Devils Staircase Wilderness

Devils Staircase Wilderness is a 30,520-acre federally protected wilderness area in Oregon managed by the Forest Service. It offers backcountry hiking and backpacking in a primitive, non-motorized setting where solitude and self-reliance are central to the experience. The landscape is undeveloped and roadless—no mechanized travel, motors, or maintained infrastructure exist here. This is genuine wilderness: you'll navigate by map and compass, camp away from developed sites, and encounter minimal human presence.

Visiting means embracing wilderness rules. Leave No Trace principles are not optional; they're the foundation of wilderness stewardship. Pack out all waste, camp on durable surfaces away from water sources, and travel quietly to preserve the backcountry character. Access typically requires a drive to trailheads on Forest Service roads, then foot travel from there. Season matters: snow and weather can close or complicate routes in winter and early spring, while summer and early fall offer the most reliable conditions. Bring a map, know your route, and come prepared for self-rescue in remote terrain.