Wilderness

Weed Free Feed Required in Wilderness Weed-Free Feed Requirements [links to Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region site for explanation and details] Weed-Free Forage Providers [links to State of Oregon site] For more information... Using 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 Recreation Passes & Permits: Information about the different types of free and paid permits required in the Willamette National Forest's wilderness areas including Wilderness Permits and trailhead passes. Leave No Trace: Outdoor skills & ethics

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.

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.

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. Entry permits are required between Memorial Day and October 31 for entering all wildernesses in the Willamette National Forest. Most of the permits are self-issuing at trailheads, but limited entry permits are required for the Pamelia Lake (Mt. Jefferson Wilderness) and Obsidian (Three Sisters Wilderness) areas. For more information, visit the wilderness permits page.

Wilderness information from our Trip Planning section:

• 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)