Goat Rocks Wilderness

Gifford Pinchot National Forest



The Pinchot National Forest is one of the oldest National Forests in the United States. Originally part of the Mount Rainier Forest Reserve in 1897, it was set aside as the Columbia National Forest in 1908 and renamed the Pinchot in 1949 in honor of the first Chief of the Forest Service, an active conservationist who played a key role in developing early principles of environmental awareness.

Over 1200 miles of trails are in the Forest, 300 miles of which are in wilderness areas. 150 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail traverse the Forest, passing through the high country of Indian Heaven, Mt. Adams, and Goat Rocks Wilderness Areas.

The are over 100 lakes and 1360 miles of streams containing over 20 species of fish.The White Salmon River has been designated Wild and Scenic, four other rivers have been recommended, and 13 are under consideration for the designation.

The Pinchot NF contains 1,312,000 acres and includes the 110,000 acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.