Mt. Hood National Forest

The Roaring River Roadless Area is located in the Clackamas Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest, 19 miles southeast of Estacada. The 27,000-acre roadless area is the largest intact unprotected roadless area left on the Mt. Hood National Forest.

The area is a complete watershed, largely undisturbed and centered on the deep, robust canyon of the Roaring River. The canyon bottoms are heavily forested, while the high ridges and peaks consist of many open meadows. The Roaring River, a major tributary of the Clackamas River, supports a native anadromous fish population, and it is a source of high quality drinking water. The river begins its course on the 5000-foot tall slopes of Signal Buttes, and dips nearly 4000 feet in its 15-mile descent to the Clackamas. The lower half of the Roaring River thunders through an extremely rugged canyon, and the low elevation here provides winter range for various species, including black bear and mule deer. The remote upper valley serves as a habitat for several shy wildlife species, including badger, fisher, cougar, and marten.

The most significant aspect of the wilderness is its prime location. Located just an hour from Portland, this pristine area offers an impressive array of recreational opportunities. Several trails provide hikers and those on horseback with access to the rugged backcountry. Huckleberries on the high slopes attract berrypickers today as they did with have with Native Americans in the past.   An array of jewel-like lakes such as Serene Lake, the Rock Lakes, and Shining Lake provide both awe inspiring vistas as well as healthy catches of trout. The lower canyon of the river is usually snow-free year round, allowing access in any season. In addition, the snowpack on the high ridges and mountain tops offers excellent touring terrain to cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike during the winter and spring months.

Logging is the number one threat to the Roaring River Roadless Area. The accessibility, its spectrum of natural beauty, and its potential for outdoor recreation - make the protection of this roadless area critical. The fact that the area is located adjacent to the larger Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness further increases its value as an untouched resource, a rare gem that future generations are entitled to enjoy in its natural splendor.

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