William O. Douglas Wilderness: Okanogan-Wenatchee
The William O. Douglas Wilderness was designated in 1984 and now encompasses 169,081 acres. Named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas who was noted for his concern for civil rights and environmental protection. Douglas made his home adjacent to the Wilderness near Bumping River, and immortalized the area in his popular book, Of Men and Mountains.
The western peaks are characterized by high elevation lakes in forests and the eastern slopes drop to mid-elevation pine forest, alpine peaks, and exposed basalt tables and points. The southern portion of the Wilderness spreads out into a large plateau, where the forest thins and lakes collect. The western side receives as much as 120 inches of precipitation per year, while the eastern side may get as little as 20 inches. Snow usually starts to fall by November and often lingers in patches in higher elevations until mid-summer.
Many trails cross the William O. Douglas Wilderness which ranges in elevation from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) runs along the 27-mile crest of this Wilderness.
Help protect your wilderness by following wilderness regulations and using Leave No Trace principles.
Active Alerts
General Information
- Wilderness permits are required. These self-issuing permits are free and are available at the trailhead.
- Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass.
Restrictions
- No campfires at Dewey Lake.
- Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and the Pacific Crest Trail to protect fragile vegetation.
Getting There
Directions
The William O. Douglas Wilderness is located in the southern Cascade Range between White Pass (Highway 12) and Chinook Pass (Highway 410) east of Mt. Rainier National Park.
Trailheads that access the William O. Douglas Wilderness:
- American Ridge Trailhead - access to American Ridge Trail #958.
- Andy Creek Trailhead - access to Russell Ridge Trail #1111 which leads to Ironstone Mountain Trail #1141.
- Cash Prairie Trailhead - access to Ironstone Mountain Trail #1141.
- Chinook Pass Overlook Trailhead - access to Pacific Crest Trail.
- Deep Creek Horse Camp Trailhead - access to Twin Sisters Trail #980 and Indian Creek Trail #1105.
- Dog Lake Day Use/Boat Launch/Trailhead - access to Cramer Lake Trail #1106.
- Fish Lake Way Trailhead - access to Fish Lake Way Trail #971A and Bumping Lake Trail #971.
- Hell's Crossing Trailhead/Sno-Park - access to cross country ski trails.
- Sand Ridge Trailhead - access to Sand Ridge #1104.
- White Pass Day Use/Boat Launch/Trailhead - access to Pacific Crest Trail #2000.
See also
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, William O. Douglas Wilderness information.
Topo Maps
Bumping Lake, Cougar Lake, Goose Prairie, Meeks Table, Norse Peak, Old Scab Mountain, Rimrock Lake, Spiral Butte, Timberwolf Mountain, White Pass. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.
Buy maps online
Go to the National Forest Store.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.
Facility and Amenity Information
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Pack animals are generally allowed; however they are not allowed within the William O. Douglas Wilderness on the following sections of trails:
- Goat Peak Trail #958C from the Hells Crossing Campground to the American Ridge Trail #958.
- Spring Trail #975A from Trail #975.
- Big Twin Trail #980B from its junction with Trail #980 to its terminus at the north end or Big Twin Sisters Lake.
- Cougar Lake Trail #958A from the outlet of Little Cougar Lake to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000.