Mt. Washington Wilderness: Deschutes


Mount Washington Wilderness

Mt. Washington rises above 75 square miles of lava-strewn plains which includes Belknap Crater, a 6,873-foot cinder and ash volcanic cone. This 54,278-acre Wilderness is a rugged retreat, primarily used by hunters, hikers, and mountain climbers. There are 28 lakes in the Wilderness.

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail extends for 16.6 miles through the Mount 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.

  • Mt. Washington Wilderness Georeferenced Permit Map

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    This map highlights which trailheads require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for day use and those trailheads with day use opportunities requiring a free, self-issue permit at the trailhead.

    Download Map

 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: ALERT - Dry Creek Trail has not been maintained for years and has heavy "blow down" of trees killed by wildfire throughout the forest. The Shadow Lake fire of 2011 damaged the Dry Creek trail beyond repair. The trail is impossible to find in most places and filled with heavy blowdown. The East side of the Mt. Washington Wilderness provides a true Wilderness experience as there are no longer any maintained trails on that side of the crest. 
  • Visitors can access Dry Creek via the Dry Creek Access Point, which provides access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness, but map and compass skills are required. Visitors to the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for all overnight use and some require one for day-use.
Fees: Trails in the Mt. Washington Wilderness area require a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for ALL overnight use and SOME require one for day-use.
  • Day and Overnight visitors: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit required for ALL overnight and SOME day-use sites between June 15 and October 15.
  • Recreation.gov processing fees are $1/permit for day use, $6/permit for group/overnight use.
  • Reserve a permit at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 
Permit Info: There are two types of entry permits required between June 15 and October 15 for entering all designated wilderness areas.
  • Central Cascades Wilderness Permits are required between June 15 and October 15 for all overnight use in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas. Some day use in these wilderness areas also require these permits. Check out Recreation.gov for more information.
  • At all other wilderness areas free, unlimited self-issue permits at trailheads are required from June 15 and October 15.
Usage: Light
Restrictions:
  • Wilderness Restrictions Apply.
  • Stock users must use weed-free feed; click here for more information.
  • Motorized and mechanical equipment (including bicycles and drones) are prohibited in the wilderness.
  • Groups must be under 12 people and 12 head of stock.
  • Build campfires at least 100 feet away from water.
  • Pack in / Pack out!
  • “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”—please refrain from cutting, damaging or gathering vegetation or other forest items, i.e. rocks, etc.
  • Please bury human waste 6-8” deep and at least 200’ away from water.
Closest Towns: Sisters, Oregon
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:

General Information

Directions:

Access to Mount Washington Wilderness

See also: Willamette National Forest information about Mount Washington Wilderness.

Topo Maps

Clear Lake, Linnton Lake, Mount Washington, North Sister. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.

Buy maps online

Go to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map store: https://store.usgs.gov/maps

Wilderness.net

Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.


General Notes:

Know Before You Go

  • All overnight and some day use visitors to the Mt. Washington Wilderness must carry a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit if visiting between June 15 and October 15.
  • Learn about Wilderness Regulations, including special area regulations in the Mt. Washington Wilderness.
  • ''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.
  • Find out about the Weed Free Feed Requirement and other good Know Before You Go tips.

Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding