Wildernesses

Glacial Valley with TreesWelcome to your National Forest Wilderness! One of our nation's greatest treasures is the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Wildernesses are lands designated by Congress to be protected and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements or habitation.

These areas provide unique recreational opportunities as well as help protect key ecological, scientific, historical and educational values.

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has four congressionally designated wilderness areas totaling almost 598,600 acres. They include the Eagle Cap Wilderness which is the largest single wilderness area in Oregon, the Hells Canyon Wilderness part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and the North Fork John Day and Monument Rock wildernesses also located on adjacent national forests.

Wilderness 50th Anniversary: 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Wilderness Act. To celebrate this special occasion, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest hosted several events....more on the Wilderness 50th.

Please observe regulations associated with Wilderness areas and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine.

Fees: You will need to display a valid day pass (or annual pass) for each day your vehicle is at a recreation site where a fee is required. 

Know Before You Go!