The United States Congress designated the South Warner Wilderness Area as part of the original Wilderness Act of 1964 and it now has a total of 70,614 acres. For a complete listing of public laws and further information on district offices, click here. On an isolated spur of the Cascade Range you'll find the Warner Mountains and the South Warner Wilderness, which stretches about 18 miles long and 8 miles wide. Elevations vary from 5,800 feet at Clear Lake near the southwest boundary to 9,892 feet on Eagle Peak, a conspicuous landmark near the center of the area. Gently rolling topography on the western side, highlighted by mountain meadows and clear streams, forested with mixed pines, firs, and aspen, rises to rugged country dominated by ragged peaks where vegetation is sparse.
Wildflowers bloom in abundance.
Of seven lakes, Clear, Patterson, and North Emerson provide the best fishing for rainbow, brook, brown, and redband trout. Severe storms have been known to roll in every month of the year. Eight trailheads provide access to about 79 miles of maintained trails suitable for horse or foot traffic. Horsepackers will find outstanding opportunities for quiet travel in lovely surroundings.