If you’re planning a trip to the wild Pacific Northwest this spring, you’ll no doubt be spending time in our stunning national forests and parks. From towering Mount Rainier to sweeping valleys of wildflower fields, there’s immense beauty to be found everywhere you look.
One of the most popular areas to visit is the expansive Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Located near excellent Packwood lodging and cozy mountain communities, the national forest is full of life and unique ecosystems that play a vital role in both industry and the ecology of Washington state.
Get to know the Gifford Pinchot National Forest with these 10 fun facts and see what else you can learn when you visit this incredible area on your next PNW vacation.
1. The landmass of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is larger than the state of Delaware!
You may be thinking, Delaware is one of the smallest states; that’s not that impressive. But the Gifford Pinchot is over 1.3 million acres of lush green forests, snowcapped mountains, meadows, streams, waterfalls, and watersheds, making it one of the largest national forests in the Pacific Northwest.
2. There’s an active volcano at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument was created in 1982, two years after its last eruption – a blast so violent it sent ash all the way to Minnesota and left a ring of devastation the size of Chicago. Today, visitors to the national forest can hike to the top or wander lower trails as they experience this “living laboratory” where scientists still study volcanic activity.
3. Home to the Best Berry Picking in the Pacific Northwest
Did you know the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of the largest producers of Huckleberries in the United States? Twelve different huckleberry species grow in Oregon and Washington, with peak picking season occurring between mid-August and mid-September.
During this time, people flood into the forest to pick these juicy delicacies. To make sure there’s enough to go around, pickers with the intent to sell the berries need to purchase a permit. However, if you’re picking for personal consumption or use, you can harvest up to a gallon a day, three gallons a year, and can print a free-use permit online.
4. Unique natural resources come from the Gifford Pinchot Forest
In addition to the huckleberries, the forest also produces a number of natural resources, including:
- Clean water for communities near the forest
- Clean air thanks to the towering evergreens
- Wood products from forest maintenance
- Wild mushrooms
- Bear Grass – also known as Indian Basket Grass, it’s a great fiber for weaving projects
5. You can see several protected species in the forest
The Forest Service does great work to protect native species and provide them space to thrive. The Gifford Pinchot has several threatened and nearly threatened species within its territory that you should be on the lookout for when you visit. Among them are the spotted owl, mountain lions, and several fish species like bull and steelhead trout, and chinook and coho salmon.
More plentiful animals, such as deer, elk, raptors, and coyotes, are also present in the forest, so stay alert and keep your distance as you marvel at these beautiful creatures.
6. There is a rich Native American History dating back thousands of years
Indigenous people have held ties with these lands since the beginning of time, certainly long before anyone “discovered” them.
Most descendants are linked to federally recognized tribes, including the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Nisqually Indian Community, and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation.
7. The forest was named after Gifford Pinchot, the First Chief of the Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot worked closely with President Theodore Roosevelt to preserve forested lands and was a fierce advocate for land conservation. He worked with his father and learned about the important role our wooded lands played in infrastructure and development, and wanted to ensure future generations could reap the benefits he’d witnessed.
8. Originally, the forest was part of the Mount Rainier Forest Reserve
The land has undergone several name changes, first as the Mount Rainier Forest Reserve, then, in 1908, it was renamed the Columbia National Forest, and finally, in 1949, it became the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
While Mount Rainier can be seen from the land, it’s Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams that are the forest’s most popular peaks.
9. You can take guided tours and classes when you visit!
Learn all about the forest when you book a guided tour of the Tatoosh, Glacier View, Mount Adams, Indian Heaven, or Trapper Creek Wilderness Areas. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 446-6777.
In addition to tours, wilderness classes are also offered throughout the year and can be great educational opportunities for families visiting with young children.
10. There are tons of recreation opportunities for whatever you want to do
The forest contains 1,475 miles of trails open to hikers, horses, or bikes. There are 44 developed campgrounds, 16 sno-parks, 1,735 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, and 108 historic structures to explore.
Beyond these, the Lewis River flows, as well as other tributaries and waterways, making it a great spot for whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Spend your days hiking, learning, exploring, and immersing yourself in nature in whatever ways you can dream up when you visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Come Home to Excellent Packwood Lodging at TMC Vacation Rentals
Featured Property: Cabin at the Forest Edge
After a day exploring the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, relax and unwind in beautiful Packwood, WA.
At TMC Vacation Rentals, you’ll find cabins, A-frames, and incredible private homes that are guaranteed to provide your family with everything you need. From EV chargers and fully equipped kitchens to pet-friendly spaces and homes with hot tubs, no matter what you’re looking for, we can assist.
Browse our full list of Packwood Lodging and find your dream escape today! And when you do, remember to book directly with TMC right here on our website for the best rate and service in town. Our team of Packwood locals is ready to assist you with everything from rental selection to choosing the best activities to try during your visit.
We hope to see you soon!