The urban sprawl of Portland may dominate the northwest corner of Oregon, but just 50 miles southeast lies a pristine wilderness that feels worlds away from city life. The Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness spans over 62,000 acres of protected forest surrounding Mount Hood, offering nature enthusiasts an authentic wilderness experience that’s surprisingly accessible.

What makes this area special isn’t just its proximity to Portland, but its official wilderness designation, which brings with it a unique set of rules designed to preserve its natural state.

Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast . This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

These restrictions might seem limiting at first glance, but they serve a vital purpo

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