CogKnoSys

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Physical

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a national forest in southern Washington that runs along the Cascade Range to the Columbia River.

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The idea

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a national forest in southern Washington. It is managed by the United States Forest Service, the federal agency that looks after national forests. The forest covers 1.32 million acres (5,300 km2). It stretches 116 km (72 mi) along the western slopes of the Cascade Range, from Mount Rainier National Park to the Columbia River. On maps and in writing it is often shortened to GPNF.

The forest straddles the crest of the South Cascades, which means it reaches over the top of the range. Inside it are broad old-growth forests, high mountain meadows, several glaciers and numerous volcanic peaks. Its highest point is the top of Mount Adams, at 12,276 ft (3,742 m). Mount Adams is the second-tallest volcano in Washington, after Mount Rainier.

The forest also includes the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which covers 110,000 acres (450 km2). Congress established the monument in 1982. An old-growth forest is one that has grown for a very long time without major disturbance, so it holds enormous old trees, standing dead trees and fallen logs that many animals depend on for food and shelter.

Check yourself

Question 1 of 3

What is the highest point in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

Pick one. The first pick counts.

Composition

what it's made of

  • Old-growth forests — Broad stands of old forest spread across the national forest.
  • High mountain meadows — Open meadows high in the mountains.
  • Glaciers — Several glaciers lie within the forest.
  • Volcanic peaks — Numerous volcanic peaks, with Mount Adams the highest at 12,276 ft (3,742 m).
  • Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument — A 110,000-acre monument inside the forest, established by Congress in 1982.

Connection

how it relates

Under Lower Columbia Region

In place

  1. Mount St. Helensstrength 90 of 100

    The forest includes the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

  2. Columbia Riverstrength 70 of 100

    The forest extends along the Cascade Range south to the Columbia River.

Related

  1. Habitatsstrength 50 of 100

    Old-growth forests, mountain meadows and glaciers give the forest many different habitats.

Change

how and why it evolves

Past
In 1908 the area was set aside as the Columbia National Forest. On June 15, 1949, it was renamed to honor one of the leading figures in creating the national forest system. In August 2024, the Williams Mine fire burned over 11,900 acres of land within the forest.
Now
Since 1964, Congress has created one national monument and seven wilderness areas in the forest. The threatened species native to the forest include the bull trout, listed in 1998, as well as Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead.
Next
The forest will likely face pressure from wildfire, a changing climate and growing numbers of visitors, which could shape how it is managed.

Knowledge you can walk. Read the idea, then step up, across or down.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a national forest in southern Washington that runs along the Cascade Range to the Columbia River.

Learn, discuss, create, buy or invest

The idea

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a national forest in southern Washington. It is managed by the United States Forest Service, the federal agency that looks after national forests. The forest covers 1.32 million acres (5,300 km2). It stretches 116 km (72 mi) along the western slopes of the Cascade Range, from Mount Rainier National Park to the Columbia River. On maps and in writing it is often shortened to GPNF.

The forest straddles the crest of the South Cascades, which means it reaches over the top of the range. Inside it are broad old-growth forests, high mountain meadows, several glaciers and numerous volcanic peaks. Its highest point is the top of Mount Adams, at 12,276 ft (3,742 m). Mount Adams is the second-tallest volcano in Washington, after Mount Rainier.

The forest also includes the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which covers 110,000 acres (450 km2). Congress established the monument in 1982. An old-growth forest is one that has grown for a very long time without major disturbance, so it holds enormous old trees, standing dead trees and fallen logs that many animals depend on for food and shelter.

Check yourself

3 quick questions, instant feedback.