Nestled in the state of Washington, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest spans over 1.3 million acres, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife habitats, and iconic volcanic mountains like Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. The forest is managed through three districts—Cowlitz Valley, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams.
RV camping is a popular activity here, with numerous campgrounds within the forest catering to RVs. You can also easily rent RVs from RVShare for your trip. Adams Fork Campground situated in the wooded area along the Adams Fork of the Cispus River is a popular choice among RVers. It has 24 total campsites which includes 3 double sites for camping.
Where to Camp
Camping in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
You have plenty of options for camping in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest because most campgrounds here accommodate RVs. However, keep in mind that no hook-ups or electric sites are available. You can browse top campgrounds in Washington to stay outside the forest. You can also find good RV dumping stations in Washington for waste disposal.
Private Campgrounds Near Gifford Pinchot National Forest
If you prefer to camp around the forest, look for private campgroundsnear Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Nearby communities such as Randle, Packwood, Cougar, Toutle, Carson, Stevenson, and Trout Lake host private RV parks and campgrounds.
Peterson Prairie Campground is located near Trout Lake close to the huckleberry fields. This park is popular during the huckleberry season when pickers come from all over the state to pick huckleberries. The campsites are leveled gravel with plenty of shade created by the surrounding trees. This campground provides easy access to the ice caves and natural bridges and provides clean drinking water and vault toilets. Each site comes with a fire ring and a picnic table. The camp is at a higher elevation, so the climate stays cool during the hottest part of the summer.
Lower Falls Campground
Lower Falls Campground is in Cougar, right on the Lewis River where you can enjoy fishing for trout or whitefish. It is tucked in a grove of trees, so you can enjoy a serene feeling of seclusion. If you enjoy hiking, you're all set because this campground is home to the Lewis River trailhead. You will also have easy access to several waterfalls in the area. There are no hookups in this campground, but the sites do have campfire rings and picnic tables. The park also has composting toilets and water for drinking.
Tillicum Campground
If you like to rough it, check out Tillicum Campground. This is another excellent spot to stay during the huckleberry season. It is remote and shaded. It is also the trailhead for Squaw Butte Trail. The campground has electric hookups, drinking water, and showers. They allow pets and have nice restrooms. The sites have picnic tables and fire pits, and the campground is ADA accessible.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is rich with diverse hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The forest has nearly 1500 miles worth of hiking trails.
The Kincaid Trail goes into the William O. Douglas Wilderness at mile 3.5. It offers stunning views of Mount Rainier for excellent photo opportunities. The trail leads down to Kincaid Lake, a tiny body of water that covers about 1 acre of land. This is a beautiful, rugged area to enjoy bird-watching.
Length: 8.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Lewis River Falls Trail
The Lewis River Falls Trail is one where you hike in and then back. The beautiful waterfalls, where you can enjoy the mossy trees and crystal-clear water, are worth the trip. This trail is kid-friendly, so it is highly recommended if you are traveling with your family. The route is easy to access and flat where it follows along the edge of the river. Dogs must be kept on a leash. The highlight of the hike is, of course, the Lewis River Falls that rise 43 feet and are 200 feet across.
Length: 8.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Coyote Wall Loop Trail
The Coyote Wall Loop Trail is an ambitious trail with some steep inclines. It does offer gorgeous views of the Columbia River Gorge as well as lots of wildflowers in the springtime. The nice thing about this trail is that it is available year-round for hiking or nature trips. Enjoy the dramatic basalt outcroppings that give the trail its name. Once you get to the top of the loop, the trail breaks out into nice grassy slopes. If you want to bring your dog, you must keep it on a leash.
Length: 6.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Packwood Lake Trail
If you plan to hike the Packwood Lake Trail, be sure to pack a picnic lunch. This is a stunning walk through the deep forest that opens to a breathtaking view of Packwood Lake, a calm lake that is the perfect backdrop for a spring afternoon. Enjoy an abundance of flowers and wildlife.
Length: 11.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Lava Canyon Trail
The Lava Canyon Trail is a trail that leads you into a gorgeous waterfall and back out. Signage along the way tells you all about the history of the area and gives you an interesting learning experience. It starts with an easy ADA-accessible area and gets more strenuous, going down into a rugged canyon along high cliffs as well as over a 125-foot extension bridge.
Length: 5.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate to Difficult
Things to Do
Activities in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
If you are looking for fun things to do in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, here are a few options.
When the forest is blanketed in snow, it transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledging, skijoring, and snowshoeing. The forest features several Sno-Parks where you can kick off your winter adventures.
With over a thousand miles of trails, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts. Trails vary in difficulty based on experience, weather, and trail conditions, making them suitable for riders of all levels. Trail guides with detailed maps and directions are available at District Ranger Stations and the Forest Headquarters.
Anglers will find unparalleled fishing opportunities, with over 20 species of fish thriving in 1,360 miles of streams and more than 100 lakes. Highlights include:
Chinook and Coho Salmon
Steelhead Trout
Resident species like Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Bull Trout
Most streams sustain natural fish populations, with some supplemented by hatchery programs. High mountain lakes may be inaccessible until late spring due to snow.
Fishing
This national forest contains around 21 different lakes. Most of the lakes boast excellent fishing, including Goose Lake, which touts the best fishing in the entire state of Washington.
Nature Watching
If you are traveling through the area during huckleberry season you are in for a treat. These berries grow in vast fields and do not have thorns. They are used to make jam or pies, but they are also good right out of the bucket. In the spring, enjoy a vast variety of wildflowers. If you enjoy bird-watching, this may be your chance to see a Northern Spotted Owl.
Stargazing
Because the forest is so vast, there is little light pollution, which means that it is an amazing place to see stars. There are also usually several dozen geocaches hidden in Gifford Pinchot National Forest at any given time.
How to Get There
How to get to Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Address: 42218 NE Yale Bridge Road, Amboy, WA 98601
Fee: Day Use Fee $5.0
By Car
From Bingen, WA: Take Highway 141 north for 25 miles to Trout Lake, WA. Continue on Highway 141 through Trout Lake for about one mile, and you will see the sign for the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Follow the directions to reach the Mt. Adams area.
By Air
The nearest airports to Gifford Pinchot National Forest are:
Portland International Airport (PDX): Approximately 2 hours away.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Around 3 hours away.
Seasonal Restrictions
Visitors should be aware of potential seasonal limitations, including:
Landslides, snow, and mine fires may lead to road closures.
Certain campgrounds and trails are closed during the winter months.
It’s always a good idea to check the current road and campground status before planning your trip to ensure a smooth journey.
Fees in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
There are no entrance fees for Gifford Pinchot National Forest; however, certain activities and facilities may require fees. Recreation passes, such as the National Forest Day Pass ($5) and Annual Pass ($30) are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Gifford Pinchot National Forest
What is the closest town to Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Amboy is the closest town to Gifford Pinchot National Forest. There are restaurants, places to stay, and stores where campers can stock up on supplies in town.
Does Gifford Pinchot National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest. Campsites have no amenities, so campers must bring everything with them, and must pack everything out when they leave.
What is the best time to visit Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Fall is the best time to visit Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The weather is still warm in early fall, and the snow has melted in most places. The trees are ablaze with fall color, and the summer crowds are gone for the season.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. There is a 14-day limit for camping in the forest, and then you'll need to pack up camp.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to hunt in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. If you are 15 or older, you will need a fishing license to fish in the park as well.
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. By visiting RVshare.com, you agree to the use of cookies for these purposes. You can disable cookies at any time by changing your browser settings. View our Privacy Policy.
