[1][2] The area lies adjacent to the southwest corner of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, northwest of Stevens Pass on U.S. Highway 2 and northeast of the town of Skykomish, Washington.

Senator Jackson was instrumental in the designation of many of the state's wildernesses, and this "forest" of fabled peaks recalls his efforts.

[3] The terrain is rugged, with steep slopes, and finger ridges dissected by small intermittent or permanent drainages.

[3] The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail winds down the high heart of the area for about 32 miles.

A tall forest covers the lower elevations, then thins out and changes in species to eventually open into broad meadows on many ridge tops.