Olympic Peninsula Proposed Wilderness Additions

After decades of grassroots support, the landmark 1984 Washington State Wilderness Act protected some of the most spectacular wild areas in Olympic National Forest. However, many key lower elevation forest lands remain unprotected. These areas offer year-round recreation opportunities, provide clean water, and produce critical habitat for fish and wildlife.

Map of Proposed Wilderness

Selected Examples of Wilderness Candidates

Places like South Quinault Ridge, the Upper South Fork Skokomish River, Jupiter Ridge, and Dirty Face Ridge still await permanent protection. Designating our last unprotected, wild forests as wilderness permanently preserves them in their natural state for future generations to enjoy. Hunting, fishing, horsepacking, camping, hiking, paddling, berry picking, backpacking, snowshoeing, birding and a wide range of other non-mechanized recreational activities are allowed in National Forest wilderness areas. Below are some examples of candidates for wilderness designation on Olympic National Forest:

South Quinault Ridge

South of the vacation mecca Lake Quinault is the South Quinault Ridge, home to the most impressive example of unprotected temperate rain forest in the lower 48 states.

Boasts Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees, 300 feet high and over 60 feet around.
Well-designed loop trails invite people from all walks of life to experience the mossy majesty of the startlingly huge trees.
Deer, Roosevelt elk, and smaller mammals like the river otter, Douglas squirrel, jumping mouse, and shrews thrive in this unique rain forest environment. Also provides vital habitat for numerous birds including the Bald Eagle and Osprey.

Upper South Fork Skokomish River

The South Fork Skokomish River tumbles from its headwaters in the southeast part of Olympic National Park into a river basin south of the Wonder Mountain Wilderness.

The remote Lightning Peak looms to the east, while the densely forested slopes surrounding Chapel Peak are connected to the south. The picture-perfect Discovery Lake to the west rounds out this incomparable place.
The basin is dominated by mammoth trees and populated by an abundance of elk and bear.
Backpacking, fishing, day hiking, scenery, and camping are available along several trails.

Jupiter Ridge

In the middle of the Olympic skyline, as viewed from central Puget Sound, rises the 5,701 foot Mount Jupiter. The ridgeline falls east out of the north end of The Brothers Wilderness, with creeks feeding the lower Dosewallips and Duckabush Rivers.

The south-facing slope supports vigorous Douglas-fir and subalpine fir trees. In contrast, the north-facing slope displays a mossy and mature hemlock-dominated forest.
Jupiter Ridge Trail offers backpacking, fishing, day hiking, scenery, and camping, but currently only the final two miles of the trail are on protected land.
Elk, deer, cougar, and black bear thrive, along with a diverse bird population, including Blue Grouse, Harlequin Duck and Common Merganser.

Dirty Face Ridge

Fascinating, gothic rock formations decorate the crest of Dirty Face Ridge, a pleasant hour drive southwest of Port Townsend.

A rich variety of wildflowers and groves of gnarled lodgepole pine remind one of the eastern slopes of the Cascades.
The four-mile trail through Dirty Face Ridge is best known for its here-to-forever views of Olympic rainshadow peaks and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, as well as its connection with the ever-popular Mount Townsend trail.
Dirty Face Trail offers backpacking, day hiking, scenery, camping, and horseback riding.

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