Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a popular destination in the state of Washington.
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Summary
Located in the south central part of the state, this forest spans over 1.3 million acres and offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions.
Some of the top reasons to visit Gifford Pinchot National Forest include its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and abundance of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching, among other activities.
One of the most popular attractions in the forest is Mount St. Helens, which is famous for its devastating eruption in 1980. Visitors can learn about the volcano's history and geology at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, which is located near the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
Other notable attractions in the forest include the Ape Caves, which are a series of underground lava tubes that visitors can explore, and the Lewis River Falls, which offer stunning views of cascading waterfalls.
Interesting facts about Gifford Pinchot National Forest include that it was named after Gifford Pinchot, who was a prominent conservationist and the first Chief of the US Forest Service. The forest is also home to more than 300 species of wildlife, including elk, black bear, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Gifford Pinchot National Forest depends on the activities you plan to do. Summer is a popular time for camping, hiking, and fishing, while fall is a great time for leaf peeping and hunting. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and skiing, and spring brings wildflower blooms and baby wildlife.
Overall, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the natural beauty of Washington state.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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