Wilderness
The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines Wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” The 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.
There are four designated Wilderness areas within Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. These areas provide:
- Opportunities for solitude, personal challenge, and self discovery
- Protection for volcanic peaks and unique geology
- Safeguarding of important water sources, such as glaciers, lakes and streams, at higher elevations
- Conservation of unique biological ecosystems and old growth forests
Visiting Wilderness
Wilderness requires sustained commitment and careful stewardship by the Forest Service, visitors, and the public to insure its remarkable resources and values remain for future generations.
To ensure that the remarkable resources and values of Wilderness endure, special regulations apply. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and safe. Please do your part and take a personal role in preserving these special places.
