The Glacier Peak Wilderness, created by Congress in the original 1964 wilderness legislation, is located between the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wenatchee National Forest. The area, 572,000 acres in size, 35 miles long and 20 miles wide, is characterized by heavily forested stream courses, steep-sided valleys, and dramatic glacier-crowned peaks. Forest vegetation is comprised of true firs, spruce, and hemlock as well as stands of pine on its eastern slopes. Various species of wildlife inhabit the area, including deer, elk, black bear, mountain goat, cougar, marten, and lynx. The high mountain lakes often give good catches of fish during their ice-free months.

At 10,541 feet, Glacier Peak is the dominant geologic feature of the area. Most of Glacier Peak's cone was built by relatively quiet flows of lava. The last eruption 12,000 years ago, however, spread ash as far away as eastern Idaho; its violence was comparable to the well known Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980. Recreational opportunities (as well as solitude) abound with more than 450 miles of trail and many places where you can enjoy cross-country travel.

• Hike many miles through rugged terrain to reach the base of Glacier Peak. Hikers can reach the volcano from the west via the White Chuck Valley, or the Suiattle River Valley; from the east, via the western tip of Lake Chelan.
• Enjoy the rugged, scenic views you'll see from the tops of mountain ridges.
• Look for a wide variety of woodland creatures you might come across on a peaceful forest trail.