Top Forest Destinations

Whether you’re looking for lush coastal evergreens, spicey-sweet pine forests, or deciduous woods that burst with color in the fall, you’ll find the perfect destination on this list.  All of these forests offer quiet and tranquility, excellent wildlife viewing, and the special coziness that comes from being in the woods.  From coast to coast, here are some of our nation’s best:

DEEP WOODS

California Redwoods
These towering, ancient trees grow naturally in circles, creating magical groves throughout their woods.  Head to the California redwoods and get to know this unique coastal ecosystem, from the Chinook salmon in the streams to the Roosevelt elk that graze in the meadows. While you’re here, watch for gray whales on the coast, black bears in the forests, and endangered marbled murrelets on the beach.

The Rainforests of the Olympic National Park, Washington
The lush forests in the Quinault, Queets, Hoh, and Bogachiel valleys are some of the most spectacular examples of primeval temperate rain forest in the lower 48 states. These rain forests once stretched from southern Oregon to southeast Alaska, but little remains outside of protected areas.  You’ll find Sitka spruce and lacey hemlocks, plus pine and Western red cedar trees, many of which are hundreds of years old.