Wilderness
One of our nation's greatest treasures is the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Wildernesses are lands designated by Congress to be protected and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements or habitation.
Please view the special regulations associated with Wilderness and accept the Leave No Trace challenge. Help our wildlands remain wild, clean, and pristine!
These are the wilderness areas on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest:
- Glacier View Wilderness
- Goat Rocks Wilderness
- Indian Heaven Wilderness
- Mount Adams Wilderness
- Tatoosh Wilderness
- Trapper Creek Wilderness
- William O. Douglas Wilderness
Know the law! Because Wilderness areas are protected, there are a few extra rules and regulations to keep in mind. Keep reading to review the rules, restrictions, and permits required.
General Informaion
Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. View our Recreation Passes and Permits page for details.
Wilderness permits are required. These self issue permits are free and available at all wilderness trailheads.
Wilderness specific regulations apply.
In general:
Motorized/Mechanized Equipment Prohibited
- No motorized/mechanized equipment in Wilderness areas (this includes bicycles, e-bikes, carts, wagons, chainsaws, hang gliders, aircrafts, drones, motorbikes, ATVS, Jeeps, snowmobiles or any vehicle with a motor)
- No drones (including quadcopters, model aircrafts and other unmanned aerial systems)
- No landing planes/aircrafts (no air dropping supplies, materials or people)
​Maximum Party
- No more than 12 in a group, in any combination of people/pack animals. Groups exceeding 12 must divide into logistically separate parties and maintain a minimum of one-mile of separation.
Avoid Restoration Areas
- Some areas are closed to allow the natural vegetation a chance to recover after years of heavy recreation use. Do not walk or camp in areas posted as being closed for restoration.
- Please camp at least 100 feet from lakes and the Pacific Crest Trail to protect fragile vegetation.
- No shortcutting trails or switchbacks, as this damages the trails, soil and vegetation.
Pack Saddle and Stock
- Certified weed-free feed is required in all National Forests in the Pacific Northwest. This helps prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants.
- Grazing, hitching, tethering, or hobbling any pack and/or saddle livestock within 200 feet of a lakeshore is prohibited.
Limit Campfires
- Do not build campfires where posted as prohibited. Camp stoves are recommended instead.
