Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Southern Gifford Pinchot Trail Guide

Welcome to the Southern part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, home of majestic waterfalls, alpine meadows, and an abundant and diverse range of wildlife. We are glad you have come to enjoy your National Forest! Please check with our Ranger Stations for current trail conditions, remember the ten essentials for hiking in the backcountry, and be sure to tell someone where you are going and when to expect your return. If you don't have anyone to share your itinerary with, for your safety, stop by one of our Ranger Stations and let us know where you are planning to hike. We also welcome your comments and suggestions.

Trail Areas

These trails are divided into the following areas:

Trail Area	Oversized Clickable Image	Printable Map (PDF format)
Southern Area Overview	Map (39k gif image)	Map (155k)
Berry Fields	Map (41k gif image)	Map (61k)
Dog Mountain	Map (37k gif image)	Map (45k)
Indian Heaven Wilderness	Map (32k gif image)	Map (85k)
Morrison Creek	Map (72k gif image)	Map (64k)
Monte Cristo	Map (38k gif image)	Map (58k)
Mt. Adams Wilderness	Map (74k gif image)	Map (75k)
Oldman Pass	Map (39k gif image)	Map (56k)
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
Panther Creek	Map (44k gif image)	Map (64k)
Silver Star	Map (41k gif image)	Map (64k)
Siouxon	Map (35k gif image)	Map (55k)
Trapper Creek Wilderness	Map (48k gif image)	Map (72k)
Upper Wind River Winter Sports Area

BARRIER FREE ACCESS

Wheelchairs are welcome on any hiker trail at the user's discretion. Two barrier-free campsites are available by reservation at Beaver Campground, 4 miles north of the Wind River Work Center. Whistle Punk Trail is a universally accessible interpretive trail.

BEING PREPARED

If you traveled through the Columbia Gorge to get to Wind River or Trout Lake, you may not realize you are in the Cascade Mountain Range! Don't be deceived - our terrain is subject to fast changes in weather conditions. A good policy on a day trip is to be prepared for an overnight stay. At a minimum carry these 10 essentials on day outings:

• Water and purifier - First aid kit
• Extra clothing - Sunglasses (goggles or clip-on)
• Pocket knife - Fire Starter (candle, heat tablets)
• Extra food - Map (USGS topographic), and compass
• Flashlight - Waterproof matches

RIVER CROSSINGS

Some trails require visitors to cross through rivers and creeks. Proper preparation will facilitate safer water crossings. It's a good idea to find the widest part of the river to cross, as the widest parts of the river are usually the shallowest. Here are some more tips on crossing water safely:

• Unfasten waist strap of pack.
• Remove socks before wading and wear only boots.
• Correct clothing reduces chill and numbing potential of water.
• Careful footing is essential! Rocks are slippery, and river bottoms are often unstable.
• A long walking stick will provide extra leverage when crossing deep, slow moving rivers.
• Crossing in pairs can be implemented when one person has secure footing and acts as a brace for the other person.
• Walk diagonally upstream as you cross and watch the opposite bank, not the water motion.

HIKERS GIVE RIGHT OF WAY

Please be alert for other trail users such as equestrians, llama packers, and mountain bicyclists. Safety dictates that hikers, as the more maneuverable trail user, give way to equestrians, llama packers, and mountain bicyclists. To do so step off the trail, several yards downhill if possible, to allow the horses, llamas or mountain bikes to pass easily. Talk quietly to users with pack stock, to prevent frightening their animals.

MOTORIZED TRAIL USE

The Mt. Adams District has a few isolated trails open to motorized use, see Motorized Trailbike Guide.   The only trail of any length is the Service and Middle trails, which are really one long trail.  The guide includes descriptions of the trails and maps of the areas open to trailbikes.

Motorized users (motorcycles and ATVs) need to meet the requirements of Washington State Law and Forest Service regulations.  State law requires current ORV stickers (issued by the Department of Motorized Vehicles).   Forest Service regulations require approved spark arresters.  Motorized users must stay on designated trails.

Motorcyclists using Forest Service roads must be "street legal", which means you must have a current state license and operator's license, must wear a helmet, and the motorcycle must have a headlight, tail light, brake light, horn, and left and right side mirrors.  A three- or four-wheeled ATV cannot be made "street legal" according to Washington State law.

 To find out where snowmobiles can be used, contact the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 7150 Cleanwater Lane, KY-11, Olympia, WA, 98504-5711. Their telephone number is (206) 586 - 0185.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL SENSE

Mountain bicycles enable the rider to cover ground quickly and get exercise while enjoying the scenic beauty of trails. The sturdy construction and wide tires of mountain bicycles are suited to the rough, rocky terrain found on many Forest Service roads and trails. Currently, the Forest Service prohibits mountain bikes on all trails within designated wildernesses and on all sections of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Many trails that are open only to hikers are too short, too crowded, or too boggy for riding. Contact the Ranger Station for suggestions and information on these trails and others. Please observe the following trail etiquette rules when riding for safety and to foster cooperation with other trail users. 

• Do not ride in restricted areas. Know the local rules and regulations before your trip.
• Give way to other trail and road users: hikers, horses, llamas, and vehicles. Obey all rules of the road.
• Stop, dismount, and move off the trail and downhill when encountering horses. Take care not to startle the horses, by quietly talking to the riders.
• Ride in control. Decrease speed when going downhill. Be prepared to stop at all times. Keep your eyes up and watch ahead for other trail users as frequently as possible.
• Stay on the road or trail. Do not cut across trail switchbacks or damage forest vegetation.
• For safety, wear a helmet and gloves. Carry a repair kit and pump, water, food, extra clothes, first aid kit and map.

PROTECTING THE PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Camp at the forest edge or in sandy, rocky areas rather than in fragile meadows or along lakes and streams. Trees growing above 5000 feet are growing against tremendous odds. Help conserve these trees and snags by using a backpacking stove, particularly above 5000 feet. If a fire must be used, please burn only small wood that is already down which can easily be burned to ash. Always check with one of our Ranger District offices for current fire hazard ratings to see if you are allowed to have a fire.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Before going on your trip, please contact one of our Ranger Stations for maps, trail information, and forage availability for the area you want to visit. Plan your trip to avoid high-use holidays and weekends and wet soils common early in the season. Know your stock when planning your trip. The speed of the pack string is the speed of the slowest animal. Use properly fitted pack and saddle gear. Lightweight camp equipment will let you use fewer pack animals and make it easier on both the stock and the backcountry.

ON THE TRAIL

Stay on the trails. Cutting across switchbacks causes erosion and could cause injury to you or your stock. On rough trails, let your stock pick their way through or get off and lead them. When meeting hikers on the trail, ask them to hold up until you pass. Some areas are narrow so be on the look-out for turnouts.

IN CAMP

Locate camps at least 200 feet from the nearest water, trails, and other campers, and away from meadows. Select a spot where you won't have to clear vegetation, level a tent site, or dig tent trenches. Rotate stock through the area to reduce trampling and overgrazing. Place a picket line between two eight-inch-diameter trees over hardened ground where vegetation damage can be avoided. Use a highline or hobbles to restrain stock and prevent trampling of tree roots. Move your pickets frequently to avoid grazing an area below three inches. Also it is a good idea to carry supplemental feed because forage in the backcountry is often limited, particularly in the early season. Remember that feed carried into wilderness must be processed. Using processed food pellets and nose bags for feeding will protect the Wilderness from noxious and non-native plants.

BREAKING CAMP

Pack out the your trash. Also, pack out any trash left by others. Remember, aluminum foil won't burn completely, and animals can dig up any buried trash, so please pack it out. Scatter rocks used for fire rings and any ash, charcoal, and unused firewood, and break up and scatter manure. Scout the area to make sure nothing will be left behind. Fill in any pawed holes. Return the site to its natural state and scatter a covering of needles and cones.

USING LLAMAS ON TRAILS

Llamas: Naturally agile, intelligent, and calm, these elegant creatures make outstanding pack animals. In fact, llamas have been used to transport goods across the rugged Andean Mountains in South America for over 4,000 years. Llamas are increasing in popularity as pack animals. As the use of llamas on public land increases, people who pack llamas need to know more about a number of concepts that will lead to safe enjoyable experiences, while minimizing damage to our valued natural resources. Please note that llamas are only allowed on trails designated for horse use only.

LLAMA CHECK LIST

• Before you go, check with one of our Ranger Stations about campsites, trail conditions and pack stock regulations.
• Plan your route with the condition of your party, including your llamas, in mind. Use an up-to-date topographic map.
• Keep your group small. Adhere to any party size limitations that may apply to the area you visit.
• Use lightweight gear and limit your pack loads. Keep in mind the condition of your llamas, the rigor of the trail, and the distance you plan to travel.
• A good guideline for load weights is 25-30 percent of the individual animal's ideal weight.
• Be prepared for all weather conditions and insect pests.
• Pack in processed supplemental feed for your llamas. Bring about one pound of feed per day for each llama when good grazing opportunities are available, more when grazing is scarce. Using processed feed will protect the wilderness from noxious and non-native plants. Unprocessed feed is prohibited in the wilderness.
• Take along two complete first aid kits: one for yourself, and one equipped to deal with stock injuries or illnesses.
• Stay alert for other parties with stock on the trail, and make every effort to assure a safe and pleasant meeting.
• Locate your campsites 200 feet from lakes and streams, well off the trail and away from fragile areas.
• Picket llamas in sight of camp and well off the trail away from water sources, poisonous plants, small trees, and other fragile vegetation.
• Regularly rotate grazing areas and disperse all dung piles before leaving camp.
• In camp, hang up your saddles and pack equipment to prevent damage by rodents or other animals.
• When breaking camp, return the area to its natural state as much as possible. Scatter fire ring rocks, log benches, and unused firewood, and dismantle any other human "improvements."
• Take along a gas or propane stove, and keep your warming campfire (where they are allowed) small.
• Keep an extra plastic sack handy to carry out any garbage you may find along the trail or in camp. In general, leave the area in better shape than you found it.

ON THE TRAIL

Horses and mules may become nervous or excited at their first sight of llamas and other stock piled high with a fully loaded pack, so special consideration is needed. Safety dictates that llamas, as the more maneuverable animals, give way to riders and their pack stock. To do so, step off the trail several yards downhill, if possible, to allow the horses or mules room to pass easily. When traveling on switchbacks and steep trails with limited visibility, travel slowly and be cautious of approaching riders. When negotiating switchbacks, be sure you and your stock stay on the trail. Cutting across switchbacks causes trail erosion and may lead to injury to your llamas. On rough trails, let your llamas pick their way through. When meeting hikers on the trail, ask them to hold up until you pass. Some areas are narrow, so be on the lookout for turnouts.

USING HORSES or PACK ANIMALS ON TRAILS

Many trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are open to horses and pack animals.  It is especially challenging to leave minimal impacts on the resources when traveling with stock because of the sheer size and weight of the animals, because they graze on the vegetation, and because they don't practice the most current waste disposal techniques!  By using Tread Lightly concepts, impacts to the backcountry and to other trail users can be minimized:

• Travel in small groups in a single file line, staying on the trail.
• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Pack in processed weed-free feed (refer to wilderness regulations).
• Do not tie stock to trees.
• Reduce the duration of your stay to minimize impacts to the site.
• Select a campsite that is far enough off the trail to avoid conflicts with other trail users, but is not so far that new trails are created to get to a campsite.
• When breaking camp, be sure to scatter manure.

WILDERNESS REGULATIONS

The following regulations apply to the Mt. Adams, Indian Heaven, and Trapper Creek Wilderness Areas.  Most of these are just common sense or courtesy.  Violations are subject to fines.

• Entering wilderness areas without a permit is prohibited.  Permits are available at the trailheads and will be checked by Wilderness Rangers.
• Select campsites at least 100 feet from lakes and streams. Use existing campsites whenever possible. Look for campsites that are screened by vegetation.  Screened sites provide privacy and preserve the natural appearance of the area.
• Pack and saddle stock must be kept at least 200 feet from lakes.  Do not tie stock directly to trees.  The use of high lines, hobbles, or moveable pickets helps prevent damage to vegetation.
• Unprocessed hay, grain, or other forms of livestock feed are prohibited.  Processed feet includes pelletized feeds and irradiated grains in their original container.  Any livestock feed that may serve as a seed source for non-native plants is considered unprocessed.
• Caching or storing supplies or equipment for more than 48 hours is not allowed.
• Group size limit is 12.  Any combination of persons or pack or saddle stock exceeding 12 is prohibited.  Large groups divided into separate parties must maintain a minimum separation of 1 mile (as measured horizontally on a map).
• Motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited.   The use of motors detracts from the primitive experience.  Wagons, carts, or other wheeled vehicles are prohibited.  Mobility-impaired individuals whose means of locomotion is by wheelchair are exempt from this order.
• Bicycles, hang gliders, and other nonprimitive modes of transportation are prohibited.
• Pack out all unburned refuse.  Aluminum (including foil-lined packets) and glass do not burn.  Do not bury refuse.  Pack out used toilet tissue and food waste as well.
• Cutting or defacing standing trees, dead or alive, is not permitted.  Firewood is often hard to find especially in the higher elevations.  Trees growing above 5000 feet in elevation are growing against tremendous odds.  Help conserve these trees and snags - please use a camp stove. (If you find it necessary to build a campfire, use an existing fire ring if possible and burn only dead and down wood.)
• Do not build structures, including rock walls, large cairns, tables, chairs, etc.
• Preserve water quality.  No soap or detergent (even biodegradable) should get into streams or lakes.  Drinking water should be boiled vigorously for 5 minutes.  Bury human waste at least 100 feet from water.  Dig a small hole 6 to 8 inches deep.  This keeps the waste within the "biological disposer" soil layer.  Keep the sod intact.  After use, fill the hole with loose soil and then tramp in the sod plug.  Nature will do the rest.  Pack out used toilet tissue.
• Landing of aircraft or dropping or picking up any material or persons is prohibited.

INDIAN HEAVEN WILDERNESS

This 20,000-acre Wilderness straddling the crest of the Cascades was established in 1984. Indian Heaven is a plateau averaging 4,500 feet in elevation, rising out of the lava beds between Mt. Adams and the Columbia River Gorge. There are more than 150 lakes and ponds among subalpine forests and meadows within this Wilderness, as well as numerous examples of volcanism. Beautiful summer flowers and spectacular fall colors are in abundance. East Crater is a near-perfect cinder cone with a 375-foot deep crater, and Wapiki Lake fills another crater.

THE INDIAN RACE TRACK

The Indian Race Track was a social gathering place for local Indians during the berry season until the early 1900's. The track, about 10 feet wide and more than 2,000 feet long, can still be seen today in a large meadow near the base of Red Mountain about half a mile from the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

LAKES OF INDIAN HEAVEN

The subalpine meadows are fragile, so please camp at least 100 feet from wet meadows, lakes, trails, and 200 feet from the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Snow typically melts by mid-July in most of the meadows. Mosquitoes are abundant until late August. The most pleasant time to visit is September. Fall colors are most impressive in late September when the huckleberry bushes turn brilliant crimson.

HORSE USE

Indian Heaven is a fragile area, especially during wet periods. Trails become muddy and slick. Meadows are easily damaged, so please follow these standard guidelines:

• Stay on the trail. When horses leave the trail in muddy areas or meadows, it doesn't take long to make another trail, so you end up with two or more muddy trails!
• Avoid horse use prior to trails drying out.
• Camp at least 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Tie or picket horses 200 feet away.
• Please do not allow horses into lakes or streams to water; use a bucket.
• Carry only processed grain, (i.e., rolled oats) and hay (i.e., alfalfa pellets).

MORRISON CREEK

Morrison Creek is immediately south of Mt. Adams Wilderness.  The area is bordered to the east by the Yakama Indian Reservation.   A prominent feature of this area is the A.G. Aiken Lava Bed.

THE MT. ADAMS WILDERNESS

Here you'll find 47,280 acres of ecologically complex and geologically active wild land, a unique blend of dry eastside and moist westside weather conditions which allow diverse types of vegetation to flourish. The area has a complex geologic history that continues even today.

You can find active glaciers methodically carving away the mountain, and the dramatic trace of avalanches that substantially altered the landscape. Even the volcanic activity in the area is fairly recent; some occurred a mere 3,500 years ago--barely moments on the scale of geologic time.

Taken all together, these qualities provide the visitor opportunities for a rich and varied experience. We hope you enjoy your visit. Thanks for your help in preserving the unique character of the Mount Adams Wilderness.

OLDMAN PASS

A number of cross-country ski trails are located in this area.  These trails provide good mountain biking opportunities in the summer.   The following trails are open to mountain biking: Trails #150, #151, #154, #157, and #159.

The trails are wide cross country ski corridors.   They are not maintained as hiking trails, but do provide good mountain biking opportunities.  The trails take you over moderate hills.  Much of the area is forested, with occasional views of the surrounding Cascades.  Several loop opportunities are available ranging in length from 1 to 13 miles.  Some easy riding over gravel roads allows you to complete several of the loops.

PACIFIC CREST NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 runs from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada.  Trail construction began in the 1920s with the Cascade Crest Trail in Washington, the Oregon Skyline Trail, and the John Muir Trail in California.  When the National Trail Systems Act was passed by Congress in 1968, the Pacific Crest Trail became one of the country's first national scenic trails.

The Southern GPNF Trail Guide includes the section of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the southern part of the Gifford Pinchot, up past Mt. Adams.

SILVER STAR

The Yacolt fire ravaged this area in 1902, resulting in an even-aged forest, peppered with large meadows and exposed rocky outcrops where the forest refused to grow back.  Trails through this 7,700-acre area offer views of the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area, the Columbia River, and four volcanic peaks in the distance.  Silver Star was named for the star shape formed by five ridges when seen from an aerial view.

The Silver Star area is a large Granodiorite pluton intruded into the older rock about 19 to 20 million years ago.  This intrusion resulted in extensive mineralization around the margins.  Numerous copper, gold, and silver mining claims have been worked in the area in the early part of the century.   There are still many claims in the area, but little mining is now done because the price of the metals has dropped below the cost to mine them.  This area is managed by the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Special Conditions: Weather patterns change quickly and can bring cold winds and fogs to this area.  Be prepared for diverse weather conditions.

SIOUXON

Siouxon is a large roadless area located in the southeastern corner of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.  The area is characterized by steep, forested slopes with rock outcrops near the ridge tops.   Siouxon Creek runs through the center, with numerous waterfalls cascading through the area.

TRAPPER CREEK WILDERNESS

This 6,050-acre wilderness contain young Douglas-fir forests at the lower elevations (interspersed with some old-growth) and second-growth forests at the higher elevations.  Cascading streams and waterfalls are plentiful throughout the steep slopes.

Observation Peak and Soda Peaks were major huckleberry-gathering areas around the turn of the century.

Members of the Mazamas Club maintain the more primitive trails within Trapper Creek Wilderness.  These primitive trails are typically narrow, steep, and challenging to follow.  Trails that are built to these primitive standards have "primitive" by their name.

UPPER WIND RIVER WINTER SPORTS/SUMMER SEASON AREA

The trails in this area are designated for cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter (December 1-April 1) and equestrians, hikers, and mountain bicyclists in the summer (May 1-November 1). These trails are discernible by blue diamond-shaped markers placed approximately 8 feet above ground on tree trunks and directional arrows. The trails in this area have no distinct trail tread, since they are maintained for winter use. Mountain bicyclists, equestrians and hikers need to be aware that huckleberries and low cut tree trunks are possible hazards which could be encountered.

US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Tuesday, 27 September 2005 at 11:48:02 EDT