Gifford Pinchot National Forest

A century ago, the National Forest system was established in the Pacific Northwest from existing federal Forest Reserve lands. This event followed on the heels of the act which made the U.S. Forest Service a new federal agency in 1905. A series of Proclamations and Executive Orders created the first national forests in 1907 and 1908. Among these was the Columbia National Forest, renamed in 1949 to honor Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the agency. The Executive Order creating the Columbia National Forest was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on July 1, 1908.

To celebrate our first century as a National Forest, managed for “the greatest good for the greatest number, in the long run,” as envisioned by Gifford Pinchot, a variety of commemorative activities and events are planned including public programs, field trips, and presentations highlighting the early history of Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

News Release: Gifford Pinchot National Forest to Host Events On July 1 in Honor of Forest Centennial.

News Release: Historic Guard Station Open to the Public During Forest Centennial Event on July 5.

News Release: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Celebrates 100 Years of Service.