GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST

Straddling the Cascade Range from mount Rainer to the Colombia River, Gifford pinchot national forest covers 1,312,000 acres of mountains, meadow, caves, canyon, and streams. On opposite edges of forest restless 8, 3634 foot Mount st Helens and glacier-clad12, 276foot mount Adams tower above the lesser peaks; the field of wild huckleberries scattered through forest and surrounding mount Adams tower above lures thousands of pickers during summer.
Forest roads are usually open from late may through November; however, many are narrow and winding and should be traveled with care. Check current road and weather condition carefully.
Of the forest’s seven wilderness area, Goat rocks and mount Adams are the largest permits are required to enter the Indian heaven, mount Adams, Goat rocks, Trapper creek Tatoosh and Glacier view wilderness areas. The forest is home to many species of animal; common birds are ducks, grouse, ravens and stellar and Canada jays. Salmon and trout inhabit the many streams.
Of particular interest are the big lava beds 14 miles west of Trout Lake the unusual formations originate from a 500-foot-deep crater in the northern part of the lava bed. Ice cave, 6miles of southwest of trout lake which is one of numerous lava tubes in the area known as the Big Trench cave systems.
Ice usually remains in the 400-foot cave until late summer. Another interesting volcano features is the palisades, which visible in United States. The clear fork of the Cowlitz River has a cut a deep gorge into an ancient lava flow, exposing an impressive 486 foot- high cliff of Colombia basalt.
The pacific crest national scenic Trails traverses the forest on its passage from Mexico to Canada. Canoes and boat with small motors are permitted on some lakes; watch for speed restriction. Snowmobiling snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular winter pastimes. Fishing and hunting are permitted in season. Downhill skiing is available late November to early April at White Pass east of Packwood.

Posted in: Natural Attractions,tourism