Colonel Bob Wilderness

Colonel Bob Wilderness is a nature reserve in Olympic National Forest featuring steep mountain slopes, dense forests, and rushing streams. The terrain varies from low valleys to high peaks and provides habitat for wildlife including black bears and mountain lions.

This area was designated as a wilderness by the United States Congress in 1984. That designation protected the natural landscape and established it as a managed conservation area within the broader forest.

Native American tribes utilized the lands of Colonel Bob Wilderness for generations before European settlement, maintaining deep connections with the forest environment.

Access is available through several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and wet conditions, especially during the rainier months.

The area receives more than 150 inches of annual rainfall, sustaining a temperate rainforest ecosystem. This extreme moisture enables lush plant growth and creates a unique green landscape in the Pacific Northwest.

Location: Jefferson County

Operator: US Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 47.48966,-123.73235

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20