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Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Welcome to one of the oldest National Forests in the United States, Washington's magnificent Gifford Pinchot National Forest located in southwest Washington. This is the home of Mt. St. Helens which erupted in 1980.
Forest History: Human settlement in this region dates back over 6,000 years when Native Americans hunted wild animals and harvested huckleberries. To this day, archeologists continue to learn more about these early Americans as new discoveries continue to be found. In the early 19th century, the British Hudson's Bay Company brought some of the first Europeans to the region who sought out the beavers and other fur bearing creatures who lived in the forest. In 1824, Fort Vancouver, the region's first permanent European settlement was founded. By the late 19th century, loggers, ranchers, and miners were making a fortune from the forest's resources. In 1897 this land was part of the Mount Ranier Forest Reserve until it was set aside in 1908 as the Columbia National Forest in honor of the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service. In 1949, the name was changed to Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped to build many of the forest's amenities during the years of The Great Depression.
Wildlife: This forest helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including deer, bears, mountain lions, and many others. Please treat their home with respect.
For the lover of the outdoors the Gifford Pinchot National Forest boasts over 1,200 miles of multipurpose trails, 100 lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Come on out and have a blast!
Location:
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Washington United States
46.134170, -121.843872