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Wilderness

There are about 279,150 acres of wilderness on Mt. Hood National Forest. Over 124,000 acres of this total was designated as wilderness in 2009. With a large percentage of the Forest designated as federal wilderness, it's important to understand what wilderness is and why it matters.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines federal wilderness as an area of land that has been mostly undisturbed by modern human development, like roads or buildings.

The Wilderness Act’s purpose is to preserve and protect the natural ecosystems and wild areas and also provide opportunities for solitude and retrospective or primitive recreation. The Act states that federal wilderness should be protected and preserved in its natural condition, without permanent improvements, roads, or habitation.

Wilderness Permits

The Forest Service uses wilderness permits to monitor wilderness use, set trail maintenance priorities, and plan work priorities. On Mt. Hood National Forest:

  • Free, self-issued wilderness permits are required from May 15 to October 15 when provided at a portal. Not all trails will have Wilderness portals.
  • Visitors must have a wilderness permit in their possession year-round when on the south side climbing route of Mt. Hood.
  • Climbers traveling above 9,500 feet must purchase a 3-day or annual permit on Recreation.gov. Learn more about the Mt. Hood Climbing Permit.

Wilderness Regulations

Yellow maple leaves above a flowing river in Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness

Wilderness is meant to be used and enjoyed, and “primitive recreation” is even part of the definition of wilderness in the Wilderness Act.

All federal wilderness regulations, including limits on visitor use and group size as well as human waste disposal, are listed on Wilderness Connect. Please help us keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine.

Federal Wilderness in Mt. Hood National Forest

Wilderness Ethics

Limit the Spread of Noxious Weeds

Logo for the Oregon Department of Agriculture

Weed-free feed is required on all national forest lands in Oregon and Washington. Certified weed-free hay, straw, and gravel are in high demand in Oregon and throughout the western states. The State of Oregon takes an integrated weed management approach to help limit the spread of noxious weeds and protect Oregon agriculture. 

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace logo

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of ethics promoting conservation of the outdoors. LNT provides a basic framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors, especially federal wilderness.

Safety is Essential

Tips for first time camper

Wilderness is usually in a very remote area, far from civilization with little to no cell reception. Do you have the 10 Essentials? Do you know how to interact (or not) with wildlife? What to do if you get lost? It's critical to make sure you are prepared and plan ahead for safety. 

Guns in Wilderness

Shooting and wildfire safety

Firearms are allowed in wilderness and their regulations on National Forest lands also apply to wilderness. Follow shooting regulations and ethics to protect humans, animals, and natural resources. Oregon state fishing and hunting regulations apply in all wilderness areas.

Violation of firearm and shooting prohibitions is punishable by a fine or imprisonment (16 U.S.C. 551, 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).

Last updated June 11th, 2025