Trapper Creek Wilderness
Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Trapper Creek Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 5,969 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Washington and is managed by the Forest Service.Description
Trapper Creek Wilderness protects nearly all of the Trapper Creek drainage and provides the only pristine anadromous fish habitat in the Wind River watershed. Sparkling streams and waterfalls grace steeply dissected canyons of heavy timber. Spotted owls, pileated woodpeckers and goshawks enjoy the tall, old-growth Douglas-fir forests that comprise the heart of this wilderness. Soda Peaks Lake, the area's single body of water, gleams from a cirque below Soda Peaks in the southwest corner. Observation Peak, the site of a former fire lookout, offers sweeping views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood.Trails to Soda Peaks Lake and Observation Peak total 12 miles. Another 12.4 miles of primitive trails, including the Trapper Creek Trail, provide loop opportunities through the middle of this wilderness. These primitive trails are maintained to a lesser standard and can be challenging to follow. Observation Peak Trail provides access to the adjacent Burbon Creek drainage.
Planning to Visit the Trapper Creek Wilderness?
- Print a fact sheet
- General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
- Regulations, Fees, Permits
- Contact the Forest Service
- Visit the National Forest wilderness website
Leave No Trace
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Trapper Creek Wilderness.- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
