Clackamas Wilderness

The 9,465-acre Clackamas Wilderness consists of 5 widely separated tracts of roadless land, scattered on either side of the Clackamas River over 50 miles. These pieces include Big Bottom, Clackamas Canyon, Memaloose Lake, Sisi Butte and South Fork Clackamas. With some of the largest trees in northwest Oregon, the Clackamas Wilderness protects clean drinking water for many Oregonians as well as habitat for many species.

A popular hike in the Clackamas Wilderness is the trail to Memaloose Lake. It climbs through an old-growth forest 1.4 miles to the lake, and then continues a mile up to a viewpoint atop South Fork Mountain. The word memaloose means "dead" in Chinook jargon, the old Indian trade language of the Northwest. The old-growth forest around the lake is a rare example of mature forest habitat surrounded by lands that have been historically logged.

Key access points: Trail and trailhead access information

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At a Glance

Permit Info:	NOTE: Wilderness permits are required when provided at a portal. Not all trails will have Wilderness portals. A Wilderness permit is required from May 15 through October 15. Permits are free and self-issued at trailheads.
Restrictions:	Wilderness restriction apply View Clackamas Wilderness specific regulations
Closest Towns:	Sandy, OR; Estacada, OR
Passes:	Some trailheads require a day use fee. View a list of available Recreation Passes that may be used in lieu of day use fee payment.
Information Center:	Clackamas River Ranger District: (971) 333-4100