Lower White River Wilderness, Protected wilderness area near Mount Hood, Oregon
Lower White River Wilderness is a protected natural area on the southern slopes of Mount Hood in the Cascade Mountains. The landscape features forest, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain shaped by the river that runs through it.
The area was formally designated as a Wilderness Area by Congress in 2009, protecting it from development. This status ensures the landscape remains in its natural state without roads or modern structures.
The wilderness management reflects the American commitment to preserve natural spaces through federal protection of the Bureau of Land Management.
Access to this area is through primitive, often unmarked trails that require navigation skills and careful planning. The main starting points are near Keeps Mill Campground, where visitors can prepare for their journey.
The White River originates from a glacier on Mount Hood and flows through this protected area on its descent to lower elevations. This glacier-fed waterway creates a natural corridor that shields the river's lower section from disturbance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
