Colonel Bob Wilderness is a 11855 acre protected area located in the southwest corner of Olympic National Forest in the state of Washington. It is named after 19th-century orator Robert Green Ingersoll. Lake Quinault lies about 15 miles to the west. Elevations in the wilderness vary from 300 to 4,509 feet above sea level. The highest elevation is an unnamed peak; the second-highest elevation is Colonel Bob Mountain at 4,492 feet. The wilderness is a temperate rain forest with annual rainfall greater than 150 inch.

History

In 1984, the U.S. Congress established five wilderness areas within the Olympic National Forest: The Colonel Bob Wilderness sits on the southern flank of the Olympic Wilderness, which was created in 1988.

Recreation

More than 12 mi of trails provide access to the wilderness for backpacking, camping, hunting, and mountain climbing. Access by road is via South Shore Quinault Lake Road to the north, or FS Road 2204 to the south. Access by trail is by Colonel Bob Trail #851, Pete's Creek Trail #858, and Fletcher Canyon Trail #857.

Climate