 

Day Hikes

Practice Leave No Trace techniques. Remember to be prepared for emergencies and weather changes and don't forget the 10 Essentials.

Some designated trailheads may require a day use fee. You will need to purchase a day or annual Recreation Pass and display it in your vehicle. Most trailheads will have a kiosk where you can purchase a Day Pass at the trailhead. 

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Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking (91)

Day Hikes (137)

Hiking (23)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 154 results

Ape Cave Interpretive Site

Site Closed

During the winter from November 1 to May 17, the area is closed to the public, and there is no access allowed without prior authorization, as per 36 CFR 261.53 (b). Access to Ape Cave and Ape Cave…

Campground: Beaver

Site Closed

Beaver Campground is nestled among large, old maple and sycamore trees, offering a quiet and private family camping experience. Its location along the Wind River provides opportunities for anglers,…

Campground: Chambers Lake

Site Open

This campground is less than one mile from the very popular Snowgrass and Berry Patch Trailheads, which lead into the Goat Rocks Wilderness.  The Klickitat Loop Trail is also in the area. The site…

Campground: Cultus Creek

Site Closed

Cultus Creek campground is located in a pristine wooded setting on the boundary of Indian Heaven Wilderness. The trailhead for a Indian Heaven Trail #33, a popular and challenging trail into the…

Campground: Government Mineral Springs

Site Open

This is a historic site in an attractive old-growth forest setting. The campground was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937.  Camp sites for tent camping are located under trees…

Campground: Horseshoe Lake

Site Closed

The campground is a rustic site situated on a 24-acre lake and offers most campers a view of the water. The campground is small with only 11 campsites. Fishing and boating (electric motors only)…

Campground: Iron Creek

Site Closed

This large campground (98 sites) is on a flat along the Cispus River and is located in an old growth stand of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar. Lush vegetation and ample space between sites makes them…

Campground: Killen Creek

Site Closed

This campground is located near the Mt. Adams Wilderness in a high elevation stand of lodgepole pine and silver fir. It is a good place to camp prior to heading into the northern trails of the…

Campground: La Wis Wis

Site Closed

This large campground is located right off of US Highway 12 at the junction of the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz and the Ohanapecosh Rivers. It is situated in an old growth stand of Douglas fir, hemlock,…

Campground: Morrison Creek

Site Closed

This site was burned over in the Cascade Creek Fire of 2012. Several primitive camp sites are available, some along Morrison Creek. The site serves as a trailhead to the Shorthorn Trail #16 which…