William O. Douglas Wilderness: Okanogan-Wenatchee
The William O. Douglas Wilderness was designated in 1984 and now encompasses 169,081 acres. 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.
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.
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 3,000 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.
Help protect your wilderness by following wilderness regulations and using Leave No Trace principles.
Active Alerts
General Information
Permits
- Wilderness permits are required. The self-issuing permits are free and are available at trailheads and Forest Service Ranger Stations.
- Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes and Permits page.
Restrictions
- No campfires are permitted at Dewey Lake.
- Please camp at least 200 feet from lakes and the Pacific Crest Trail to protect fragile vegetation.
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.
Trailheads that Access William O. Douglas Wilderness in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest:
- American Ridge Trailhead - access to American Ridge Trail #958.
- Andy Creek Trailhead - access to Russell Ridge Trail #1111 which leads to Ironstone Mountain Trail #1141.
- Cash Prairie Trailhead - access to Ironstone Mountain Trail #1141
- Chinook Pass Overlook Trailhead - access to Pacific Crest Trail
- Deep Creek Horse camp Trailhead - access to Twin Sisters Trail #980 and north side of Indian Creek Trail #1105.
- Dog Lake Day Use/Boat Launch/Trailhead - access to Cramer Lake Trail #1106.
- Fish Lake Way Trailhead - access to Fish Lake Way Trail #971A and Bumping Lake Trail #971.
- Hell's Crossing Trailhead/Sno-Park - access to cross country ski trails.
- Indian Creek Trailhead - access to Indian Creek Trail #1105.
- Sand Ridge Trailhead - access to Sand Ridge #1104.
- White Pass Day Use/Boat Launch/Trailhead - access to Pacific Crest Trail #2000.
See also
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.
Buy maps online
Go to the National Forest Store.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.
Facility and Amenity Information
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Pack animals are generally allowed; however they are not allowed within the William O. Douglas Wilderness on the following sections of trails:
- Goat Peak Trail #958C from the Hells Crossing Campground to the American Ridge Trail #958.
- Spring Trail #975A from Trail #975.
- Big Twin Trail #980B from its junction with Trail #980 to its terminus at the north end or Big Twin Sisters Lake.
- Cougar Lake Trail #958A from the outlet of Little Cougar Lake to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000.