[1] Groves of old growth Douglas-fir, hemlock and cedar grow in lower elevations of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness.

The north part of the Wilderness has features characteristic of the Columbia River Gorge, such as towering basaltic cliffs and many waterfalls.

Higher elevations are home to forested plateaus and ridges with hanging meadows, subalpine lakes, and panoramic views of the Cascade Range and the Columbia River Gorge.

[2] Common recreational activities in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness include camping, backpacking, wildlife watching, and hiking the approximately 200 miles (320 km) of trails in the Wilderness, including some 14 miles (23 km) of the Pacific Crest Trail.

[1] The area was named for former United States senator and Oregon governor Mark Hatfield.