The Kalmiopsis Wilderness now contains a total of 179,755 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of Oregon.
Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this process began in 1964 when 78,850 acres were designated by Public Law 88-577. The following public laws also affect the Kalmiopsis Wilderness: 95-237.
The Kalmiopsis Wilderness is part of the 106 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of wild lands contributes significantly to the ecological, economic, and social health of our country. Wilderness provides clean air and water, a shelter for endangered species, sacred places for indigenous peoples, a living laboratory for research, and a classroom for exploring personal values while experiencing risk, reward, and self-reliance. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization," you play an important role in helping to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations listed below and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.
Area Management:
Specific Regulations
Group Size: maximum group size for overnight use is 12 persons and 9 saddle/pack animals per group. Group size for day use is not restricted, but keeping groups smaller reduces physical and social impacts.
Feed for Stock: use only processed or pellitized feed. Hay or unprocessed (viable) grain is not permitted.
Permits: A self registering, unrestricted, free-use permit is required to float the Wild sections of the Chetco and Illinois Rivers. There are no permits required for hiking, but please fill out a voluntary trail registration card where provided.
Fire: Along the Wild section of the Illinois River, a fire pan (or similar device) is required for open fires below the high water mark.
General Regulations
As in all Wilderness areas, possession or use of motorized vehicles or equipment is prohibited. All wheeled mechanisms, including bicycles, wagons, wheelbarrows are prohibited (excluding wheelchairs for persons with disabilities).
Collecting
The collection of plants or plant parts in the Wilderness is not allowed, except by permit issued by the Forest Supervisor for scientific or educational purposes.
The collection or disturbance of cultural artifiacts, both pre-historic and historic, is prohibited.
Guidelines for Resource Protection
Learn about the Leave No Trace Program of Wildland Ethics (see link below)
Firewood: Do not use wood from live or dead standing trees or brush. Use only small (4 inch diameter or less) dead and down material. Use existing firerings, keep them small and clean out ash (and widely disburse) when fire is extinguished.
For more information or to contact the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, log onto the Kalmiopsis Wilderness page on Wilderness.net.
Leave No Trace principles:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more detailed information on the Leave No Trace principles above,
Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.
• 
Discover America: 