Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

This bill protects parts of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula by creating and expanding wilderness areas in the Olympic National Forest and by adding many river stretches in the forest and Olympic National Park to the national Wild and Scenic Rivers system. It sets aside about 126,554 acres as wilderness across places like Lost Creek, Rugged Ridge, Buckhorn, Mount Skokomish, Wonder Mountain, and more . Some nearby lands are labeled “potential wilderness” and would become full wilderness later if current uses there end.

It also protects long stretches of rivers by classifying segments as wild, scenic, or recreational, including parts of the Elwha and Dungeness, and others like the Hoh, Quinault, Queets, and Sol Duc . The bill allows river restoration and projects that help threatened and endangered species in these designated river segments.

• Who is affected

  • Federal lands and rivers in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park in Washington State.
  • Indian Tribes’ treaty rights remain unchanged.
  • No new “buffer zones” are created; activities outside wilderness boundaries can continue even if they can be seen or heard from inside.

• What changes

  • New wilderness protections for roughly 126,554 acres in the forest, with several named areas and additions .
  • Many river segments are added to the Wild and Scenic Rivers system across the peninsula .
  • Federal land within the designated river corridors is closed to new mining claims and mineral or geothermal leasing; existing private rights are not changed, and Washington State–managed lands are not directed by this bill.
  • Agencies may manage fire, insects, and disease in the wilderness areas as needed.

• When

  • After it becomes law, the Forest Service must update its plans to include these designations within 3 years (or within 5 years if more time is requested in the budget).