Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Recreation

Autumn Colors 2009

Fall along Forest Road 60 near Goose Lake. Photo by Chris Strebig (US Forest Service photo) (10/2009)

Welcome to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Autumn Colors Report.

National Fall Colors Web Site

National Fall Color Hotline Report:

1-800-354-4595

Fall is a fantastic time of year to get out and enjoy the National Forest.

This is the place to find information about this seasons Fall Colors on the National Forest.

The Gifford Pinchot offers a wide variety of color from red huckleberry bushes to orange mountain ash, orange and red vine maple, and bright yellow big leaf maples set against dark green conifers.

Enjoy your visit to the Gifford Pinchot this Fall but be safe. Remember to drive carefully and remember that various hunting seasons occur on the National Forest throughout the Fall.

GPNF Autumn Images 2009

GPNF Autumn Images 2009 - pg 2

GPNF Autumn Images 2008

GPNF Autumn Images 2008 - pg 2

District Reports

General Update Forest wide - October 19, 2009: Color is peaking on the Forest! See below for recommended areas to view these beautiful, vibrant colors.

Be aware that modern rifle hunting season is occurring on the Forest right now and that elk hunting season begins on November 7. Please be alert to changing weather conditions with dropping snow levels.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - October 19, 2009: There are vibrant colors along Forest Roads 81, 83 (primarily in lower elevation), 90 (between Cougar and Carson) and Highway 504 (between Castle Rock and Johnston Ridge).

Driving option:

Going north from Cougar, take Forest Road (FR) 81, which will turn into FR 83. Proceed south on FR 83 to return to Cougar.

Note: Forest Road 81 will open on Oct. 20, 2009, after being closed for three years from flood damage.

Cowlitz Valley Ranger District - October 14, 2009: Fall colors are still great down in the Cowlitz and Cispus valleys below 2500 feet, particularly beautiful are the cottonwoods and maples.

The following are a couple of driving options to see fall color on the northern part of the Forest and near Mt. Rainier:

1. Start at Randle - take Highway 12 east to Johnson Creek Road, Forest Road (FR) 21, near Packwood. Go south on FR 21 to FR 23 and then back to Randle. Forest Road 21 is mostly gravel and can be a bit "washboardy," but FR 23 is paved. Remember to check weather conditions prior to your trip, especially for snow at Hugo Lake, which is the high point of FR 21 at about 4200 ft.

2. Start at Packwood - take FR 52, Skate Creek Road, west to its junction with State Route 706. Go right, and enter Mt. Rainier National Park at Longmire. Go north to Paradise, and take the Stevens Canyon Road south and east to Hwy 123. Go right on 123 to Hwy 12, and go west back to Packwood. This loop would require an entrance fee to Mt. Rainier National Park.

Note: Stevens Canyon Road is open through Oct. 31 every year, weather permitting. Please check weather conditions the day of your trip. You may contact Mt. Rainier National Park for more information as well.

Mount Adams Ranger District - October 19, 2009: The fall colors are advancing rapidly. Forest Road (FR) 24 west of Trout Lake, the berryfields with the fiery red huckleberry brush, and any of the roads north of Carson where there is vine maple, huckleberry brush or a variety of other decidious brush and trees will offer lots of viewing for the fall color enthusiast. FR 30 (Wind River Highway), 60 and 65 going up from Wind River also have great views of fall color.

NOTE:  Weather can be unpredictable: Bring warm clothes, water, cameras, binoculars and snacks. Hunting season is underway so wear bright colors and make yourself known. For more information on hunting seasons and locations, contact the Washinton State Department of Fish and Wildlife.