Jefferson Park Area - Mt. Jefferson Wilderness

The Jefferson Park area within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness is an incredibly popular destination, providing iconic views of Mt. Jefferson, alpine lakes and abundant wildflowers. Backpacking, day hiking and mountaineering are the most common forms of recreation in the area during the short summer season. Opportunities for nature photography also abound.

Mt. Jefferson and Park Ridge are the dominant features of the Jefferson Park area. Mt. Jefferson's slopes are mantled by five glaciers: Whitewater, Waldo, Milk Creek, Russell and Jefferson Park. Jefferson Park proper consists of sensitive subalpine meadows and lakes with an extremely short growing season. Vegetation is dwarfed with old-growth mountain hemlock the size of most 10-20 year old conifers. Other geographic features include steep talus slopes, rock outcrops and alpine meadows.

If staying overnight at Jefferson Park, choose an already impacted site and do not camp on vegetation. No camping is allowed within 100 feet of the high-water mark of a lake, creek, spring or any other water source. 

The sensitive meadows and fragile vegetation of Jefferson Park’s subalpine ecosystem take decades of recovery once damaged. With the popularity of Jefferson Park, please help protect this area and preserve the experience for you and for future visitors. ''Leave No Trace'' techniques are encouraged, including properly disposing of human and pet waste and carrying out all trash. When making a campsite selection, never camp on vegetation - select a pre-existing hardened campsite. The best campsites are found not made. Click here for more Leave No Trace information.

Visitors should obtain a detailed map of the area before planning a trip, and inquire in advance about trail conditions, particularly early in the season. Jefferson Park can hold substantial snow well into June/July on an average snow year, so plan your trip accordingly.

Know Before You Go

• Visitors must carry a Central Cascades Wilderness Pass if visiting between June 15 and October 15.
• Maximum group size is 12 people and 12 head of stock.
• Campfires are not permitted within the boundaries of Jefferson Park.
• Special regulations unique to the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area.
• Stock users must use weed-free feed.
• There are no facilities within the Jefferson Park area or the Wilderness area.