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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Menagerie Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 4,800 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

Technical rock climbers travel substantial distances to test their skills on the series of weird rock pinnacles that dominates Menagerie Wilderness. Each is named after a different animal--Roosters Tail, Chicken Rock, Hen Rock, Turkey Monster, and North and South Rabbit Ears are a few examples. Most popular is Rooster Rock, which you can ascend with 5.4 climbing skills (the routes on these stony towers rate to at least 5.9). This area is used year-round by day-trippers. Elevations range from 1,600 feet to 3,900 feet, with a thick forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar. Not far north lies Middle Santiam Wilderness (see below).

Two main routes--the Rooster Rock Trail (2.1 miles) and the Trout Creek Trail (3.3 miles)--lead eventually to Rooster Rock. To see the rest of the "menagerie," you'll have to hike cross-country over rugged terrain.

Planning to Visit the Menagerie Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations, 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 Menagerie Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.