Mount Jefferson Wilderness is a heavily visited protected area in Oregon’s central Cascade Range, spanning parts of the Willamette and Deschutes national forests. Centered on Mount Jefferson, Oregon’s second tallest peak, it features dramatic volcanic terrain shaped by glaciers, lava fields, cinder cones, alpine meadows, and numerous lakes. More than 150 lakes and about 190 miles of trails, including part of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, make it a major destination for hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, and wildlife watching. Its varied elevations support diverse forests, seasonal wildflowers, amphibians, trout, and wildlife such as deer, black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles.