Mt Washington rises above 75 square miles of lava-strewn plains. This is a geological wonderland which includes Belknap Crater, a 6,872-foot cinder and ash volcanic cone. This is a rugged retreat, primarily used by hunters, hikers, and mountain climbers. There are 28 lakes in the wilderness. It is the primary trail and extends from the north boundary near Big Lake to where it leaves the wilderness near Dee Wright Observatory.
Vegetation consists of lodgepole pine and associated species as well as mountain hemlock.
From the north take State Hwy. From the south take State Hwy. Tenas Lake, Patjens Lake, and Benson Lake. Compared with the adjacent Mt. Jefferson and Three Sisters Wildernesses, recreational use in the Mt. Washington wilderness is low. All rights reserved.