The Willamette National Forest stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascades, from the Mt. Jefferson area to the Calapooya Mountains and contains some 1.6 million acres. The landscape is glaciated and includes mountain peaks and volcanos, as well as Oregon‘s largest glacier Collier Glacier. The Willamette National Forest offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities during summer and winter months. Its central location makes it accessible to day-trippers and vacationers alike. Four major highways access the Forest. The Forest’s predominant features are the focal points of recreation activities.
Seven major volcanic peaks exist within the Forest’s boundary, more than any other Forest in the Northwest: Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, Three Sisters and Diamond Peak. Four of the seven wildernesses on the Willamette Forest owe their existence to the diverse and pristine nature of the lands surrounding them. Recreation opportunities are abundant, as long as the activities are “light on the land” and consistent with the Wilderness Act.
The Cascade Range of mountains offer recreationists virtually endless opportunities for forest-related activities. Developed campgrounds, trails, Scenic Byways and ski resorts are but a few of the facilities available for use. Outdoor recreation activities not associated with developed facilities are limited only by one’s imagination.
There are over 1,500 miles of rivers and streams on the Forest and over 375 lakes, including many at elevations above 4,000 feet. The forest has two rivers designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers, the McKenzie River and the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The Willamette Forest’s rivers, streams and lakes are perhaps the most important features for recreationists. Most activities occur not far from its outstanding bodies of water. The clarity and quality of water and the scenic environs in which it occurs greatly enhance visitors’ experiences. Virtually all of the featured trails, roads, developed campgrounds and viewpoints are associated with outstanding rivers, streams or lakes.
History & Culture
The Willamette National Forest is named after the Willamette River, which begins on the Forest. (The “Wallamt” was the Indian name for a place on the river near Oregon City.) The Willamette National Forest was established originally as part of the Cascade Range Forest Reserve designated by President Grover Cleveland in 1893 and was administratively organized in its current form as a National Forest in 1933. It has been managed by the Forest Service within the U. S. Department of Agriculture since 1905.
Recreation
The Willamette National Forest offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities during summer and winter months. Its central location makes it accessible to day-trippers and vacationers alike. The Forest’s predominant features are the focal points of recreation activities. Seven major volcanic peaks exist within the Forest’s boundary: Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, the Three Sisters (North Sister, Middle Sister and South Sister) and Diamond Peak. Four of the seven wildernesses on the Willamette Forest owe their existence to the diverse and pristine nature of the lands surrounding them. Recreation opportunities are abundant, so long as the activities are “light on the land” and consistent with the Wilderness Act.
The Cascade Range of mountains offer virtually endless opportunities for forest-related activities. Developed campgrounds, trails, Scenic Byways and ski resorts are but a few of the facilities available for use. Outdoor recreation activities not associated with developed facilities are limited only by one’s imagination.
The Willamette Forest’s rivers, streams and lakes are perhaps the most important features for recreationists. Most activities occur close to bodies of water. The clarity and quality of water and the scenic environs in which it occurs greatly enhance visitors’ experiences. Virtually all of our most popular trails, roads, developed campgrounds and viewpoints are associated with outstanding rivers, streams or lakes.
The Willamette Forest is blessed by the existence of three major drainages that flow into the Willamette River: the Willamette (including the North Fork and Middle Fork), McKenzie (including the South Fork and Blue River) and Santiam (including the North, Middle, South and Little North Forks and Breitenbush River). Hundreds of natural lakes await to be explored, both inside and outside of wilderness. Numerous reservoirs exist on the Forest, all of which have campgrounds, picnic areas, campgrounds and boat launches. Some have marinas and store facilities.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Willamette National Forest
211 East 7th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97440
Phone: 541-465-6521
Weather/Climate
Elevations in the Willamette National Forest range from about 1,500 feet above sea level to 10,495 feet at the snowcapped top of Mt. Jefferson, Oregon’s second highest peak. Climate on the Willamette changes with elevation. The area receives a high amount of precipitation. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April in the form of rain at the low elevations and as wet heavy snow in the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent. Late spring, summer and early autumn tend to bring clear, sunny days with moderate temperatures.
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