Wilderness: William O. Douglas
The William O. Douglas Wilderness was designated in 1984 and encompasses 168,956 acres, most of which is a part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. 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. Douglas made his home at Goose Prairie, adjacent to the Wilderness near Bumping River, and immortalized the area in his popular book, "Of Men and Mountains."
While significant portions of the William O. Douglas Wilderness are high elevation forest, the overall topography is varied. The western peaks are characterized by high elevation lakes in a forested setting, and the eastern slopes drop to mid-elevation pine forest, alpine peaks, bare ridges, and exposed basalt tables and points. The southern portion of the Wilderness spreads out into a large plateau, where the forest thins, and 59 lakes lie among another 200 or so ponds and pools. Members of large herds of elk and mule deer reside here with fishers, foxes, mountain goats and grouse.
As much as 120 inches of precipitation per year falls on the western side of the area, while the eastern side may get as little as 20 to 24 inches. Snow usually starts to fall by November and often lingers in patches in higher elevations until mid-summer. Many trails cross the William O. Douglas Wilderness which ranges in elevation from 3,00 to 7,000 feet. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which extends from Mexico to Canada, runs along the 27-mile crest of this Wilderness.
Trailheads/trails that access William O Douglas Wilderness within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Trailhead: Carlton Creek - access to Trail #22 Carlton Creek.
- Trailhead: Cortright - access to Trail #57 Cortright Creek.
- Trailhead: Kincaid - access to Trail #42 Kincaid.
- Trailhead: Sand Lake - access to Trail #60 Sand Lake.
- Trailhead: Soda Spring
- Trailhead: Soda Spring Stock
Other trails within William O. Douglas Wilderness within Gifford Pinchot National Forest
General Information
Topo Maps
Bumping Lake, Cougar Lake, Goose Prairie, Meeks Table, Norse Peak, Old Scab Mountain, Rimrock Lake, Spiral Butte, Timberwolf Mountain, White Pass.
Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.
Find maps online
Go to the maps page to order or download maps. Or pick up a map at any Gifford Pinchot National Forest Ranger District office.
Wilderness.net
Visit Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.
Wilderness permits are required for entry into all Gifford Pinchot National Forest Wilderness areas. The permits are free and self-issued. They are available at all trailheads leading into these Wildernesses, and at Forest Service Ranger Stations.
Wilderness Regulations apply
- No campfires are permitted at Dewey Lake.
- Please camp at least 100 feet from lakes and the Pacific Crest Trail to protect fragile vegetation.
Address: 10024 US Highway 12 Randle, WA 98377
Phone: (360) 497 1103
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am - 4:00pm. (Closed Daily: 12:00 - 1pm). Closed: Tuesday and Thursday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
The William O. Douglas Wilderness is located in the southern Washington Cascade mountain crest between White Pass (Highway 12) and Chinook Pass (Highway 410) and east of Mt. Rainier National Park.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
