Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Whether you seek solitude, social activity, creative inspiration, wildlife, forest products or scenic beauty, you can find it in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest now encompasses 1,312,000 acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982.

Places to See:

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 Peak, Shark Rock, Hat Rock, and Badger Peak.

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.

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 or the Mt. Adams Ranger District.

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.

Ape Cave is the longest known lava tube in the continental U.S. (12,810 feet). 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 one 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.

Packwood Lake

Located east of the community of Packwood, this 462-acre lake can be reached by an easy 4-mile hike. Situated adjacent to the Goat Rocks Wilderness, it provides an excellent view of Johnson Peak. There is also good trail access into the Wilderness. Fishing can be good in late spring.

Berry Fields

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest abounds in edible berries. The best known are the blackberry (common during July in lower-elevation clearcut-harvested areas that are two years old) and the huckleberry (found during August and September in old, fire-scarred areas at higher elevation). Traditionally used by Native Americans, the Sawtooth Berry Fields, west of Mt. Adams, are well known; other extensive berry fields are scattered throughout the Forest. People made jobless by the Great Depression picked so many huckleberries that an agreement (1932) was made between the Forest Service and Native Americans reserving specific areas of the Sawtooth Berry Fields for harvest by local tribal members. Check with the nearest Forest Service office for places to pick the tasty fruit.

For recreational opportunities in the Gifford Pinochot National Forest, contact an America Outdoors outfitter.