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The Clearwater Wilderness is the northwestern outpost of a wilderness complex centered on Mt. Rainier National Park which includes the adjacent Norse Peak, William O. Douglas, Tatoosh, and Glacier View Wilderness areas. The wilderness is centered on the Clearwater River which courses north dropping from the heart of the wilderness through an untouched forest of huge Douglas Fir, Western Red and Alaska Cedar and Western Hemlock. A rich understory of ferns, mosses, mushrooms, huckleberry, salmonberry, devil's club and other plants make for difficult cross country travel. The thick vegetation makes wildlife difficult to spot, but deer, bear, cougar, elk and the occasional mountain goat roam the area. The most common wildlife for visitors to spot includes marmots and pikas. Eagles, ravens, grouse, and a variety of songbirds provide the background soundscape. Several small, remote lakes dot the wilderness. Most of the lakes are difficult to access due to lack of trails and a limited road system to the edge of the wilderness. The rivers and lakes are fed by abundant rain and snow arriving during the stormy winter months, the deep snow pack gradually melting by mid-July. Meadow areas of Bearhead Mountain, Celery Meadows and the Summit Lake area explode with color as wildflowers bloom in July and August. The Clearwater and Carbon trails loop 17 miles through the wilderness and connect with the Summit Lake Trail. The two most popular locations in the wilderness are Summit Lake and Bearhead Mountain. These points are accessed by good trails from the south side of the Wilderness and both of these locations afford tremendous views of the north side of Mt. Rainier looming a dozen miles to the south. Hikers seek out these destinations as quieter alternatives to similar sites with the National Park. ** Flooding in November 2006 washed out the road which led to the Martin Gap Trailhead on the east side of the wilderness and the Clear West Peak trail in the southeast corner of the wilderness. This has had a substantial effect on public access to the wilderness.
Maps
Digital and paper maps are critical tools for wilderness visitors. Online maps can help you plan and prepare for your visit ahead of time. You can also carry digital maps with you on your GPS unit or other handheld GPS device. Having a paper map with you in the backcountry, as well as solid orienteering skills, however, ensures that you can still route-find in the event that your electronic device fails.
Online Maps
Printed Maps
Rules & Regulations
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited in all wilderness areas.
This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters.
Wilderness-Specific Regulations
Learn more about
why regulations may be necessary in wilderness.
Applicable Wilderness Law(s)
Date: July 3, 1984
Acreage: 14,300 acres
Washington State Wilderness Act of 1984 - Public law 98-339 (7/3/1984) To designate certain National Forest System lands in the State of Washington for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System, and for other purposes.
For more information (To download or see all affected Wilderness areas) visit our law library for 98-339 or special provisions for 98-339 or legislative history for 98-339 for this law.
Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?
People who volunteer their time to steward our wilderness areas are an essential part of wilderness management. Contact the following groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Groups are listed alphabetically by the state(s) in which the wilderness is located.