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Mt. Washington rises above 75 square miles of lava-strewn plains. This is a geological wonderland which includes Belknap Crater, a 6,873 foot cinder and ash volcanic cone. This is a rugged retreat, primarily used by hunters, hikers, and mountain climbers. There are 28 lakes in the Wilderness.
Mt. Washington Wilderness area covers 54,278 total acres. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail extends for 16.6 miles through the Mt. Washington Wilderness. It is the primary trail and extends from the north boundary near Big Lake to where it leaves the wilderness at its southern boundary near the Dee Wright Observatory.Vegetation consists of lodgepole pine and associated species as well as mountain hemlock.
Know Before You Go
- If visiting between the first Friday after Memorial Day and last Friday in September, you must carry a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit.
- ''Leave No Trace'' techniques are encouraged in Wilderness areas, including properly disposing of human and pet waste and carrying out all trash.
- There are no facilities within the Mt. Washington Wilderness.
| Title: |
Three Sisters from the Mt Washington Wilderness |
| Date: |
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| Forest Name: |
Willamette National Forest |
| Location: |
Three Sisters from the Mt Washington Wilderness |
| Credit: |
Phil Raab |
| Description: |
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| Title: |
Mt. Washington Wilderness Benson Lake |
| Date: |
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| Forest Name: |
Willamette National Forest |
| Location: |
Mt. Washington Wilderness Benson Lake |
| Credit: |
Phil Raab |
| Description: |
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| Source: |
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| Title: |
Mt. Washington from McKenzie Pass |
| Date: |
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| Forest Name: |
Willamette National Forest |
| Location: |
Mt. Washington from McKenzie Pass |
| Credit: |
Phil Raab |
| Description: |
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| Source: |
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| Title: |
Mt. Washington from McKenzie Pass |
| Date: |
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| Forest Name: |
Willamette National Forest |
| Location: |
Mt. Washington from McKenzie Pass |
| Credit: |
Phil Raab |
| Description: |
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| Source: |
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| Title: |
Mt. Washington Wilderness |
| Date: |
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| Location: |
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| Credit: |
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| Description: |
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| Source: |
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At a Glance
| Current Conditions: |
New for 2021, trails in Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas will require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for overnight use and some will require one for day-use. Learn more. |
| Fees |
Central Cascades Wilderness Permit – Overnight visitors: $5 per person, per night (proposed); children 12 years old and younger are free (permit still required) |
| Permit Info: |
Self issue entry permits are required between Memorial Day and October 31. Details about Wilderness Permits. |
| Open Season: |
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| Usage: |
Light |
| Restrictions: |
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| Water: |
Always carry water or a way to purify water. |
| Passes: |
Some trailheads require a recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes & Permits page for details |
| Information Center: |
McKenzie River Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:
Access: From the north take State Hwy. 20 to Forest Road 2690 (Big Lake). Follow to Big Lake West Campground and Patjens Lake Trail #3395. From south take State Hwy. 242 (McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway). Pacific Trail #2000 is to the west of Dee Wright Observatory. Benson Lake Trail #3502 and Hand Lake Trail #3513 are off Scott Lake Road 260.
General Notes:
For trail information see:
Close to:
Topo Maps
Clear Lake, Linnton Lake, Mount Washington, North Sister. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps here.
Buy maps online
Go to the National Forest Store.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.
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