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The Wild Sky Wilderness is the newest addition to a 2.6 million acre wilderness complex that straddles the rugged North Cascade Range from Canada to Snoqualmie Pass. The southwestern portion of the wilderness is only 25 miles from Puget Sound and adjacent to the fast growing communities of the Skykomish River Valley. The western part of the wilderness is characterized by very steep slopes and dramatic local relief. For example, from the North Fork Skykomish River near the town of Index, the terrain rises from about 600 feet above sea level to over 6,000 feet, on Gunn Peak, in less than 3 miles. Annual precipitation in this area runs between 150 to 200 inches annually, most of it coming as snow during the wet winter months. Runoff from the rain and snow feed streams that drop into the deep valleys below. This source of clean water is important to salmon which spawn in these reaches and provide exciting spring raft trips on the Skykomish River. Vegetation is dense on the valley walls, composed of Douglas fir, western red cedar and western hemlock at the lower elevations, grading to silver fir and mountain hemlock in the mid elevations to sub alpine parklands in the higher reaches. Timberline in the area is relatively low, between 4,500 and 5,000 feet. The higher peaks such as Merchant, Gunn, and Spire sport permanent ice patches on their north and east slopes. Trails in this part of the wilderness are few and cross-country travel is difficult. East of the Beckler River, and the Straight Creek Fault, the terrain changes dramatically; the local relief is less dramatic, the geology is less chaotic and precipitation less. The ridges are more uniform in elevation and gentle enough to support large meadows. This is trail country! Trails including Meadow Creek, West Cady Creek and Johnson Ridge lead through forest to these flowery meadows. Several trails are open to use by stock animals and wonderful loop trips pass through the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness to the Pacific Crest Trail, and back to Wild Sky. The Evergreen Mountain Lookout is a rental cabin that will continue to operate within the wilderness. At 5,587 feet, it provides a spectacular perch to watch the sunset over the rough peaks of Wild Sky and take in the panoramic view from Glacier Peak to Mt. Rainier. Stands of old growth forest cover portions of the area with large diameter Douglas fir, hemlock and western red cedar. The West Cady Ridge Trail leads through a prime example of these large trees which provide critical habitat for a variety of bird and animal species. Scattered around the new wilderness are forest areas previously roaded and logged. Logging began around 1920 and continued into the early 1990¿s. Signs of past mining exploration are also evident, particularly in the Silver Creek area. Young trees are now healing the scars of these past activities. The area holds about a dozen mountain lakes that attract anglers. Lake Isabel is the largest of these at about 1.5 miles long and 200 feet deep. The historic use of float planes is allowed to continue on the lake.
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: May 8, 2008
Acreage: 106,577 acres
Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - Public law 110-229 (5/8/2008) A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes.
For more information (To download or see all affected Wilderness areas) visit our law library for 110-229 or special provisions for 110-229 or legislative history for 110-229 for this law.
Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?
Citizens 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.