Spirit Lake Memorial Highway
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA

Gifford National Forest is one of America's oldest national forests. Originally the Columbia National Forest in 1908, it was renamed in 1949 for Gifford Pinchot, an active conservationist and environmentalist who became the first Chief of the Forest Service. The forest now contains 1,312,000 acres, as well as the impressive Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This national forest offers recreation for all travelers. Opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, and off-roading abound. On your trips into the forest, you may also see a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, cougar, black bear, coyote, owls, hawks, and ruffed and blue grouse. From easy family hikes to challenging backcountry bike riding, there are dozens of access options along the White Pass Scenic Byway.