Wild and Scenic Rivers

Wild and Scenic River runs through a canyon in the afternoon light On October 2, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Today the Act protects more than 13,400 miles of rivers and streams in the U.S.

The Forest Service is involved in managing over 5,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers. Many of these wild and scenic rivers offer an incredible spectrum of recreational opportunities that range from fly fishing to whitewater boating to places where you can simply cool off and sit in quiet. The abundant rain and snowfall in the western Cascades feed an extensive river system within the Pacific Northwest.