Gifford Pinchot National Forest

The drive and scenery are similar to Mt. Rainier National Park (unsurprisingly.. they’re next to each other). There are no side-of-the-road viewpoints and less trails though. The road is also surprisingly bumpy. Be aware of that and watch your speed. The car in front of me bottomed out a few times.

This forest has some beautiful country but unfortunately they have pretty much designated most trails for ORVs. Council Lake trails is a true example of the USFS "multiple abuse" philosophy. It would be horrifically dangerous for a horseback rider to meet an ORV while in one of the narrow 3 foot trenches often created by ORVs on these trails! We now know why a lot of hikers just don't go to this area!

Wonderful wild area with plenty to do. If you love the wilderness, this vast wilderness area will definitely keep you plenty occupied. Be mindful of the time of year because the weather can be very trying to the would-be adventurers. Make sure you tell people where you're planning on going because it's very rural and expansive.

Best place I’ve ever hiked before! The view are amazing! The water falls are amazing!! I can’t wait to come back!

Pretty!! Go when it's raining & everyone else has to work during the week day. Didn't see too many people, exactly what was needed to get away from it all.

Beautiful Forest of the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest In Cougar Washington. Where you will find camping and cabins and enjoy hiking.

This is an absolutely gorgeous area. There's logging (blech), but once you get far enough away it's quiet. There's Oregon oxalis everywhere in the underbrush, I love it! Please pack it out and leave no trace, some campers before us left the site we chose a wreck.

Well maintained trails for the most part. Trash left by some of the visitors but well worth the trip. Highway 123 connects highway 12 to highway 410. Nice drive

I have to, driving through this forest after leaving the Mt. Rainier area and headed towards Mt. Saint Helen's on the NFD 25, which is closed during winters by the way, was quite a sight. The forest is stunningly beautiful and there's not short of beautiful green trees, rivers, streams, snow capped mountains, lakes, and wildlife. It's like stepping into another world, truly, and one's left with an utter sensation of vulnerability to the forest. It was a long drive from the 12 heading south on the 25 to reach NF 90 that eventually turns into the 503 heading west. It was worth the two hours plus, and I will certainly not forget all the views and stops we made along the way.