|
MARK O. HATFIELD
WILDERNESS
Mt. Hood National Forest
16400 Champion Way
Sandy,OR 97055
Phone (503) 666-0700
Web site http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/markohatfield/
Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, created by the 1984 Oregon Wilderness Act, is located south
of the Columbia River Gorge about 30 miles east of Portland. The southern
boundary of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness is the Bull Run Watershed, which provides
drinking water to the Portland Metro area.
This wilderness contains 39,000 acres.
At lower elevations and in the bottom of steep canyons groves of old growth
Douglas-fir, hemlock and cedar shade cool streams. The north part of the
wilderness has features characteristic of the Columbia River Gorge, including
towering basaltic cliffs and many waterfalls.
As you climb in elevations from the "Gorge"
cliffs and waterfalls give way to forested
plateaus and ridges with panoramic views
of the Cascade range and the Columbia
River Gorge. Hanging meadow and subalpine
lakes add to the scenic beauty.
Trails throughout the Wilderness begin near sea level and climb steeply through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area before reaching the Wilderness. Spectacular views can be found along these trails but caution must be observed because of the many steep drop-offs near the trail. Staying on the trail can offer all the views that one would want. Portions of the Pacific National Scenic Trail cross the eastern part of the Wilderness.
|
