Naches Ranger District

Mountain Anemone

The Naches Ranger District encompasses approximately 518,000 acres and extends from near the town of Naches to the crest of the Cascades in the William O. Douglas, Norse Peak, and Goat Rocks Wilderness Areas, and White Pass area. It is bordered by the Cle Elum Ranger District to the north along the Manastash Ridge divide, by the Yakama Indian Nation to the south, and Mt. Rainier National Park to the west.To the west of the district is the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mt. Rainier National Park, and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

 

 

ATTENTION: CAMPGROUNDS AND RECREATION ON WHITE PASS AND THE RIMROCK AREAS ARE STILL BEING IMPACTED BY THE RETREAT FIRE, THE AREAS SURROUNDING LOST LAKE AND JUMPOFF MEADOWS ARE CLOSED, AS WELL AS AREAS ON THE 1500RD AND EAST SUCH AS THE MICROWAVE TOWER ROAD. OAK CREEK IS ALSO CLOSED AND LIKELY TO REMAIN CLOSED FOR THE 2024 SEASON.

 

 

Please note: Campgrounds are begining to close or have limited services for the 2024-25 winter season.  All hand pumps or potable water will be shut off in mid-late September, 2024. Campgrounds will again be open Memorial Day weekend 2025.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Current Naches Recreation / Roads Conditions
Operational Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed for lunch 12 to 12:30.
Closest Towns: Naches, WA
Passes: Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes and Permits page for details.
Information Center:

General Information

Directions:

10237 Highway 12
Naches, WA 98937
(509) 653-1401 (Voice/TTY)
Fax: (509) 653-2638


General Notes:

Summer Homes


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

If bicycling in campgrounds, please do so in a respectful manner, not impacting other campers/campsites. When bicycling on trails, ride safely, stay in control, and be considerate of other trail users. Please remember bicycles are not allowed in protected wilderness areas.

Areas for Mountain Biking at Naches Ranger District

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Naches Ranger District

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at Naches Ranger District

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Naches Ranger District

Dispersed Camping

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Naches Ranger District

Cabin Rentals

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Naches Ranger District

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Naches Ranger District

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Naches Ranger District

Day Hiking

If hiking through campgrounds, please do so in a respectful manner, not impacting campers/campsites. When hiking on trails, be considerate of other trail users.

Areas for Day Hiking at Naches Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Naches Ranger District

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at Naches Ranger District

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Naches Ranger District

Big Game Hunting

Please refer to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife hunting seasons and regulations guide and your hunting permit for legal hunting locations.

The Naches Ranger District has many campgrounds historically used for hunting camps after the summer season.  Many of these campgrounds remain open into the fall to accommodate the early hunting seasons.

Areas for Big Game Hunting at Naches Ranger District

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Naches Ranger District

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Naches Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Naches Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Naches Ranger District

Target Shooting

The forest is generally open to this activity. We do not have recommended areas for shooting.  However, regulations do address areas where the activity is specifically prohibited (such as campgrounds, administrative sites, rental cabins/lodges, etc., see below).  Additionally, hanging targets on trees is prohibited because it causes resource (timber) damage.  It is best to find an earth slope as a back stop to any shooting activity.  Other municipal and county ordinances may apply.  Most municipalities prohibit shooting within 1 mile of the city limits. 

36 C.F.R. § 261.10  --

Prohibited:

(d) Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or

(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.

(3) Into or within any cave.

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Naches Ranger District

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Naches Ranger District

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Naches Ranger District

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Naches Ranger District

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Naches Ranger District

Waterskiing

Sledding/Tubing

Winter skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing or any other winter recreation use at American Ridge Lodge, permitted only through reservation.

Skiing/Snowboarding

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing Information for Naches Ranger District [4-page PDF]

See the Washington State Winter Recration website for Naches area which has maps and information about groomed trails, passes you will need (Discover or SnoPark pass) and other updates.

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Naches Ranger District

Snowmobiling

See the Washington State Snowmobile Parks Winter Recration website for Naches area which has maps and information about groomed trails, passes you will need (Discover or SnoPark pass) and other updates.

Areas for Snowmobiling at Naches Ranger District

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities