Henry M Jackson Wilderness

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Henry M Jackson Wilderness is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts located in the state of Washington.


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Summary

The wilderness area is characterized by its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and dense forests. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.

One of the main points of interest in Henry M Jackson Wilderness is Glacier Peak, the highest peak in the wilderness area at 10,541 feet. Other popular attractions include the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the wilderness area, and Lake Valhalla, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by forests.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was named after Henry Martin Jackson, a US Senator from Washington who was a strong advocate for environmental conservation. The wilderness area was established in 1984 and covers over 103,000 acres.

The best time to visit Henry M Jackson Wilderness is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the trails are open. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as the area is known for its unpredictable weather patterns.

Overall, Henry M Jackson Wilderness is a beautiful and unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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