- Trapper Creek Wilderness spans only 6,000 acres in southern Washington in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
- Reach the wilderness via the Wind River Road north from Highway 14.
- Many species of protected wildlife can be seen in this region, which receives little use.
Overview
Small Trapper Creek Wilderness covers just over 6,000 acres in the Wind River watershed within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southern Washington State. This area, designated protected wilderness in 1984, serves as home for several protected or endangered species, including the Northern spotted owl, pileated woodpecker, black bear, pine marten, and cougar. Observation Peak in the region’s center offers vistas of the nearby High Cascades: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Hood. Trapper Creek Wilderness receives few visitors, so its forested hills and cascading streams offer a quiet respite from the outer world.
Location & Information
Trapper Creek Wilderness is located in southwestern Washington State in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Reach the area by taking Highway 14 along the Columbia River Gorge to County Road 30 North, to Primary Forest Route 54 (the Wind River Road).
Activities
- Observation Peak is the site of a former forest fire lookout, and can be scaled via historic Trail #132.
- Hiking on Trapper Creek Trail culminates with a view of 100-foot Trapper Creek Falls.
- Wildlife observation, including blacktail deer, black bear, elk, pine marten, cougar, bobcat, spotted owl, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, and goshawk.
- Government Mineral Springs Recreation Area nearby, where you may sample the mineral spring water and hike.
