Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, National Forest in northeastern Oregon, United States.
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest covers roughly 2.4 million acres with mountains, forests, rivers, and the deep canyon of Hells Canyon. The landscape includes densely forested areas as well as high alpine zones with open meadows and exposed rocky peaks.
The forest came into its current form in 1954 when two separate reserves established by President Theodore Roosevelt were merged together. Roosevelt had originally designated these areas as summer grounds for Nez Perce tribes and their subsistence practices.
The name honors both the Wallowa band of Nez Perce and missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman who arrived in 1836. Today these names serve as a reminder of how indigenous peoples and European settlers shaped this landscape.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at most trailheads, and activities like firewood cutting or river rafting need special permits beforehand. Check regulations before your visit as requirements vary by season and specific location within the forest.
The forest shelters over 230 bird species as well as moose and Rocky Mountain elk that roam the higher elevations. This rich animal diversity often surprises visitors who encounter wildlife during their explorations.
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