Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Mount Jefferson Wilderness is a federally protected area located in central Oregon within the Cascade Mountain Range. In total, the wilderness covers over 109,000 acres, lies in both Willamette and Deschutes National Forests, and is managed by the United States Forest Service. 

Among the many features of the area are its steep talus slopes, interesting rock outcrops, alpine meadows, more than 150 lakes, and 190 miles of trails, including 40 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Mount Jefferson (10,497') is the second highest mountain in Oregon and one of the most prominent features of the area.

  • Three Fingered Jack (7,841’) - a prominent mountain. 

  • Mount Jefferson’s glaciers: Whitewater, Waldo, Milk Creek, Russell, and Jefferson Park. 

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Popular activities in the area include hiking, backpacking, camping, cross-country skiing, wildlife watching, and mountain climbing. 

COMMON VEGETATION

The forest is predominantly made up of various fir trees, cedars, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, maple, huckleberry and rhododendron. 

PERMITS

Wilderness Permits are required between June 15 and October 15. For more information about permits please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fse_005446

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS - Mount Jefferson Wilderness

Willamette National Forest

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Forest Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Second highest peak in the state. Alpine meadows. Lake.

Cons

Very popular and can get crowded.

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Near lake or river

Location

Nearby Adventures

Mt. Jefferson + Metolius River Area, Oregon
Mt. Jefferson + Metolius River Area, Oregon
Mt. Jefferson + Metolius River Area, Oregon

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