10 Enchanting Forests You Need to Explore !
Forests offer breath-taking beauty and endless adventure, from the lush bamboo forests of Japan’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Canada’s Taiga; there is something in these woods for people of all interests and abilities.
Here are 10 breathtaking forests you simply must visit, from family-friendly bell tent glamping sites to ancient woodlands with Lord of the Rings-style trees and foliage.
1. Hoh Rainforest
Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park in Washington State, one of the four temperate rainforests within its boundaries and one of its most famed. Home to old-growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock and douglas fir trees as well as flourishing mosses, ferns, and other greenery thanks to an average annual precipitation of 140 inches, the Hoh is known for being home to old growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock and douglas fir trees as well.
The forest is bustling with life, including marbled murrelets, northern spotted owls, otters, deer, raccoons and Roosevelt elk. When walking along trails make sure your eyes remain vigilant for its more hidden inhabitants: microorganisms that thrive here.
Hoh Rainforest features a National Park Service ranger station and backcountry trails. Of particular note are its Hall of Mosses trails – famously featuring maple trees draped with large quantities of spikemoss growths -and many backcountry routes.
2. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is one of its most iconic attractions and with good reason: strolling its paths lined with towering bamboo canes is a magical and soothing experience that has been described as otherworldly.
Rustling bamboo and creaking stalks may be soothing, yet this peaceful nature spot has unfortunately become a popular photo location among visitors eager to capture Instagram-worthy shots of cherry blossoms or autumn’s koyo colors. When visiting during peak seasons (spring for cherry blossoms or autumn’s koyo colors), expect pathways packed with tourist camera-wielding groups eagerly posing for Instagram posts.
Avoid crowds at the Bamboo Grove by visiting early in the morning before the majority of tourists arrive. Rickshaw rental is recommended as an ideal way of exploring Arashiyama district sites; Rangetsu or Nagi Kyoto Arashiyama both feature private Hinoki cypress wood baths! Alternatively, stay at one of several ryokans such as Rangetsu Kyoto Arashiyama that offer private Hinoki baths!
3. Black Forest
Black Forest, Europe’s most captivating forest, enthralls visitors with its dense coniferous forests, medieval castles, idyllic lakes and picturesque mountain villages tucked into mountain sides. Additionally, this mountain region is famous for its wooden cuckoo clocks, traditional crafts, traditional architecture and rare wildlife such as European bison, fallow deer, roe deer and red-backed shrike species – no surprise it is considered so magical by so many!
The Black Forest Museum in Triberg provides an exciting way to learn about the region, with exhibits that showcase minerals and rocks mined from mines in this region, straw weaving techniques, musical instruments, antique watches and much more.
The Black Forest is home to numerous historic towns such as Baden-Baden, Freiburg, Calw (where Herman Hesse was born) and Gengenbach, as well as offering elegant town spas along its Spa Route. Europa Park provides fun amusement park experiences perfect for family visits in this scenic region.
4. Crater Lake National Forest
Crater Lake National Forest in Southern Oregon boasts the deepest lake in America: Crater Lake – commonly referred to by Klamath tribes as Giiwas–formed from an eruption 8,000 years ago and boasts dramatic caldera surroundings that surround this breathtaking water body.
While its natural blue lake may be spectacular, there are numerous other ways to experience this wonderful park. From stunning views to ancient forests and thrilling snowshoeing excursions – there’s something here for everyone at this National Park Service jewel!
Start your adventure at the Steel Visitor Center by watching their 22-minute film to gain insight into its geologic history. Next, head down Rim Drive and hike Sinnott Memorial Overlook for breathtaking vistas and views of Wizard Island. Finally, camp either Mazama Cabins or Pinnacles Overlook campground – be sure to bring plenty of food and supplies for camping!
5. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is an untouched wilderness of mountain ranges, shimmering glaciers and alpine lakes whose remoteness and early protection efforts ensure its wildlife largely remains undisturbed.
Glacier National Park boasts more than 700 miles of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, from long backpacking trips to short day hikes. Be sure to hike the Highline Trail – a scenic 12-mile point-to-point route offering stunning views across the park as well as glimpses of wildflowers and glaciers!
Experience Glacier National Park to its full potential by driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, an unforgettable 50-mile journey which provides stunning scenery from start to finish. Due to heavy winter snowfall, however, the Going-to-the-Sun Road closes in winter; however it reopens during spring and autumn for cyclists and pedestrians – the ultimate way to take in its splendor!
6. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is an outdoor playground known for its legendary hikes, towering granite rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome as well as breathtaking waterfalls such as Upper, Lower and Middle Yosemite Falls that draw visitors from all around the globe. Visitors come for its unparalleled hiking trails, stunning cliffs and stunning waterfalls; visitors also flock here for its unforgettable beauty and majestic natural features like Upper Lower Middle Yosemite Falls which roar – boasting unparalleled scenic beauty that no other park can match!
Crater Lake stands out as America’s deepest lake and offers spiritual renewal. Cirque Lake, polished domes and glacial moraines created from Sierra Nevada mountains make up part of this park’s spectacular scene. Crater Lake stands out as its focal point.
This park is home to an abundance of wildlife, such as mule deer, black bears and coyotes as well as Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep – an endemic species native only to that region. Mountain meadows and pastures bloom with wildflowers every spring while lower elevation forests are dominated by conifers with Mariposa Grove offering giant sequoia groves for shade.
7. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park’s rugged wilderness offers something for every adventurer, from challenging trails to breathtaking mountain vistas and beyond. Situated southeast of Seattle in Washington State Reserves is home to 14,410-ft Mount Rainier, an active volcano whose glaciers create some of the highest elevation temperate rain forests worldwide.
The trails of this park showcase this distinct ecosystem, including subalpine meadows adorned with wildflower-bedecked meadows and rugged mountain ridges inhabited by mountain goats. Additionally, visitors can discover several historic fire lookouts that connect today’s Native Americans to their archaeological history through these historic lookouts.
Fall is another perfect time to visit, when vibrant foliage fills the landscape. Or head there during winter when snow covers everything and sparkling ice caps adorn Rainier’s summit. Either way, discover this park on foot or by car and admire its unmatched beauty and natural solitude.
8. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park, an impressive body of water encircled by misty mountains and dense forest, is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking wilderness areas. Many major glaciers can be seen from a boat tour; hiking paths wind their way along winding brooks to breathtaking vistas.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO, features miles upon miles of pristine coastal mountains and glaciers spanning across North America’s interior. Here you can witness nature at work while being reminded to approach it with wisdom, restraint and humility so as to preserve one of America’s few wild spaces.
Most visitors to Glacier Bay arrive via cruise ship, docking at Gustavus and offering daylong excursions into the park to Bartlett Cove with its visitor center and Glacier Bay Lodge. Other ways of experiencing it are scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road or hiking.
9. Yosemite National Park
Discover Nature Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking granite monoliths, hanging valleys, cirque lakes and glacial rock cliffs carved by repeated glaciations to form stunning natural wonders that leave visitors speechless. Soaring cliffs, domes and free-falling waterfalls demonstrate this reality while mountain meadows and giant sequoia groves create the backdrop.
Visit Half Dome and El Capitan to witness experienced rock climbers as they scale sheer rock walls; stroll Yosemite Valley for breathtaking vistas; or gaze up at Bridalveil Falls which glow orange with backlight at sunset. Yosemite National Park also provides many outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and rafting – don’t forget Bridalveil Falls which sparkle orange at dusk as an impressive centerpiece for sunset viewing!
Yosemite National Park makes for a wonderful base and exploration of Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Bodie Ghost Town and Mono County are nearby attractions that should not be missed on any trip to California’s west side. Downloading the National Parks App will allow you to plan your route, check road conditions and access all that each park offers.
10. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, California’s famed national treasure, is famous for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves. Each year millions of visitors descend upon this mountainous area to explore its deep valleys, meadows, and alpine regions.
From Bridalveil Falls and Tunnel View to El Capitan’s rock climbing cliffs, there is endless outdoor adventure available in this breathtaking wilderness. Visitors can camp under the stars, experience glamping or choose one of several luxurious resorts nearby for a stay that won’t break the bank.
Sierra Nevada forests feature both deciduous and coniferous trees, along with an array of wildlife. Lowland forests typically include oaks and sycamores; higher altitude forests contain mountain hemlocks and lodgepole pines.