Middle Santiam Wilderness, Wilderness area in Willamette National Forest, Oregon.
Middle Santiam Wilderness is a protected area in Willamette National Forest covering about 8,500 acres of varied terrain. The land features steep mountain slopes, thick forest cover, and a meandering river that flows through deep valleys.
Congress protected this territory in 1984 as a designated wilderness area within the Cascade Range system. The decision reflected growing efforts to preserve unaltered landscapes across the Pacific Northwest.
Native American peoples relied on this land for hunting, fishing, and gathering resources from the river and forest. Walking through the wilderness today, you can sense the long-standing relationship between people and this landscape.
Access is by unmarked trails that require navigation skills and proper gear for backcountry travel. Be prepared for uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and weather that changes quickly in the mountains.
Chimney Peak is a natural lava plug formation that reaches 4,965 feet and stands as the highest point in the wilderness. This volcanic rock formation rises noticeably above the surrounding forest canopy.
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