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Wilderness
The Willamette National Forest has eight wildernesses which total 380,805 acres. These areas, the majority of which encompass seven major mountain peaks in the Cascades, are popular with hikers, backpackers, and mountain climbers. Maps are available for these areas.
- Opal Creek Wilderness (Willamette)
- Mt. Jefferson Wilderness (Willamette/Mt. Hood/Deschutes)
- Middle Santiam Wilderness (Willamette)
- Menagerie Wilderness (Willamette)
- Mt. Washington Wilderness (Willamette/Deschutes)
- Three Sisters Wilderness (Willamette/Deschutes)
- Waldo Lake Wilderness (Willamette)
- Diamond Peak Wilderness (Willamette/Deschutes)
The Forest Service began administering some of the National Forest System lands to preserve their primitive character as early as 1930. The Wilderness System was established by Congress in 1964 "for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness." (The Wilderness Act, 1964)
These wildernesses exhibit evidence of the forces of nature, with the imprint of human work unnoticeable. They offer outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation. Entry is by foot or horseback. Mechanized or wheeled equipment is prohibited.
Know Before You Go
Visiting the Wilderness: Drinking water, hunting & fishing, mountain climbing, weather, firedanger, and tips on what to do if you get lost in the Wilderness
Wilderness Regulations: A list of prohibited activites in wilderness areas
Leave No Trace: Outdoor skills & ethics
Wilderness Permits: Visitors need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit or a self-issuing permit, depending on the trip.
- There are two types of entry permits required between June 15 and October 15 for entering all wildernesses in the Willamette National Forest.
- Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are required for all overnight use in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas between June 15 and October 15. Some day use in these wilderness areas also require these permits.
- Free, unlimited self-issue permits, available at trailheads, are required at all other wilderness areas and within the Central Cascade Wilderness Permit system at trailheads that do not require permits for day use.
Special Restrictions: In some heavily used and highly impacted areas, camping and fire restrictions are in place. Forest Service offices can provide this information and can recommend areas which offer greater opportunities for solitude.
Weed Free Feed is required for all stock for National Forests in the Pacific Northwest. Find out more on our Know Before You Go page.