The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of the oldest National Forests in the United States. Included as part of the Pacific Forest Reserve in 1893, this area was set aside as the Columbia National Forest in 1908 and renamed the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 1949. The Forest, located in southwest Washington State, now contains 1,372,000 acres, making it an excellent choice for visitors from Portland, Vancouver and Seattle. It also includes the 110,000 acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by the U. S. Congress in 1982.
There are numerous activities available in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, including; hiking trails for all levels, wildlife viewing, caving, fishing, boating, berry picking and more. The Forest also offers several Sno-Parks, allowing for winter recreational activities such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and snowshoeing.
History & Culture
For over 6,000 years, people have played a part in the ecology of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The earliest Native Americans hunted in meadows below receding alpine glaciers. As the climate warmed, descendants of these early hunters gathered an abundance of food and other necessities. Familiarity with the Forest’s resources allowed larger, more settled populations and the natives began to manage the landscape for game and other food. One method the natives used was burning areas to increase huckleberry production. Archaeological investigations on the Forest continue to discover new and exciting information about the lives of the first Americans. The first Europeans to earn their living from the forest were the trappers of the British Hudson’s Bay Company who came for the beaver and other fur-bearing animals that abounded on rivers and streams. The first permanent European settlement near what is now the Gifford Pinchot National Forest was Fort Vancouver, founded in 1824. By the 1890′s miners and loggers were tapping the forest’s wealth. Homesteaders and ranchers moved into the forest to farm the river valleys and graze cattle and sheep in the meadows and prairies. In 1897, the area became part of the Mount Rainier Forest Reserve.
The area was reorganized and its name changed several times before 1908, when the Columbia National Forest was established, which would eventual become the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Nature & Science
The Cascade Mountain Range stretches from southern Canada into northern California and is of volcanic origin. Two of the five active volcanoes of the Washington Cascades (Mount St. Helens and Mt. Adams) lie within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier is just next door. As such, this area is full of volcanic geological features. Mount St. Helens, currently in a state of restless sleep, was active from 1980 through 1986. Mount Adams has not erupted for over 4,000 years but is a large volcano with a long eruptive history and is still considered active. Volcanic activity in the Cascades arc of Washington began about 40 million years ago and are caused by subduction of the Pacific tectonic plate beneath the North American plate. Some exciting features of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and surrounding areas include hot springs, lava tubes, ice caves and breathtaking peaks, all of which are characteristic of volcanic areas. Volcanic soil and glacial runoff promote amazing wildflower displays at lower elevations.
Attractions
Dark Divide Roadless Area
In this area of rock outcroppings and alpine vegetation, you can enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains in four directions. Badger Lake nestles amid Craggy Pealaska, Shark Rock, Hat Rock and Badger Peak. The area can be explored via Boundary Trail #1.
Silver Star
Silver Star Mountain, at 4,390 feet, is the focus of the scenic, high-elevation ridgetop. Repeated wildfires cleared timber from the area now covered with meadows, berry fields, and, in the spring, a spectacular wildflower display. Bluff Mountain Trail #172 traverses the open ridgetop from Silver Star east to Little Baldy.
Lava Tubes, Caves and Casts
Centuries-old eruptions of pumice and lava from Mount St. Helens created numerous geologic attractions on its south flank. Lava tubes and caves, formed in the cooling lava, range from thousands of feet in length to small bubble like chambers. Most are located on the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
The Ice Caves, located about 5 miles west of the Mt. Adams Ranger Station, retain ice formations into the summer time. Wooden steps offer access to these caves, but watch your step on the icy floor.
At 12,810 feet, Ape Cave is the longest known lave tube in the continental U. S. Be prepared by wearing warm clothing, heavy boots and head protection. When you enter the caves, be sure to take at least three sources of light. In the summer, lamps can be rented at the nearby Ape Cave Headquarters, where interpretive walks are also available.
Within 1 mile of Ape Cave is the Trail of Two Forests. Explore a 1/4 mile, barrier-free boardwalk interpretive trail through a lava tree cast area and plan for a relaxing break at the picnic area.
Midway High Lakes
Within a 7-mile radius are five high-elevation lakes with developed campgrounds. Each provides fishing and limited boating, with access to nearby berry picking and recreation trails to the Mt. Adams Wilderness. You will see spectacular views of Mt. Adams from some of the lakes. You can reach this area by car during the snow-free period, usually from mid-June until mid-October.
Big Lava Bed
This unusual lava field originated from a crater, now 500 feet deep, located in the northern center of the bed. Lodgepole pine, alder and other pioneer plants struggle to survive amid towering rock piles, caves and odd lava formations that fascinate hardy explorers and sightseers. No trails or roads cross the lava field, generally limiting exploration to the perimeter. If you choose to explore the interior, choose your route carefully. Compasses are not always reliable due to local magnetic influences in the vast expanse of rock.
Mount Adams
The Cowlitz Indians knew Mt. Adams as Pah-to or Klickitat. A popular Indian legend is that Mt. Hood (Wy-east) and Mt. Adams fought over Loowit (Mount St. Helens). In the resulting battles the Columbia Gorge was formed and Bridge of the Gods was destroyed.
While not as high as Rainier, this massive volcanic peak has about the same volume with Adams covering about 270 square miles. The last mass building eruptions were in the Pleistocene about 500,000 years ago. The latest eruptions occurred possibly less than 2,000 years ago near South Butte. Ten principal glaciers cover Mt. Adams.
Recreation
Camping
There are five types of campsites available at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Single Family campsites are a single unit that will accommodate up to six people with one primary vehicle and up to one extra vehicle, with a charge.
Multi-family campsites accommodate up to 12 people with two primary vehicles and up to 2 extra vehicles, with a charge.
Group campsites can accommodate varying numbers of people and vehicles. Small group campsites accommodate twenty people or less. Campsite capacities are listed separately for each campground. The number of vehicles is limited by the parking space available for each campsite. The vehicle fee is included with the campsite fee.
Dispersed Camping is permitted throughout most of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Practice the ‘No Trace’ ethic and leave a clean forest for others to enjoy.
Horse Camps often provide loading ramps, tethering areas and corrals. However, they too vary in their luxury.
Caving
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest contains many interesting attractions. Eruptions of pumice and lava from Mount St. Helens created numerous geologic attractions. Lava tubes and caves, formed in the cooling lava, range from thousands of feet in length to small bubble like chambers. Ape Cave is the longest known lave tube in the continental U. S. Most of these geological features are accessible to visitors and the majority are located on the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument or the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Ice Caves located about 5 miles west of the Mt. Adams Ranger Station retain ice formations into the summer time. Wooden steps offer access to these caves, which prove to be an unusual spelunk.
Hiking
There are over 1,200 miles of trail of varying difficulty in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The tamer trails, which open in the spring, have displays of early wildflowers. However, most trails are located in upper-elevation forest and alpine areas, which may be snow covered until July, or even early August. Specifically, 300 miles of trails are located within the Wildernesses and 150 miles of trails are constructed to barrier-free standards with several levels of difficulty.
Approximately 150 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail traverse the Forest through spectacular, scenic high country, including the Indian Heaven, Mt. Adams and Goat Rock Wilderness Areas. At the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, there are over 200 miles of trails to explore. These trails can take you into the heart of the blast zone, to the summits of mountains, or through the serenity of an old-growth forest. Trails are available for all abilities and interests.
Mountain Biking
There are many trails available for mountain bikers to use. Some are in restricted-use zones such as trails in Wilderness areas and in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument area and others are part of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
Trail guide pamphlets are available at the District Ranger Stations and the Forest Headquarters. Information includes specific trail information and directions for locating trails.
Mountaineering
Both of the mountains in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are available for climbers.
Mount St. Helens is an active volcano in southwest Washington and is a popular climb. Although people climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season. Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in 5 miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Most climbers complete the round trip in 7 to 12 hours. Entry into the crater is strictly prohibited.
Mount Adams is one of five major volcanic peaks in the Pacific Northwest. There are several climbing routes on the mountain, ranging from the “non-technical” South Climb, to highly technical routes that require advanced skill, experience and special equipment.
Winter Sports
Cross-country skiing is permitted in all of the Sno-parks in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Trails range from Easy to Strenuous and offer wide scenic variety. Some areas are restricted and may not be well marked. Sno-Park permits cost $8 per vehicle for a 1-day pass and $20 per vehicle for a winter pass. They are mandatory for all winter recreational activities in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
10600 N. E. 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98682
Phone: 360-891-5000
Fax: 360-891-5045
Fee/Permit Information
The Trail Park Pass is required for some trailhead parking. The Trail Park program involves 14 of the 20 units in the Pacific Northwest Region. Fees are collected for trailhead parking. Of participating forests, some have all of their trailheads in the program, while others have only selected trailheads in the program. Daily passes are self-validating, can be purchased prior to use, are sold through vendors and at Forest Service offices and should be displayed on the windshield.
Everyone must have a climbing permit to be above an elevation of 4,800 feet on Mount St. Helens. Permits are required year-round and are valid for 24 hours starting at midnight for the date of the climb. Maximum party size is 12 climbers. There is a fee for climbing permits from April 1 through October 31. Climbers may purchase an annual pass. Climbing permit fees are not refundable. From November 1 through March 31 there is no charge for permits. During this period permits are available 24 hours outside Jack’s Restaurant and Store, which is located on State Route 503, 23 miles east of Woodland, Washington and Interstate 5. Hours at Jack’s are adjusted seasonally, so call ahead.
Permits are mandatory for entry into Mt. Adams and all other Wildernesses on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Permits on Mt. Adams are free and are available at trailheads leading into Wildernesses. Permits are also available at the Mt. Adams Ranger Station. Sno-Park permits are required in the winter. A Washington or Oregon State Sno-Park permit is required for parking at either the Cougar or Marble Mountain Sno-Parks from mid-November through April. Please allow for snow plowing by following the posted parking instructions.
Weather/Climate
Wet, mild maritime weather dominates most of the national forest during most of the year. Like other areas on the western slopes of the Cascades, the forest receives heavy rainfall and snowfall in the fall, winter and spring and experiences a brief drought each summer.
Snowfall is heavy above 3,000 feet and snow lies late into the summer at higher elevations. Most forest roads are closed by snow from November through April. Avalanches are common on the high, steep slopes of the Volcanos during the fall, winter and spring.
The eastern portions of the national forest, especially to the south of Mount Adams, experience some weather similar to the dry, warm conditions of eastern Washington.
Popularity: 1% [?]
|
|
