Today we publishedour newest guidebook to the National Forests available for sale on Amazon
Out in the Woods: An Introductory Guide to America’s 155 National Forests introduces readers to the diversity of forests across all of America by providing a straightforward introduction to each National Forest, an easy hiking trail that is representative of that forest, and a tree species that can be found there.
We are also giving a presentation on recreating in National Forests at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It will be in the Cottonwood Room (1st floor) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. We will have all of our books for sale before and after the talk and would be happy to sign them for you.
If you go to our book page on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3LSeey2) click on the cover image to Look Inside and read the introduction. Below is an example of the layout for all 155 National Forests.
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Boise National Forest is famous for its gold rush ghost towns and hot springs along the South Fork of the Payette River. The best way to explore this National Forest is by stopping along three scenic byways: Ponderosa Pine (Highway 21), Wildlife Canyon (Highway 24), and Payette River (Highway 55) Scenic Byways. Ghost towns dating back to the 1860s include Atlanta, Banner, Brummer, Graham, Pioneerville, Quartzburg, Thunder, and the more-developed Idaho City.
Highlights
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Payette River Scenic Byway, Big Falls, Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, Kirkham Hot Springs, Sage Hen Reservoir, Dagger Falls, Atlanta ghost town, Trinity Recreation Area, Ardeth Lake, Velvet Falls, Baron Lakes, Kirkham Ridge Trail, Idaho Centennial Trail
Must-Do Activity
Starting in Boise, Idaho, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Highway 21) leads 131 miles northeast through Boise National Forest. Be sure to stop (and try some delicious huckleberry ice cream) in Idaho City, where wooden board sidewalks and unpaved streets take you back to the gold rush era. Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway continues to Lowman where it follows the South Fork of the Payette River past the campgrounds at Kirkham and Bonneville Hot Springs (reservations recommended) and up to 7,056-foot Banner Summit at the boundary with Challis National Forest.
Best Trail
Located just three miles east of Highway 55 and Lake Cascade along paved Warm Creek Road is the Eagle Nest Trail. Look for the parking pullout on the south side of the road across from the big rock that marks the entrance to the Eagle Nest neighborhood. After crossing the road, the Eagle Nest Trail steadily climbs (from 4,850 to 6,050 feet in the first 2.5 miles) and occasionally opens up for views of the mountains above Cascade Lake. Located further south, Fool Creek Trail drops 2,728 feet in 4.1 miles to the Middle Fork of the Payette River.
Watchable Wildlife
On a smoky September morning on the Eagle Nest Trail, we saw fresh turkey and mule deer prints in the dirt. Other common large animals include elk, moose, pronghorns, coyotes, and black bears. At higher elevations watch for mountain goats, pikas, and yellow-bellied marmots. In addition to several trout species, chinook and sockeye salmon migrate up the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Non-migratory Kokanee salmon are native to Warm Lake, plus introduced into Anderson Ranch, Arrowrock, Lucky Peak, and Deadwood Reservoirs.
Instagram-worthy Photo
In Sawtooth National Recreation Area, 10,190-foot Mt. Regan stands at the south end of Sawtooth Lake marking the boundary between Challis and Boise National Forests.
Peak Season
Summer
Fees
There is a day-use fee at parking areas near hot springs
Road Conditions
Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway is winding and full of switchbacks, so take your time. Warm Creek Road is paved to the roadside trailhead for Eagle Nest. The Grandjean Road back to the campground is unpaved, but open year round.
Camping
Most of the campgrounds along Highway 21 take reservations due to their popularity. We have read good things about the 31 sites in the Grandjean Campground (first-come, first-served) on the South Fork of the Payette River (hot springs are 1.5 miles away) near the western boundary of the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Wilderness Areas
Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (also in Payette, Salmon-Challis, Bitterroot, and Nez Perce National Forests)
Sawtooth Wilderness (also in Sawtooth and Challis National Forests)
Scott and Tiff next to Mt. Regan in Sawtooth National Recreation AreaLichen growing on ponderosa pine barkEagle Nest trailheadChoke cherry leavesCramer Divide is the boundary between Boise and Sawtooth National ForestsThe Baron Lakes are in Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Many classic movies have been filmed within the boundaries of America’s National Forests due to their natural beauty (or maybe their state’s favorable laws and tax breaks). Our ranking is partially based on the quality of the movie and partially on the prominence of the setting to the story. We hope this list brings back some fond cinematic memories. Click here to check out all our Top 10 Lists, including our favorite movies filmed in National Parks.
10. Fire in the Sky (1993) Umpqua National Forest (Oregon)
This terrifying alien abduction story took place in Arizona, so naturally they filmed it in Oregon
9. The Thing (1982) Tongass National Forest (Alaska)
John Carpenter’s book The Thing is set in Antarctica, but this parasitic alien preferred a temperate rainforest
This comedy was filmed close enough to Mexico to stand in for it
7. 3:10 to Yuma (2007) Santa Fe National Forest (New Mexico)
50 years after its original release, this remake had its tunnel scenes filmed in this National Forest
6. The Last of the Mohicans (1992) Pisgah National Forest (North Carolina)
The 1920 version was filmed in California’s San Bernardino National Forest (see Honorable Mentions below) so they’re getting closer to the book’s northeastern U.S. setting
5. Homeward Bound (1993) Deschutes, Mt. Hood, Wallowa-Whitman, and Willamette National Forests (Oregon)
The incredible journey of three beloved pets was filmed across the state of Oregon
4. The River Wild (1994) Kootenai National Forest (Montana-Idaho)
A wet and wild thriller that featured this National Forest’s whitewater rivers
3. The Hunger Games (2012) Pisgah National Forest (North Carolina)
The forests of District 13 are where we first witness Katniss’ skills with a bow and arrow
This Academy Award-winning film separately inspired both our families go west to see bison in 1992
Honorable Mentions
Glory (1989) Osceola National Forest (Florida)
The famous 54th Massachusetts fought at Olustee in 1864 and they filmed on site, which is also true of Ocala National Forest’s TheYearling (1946) based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel
Dante’s Peak (1997) Idaho Panhandle National Forests (Idaho)
Not the greatest movie, nor are we sure which of the three National Forests were featured: Coeur d’Alene, Kaniksu, or St. Joe
Given its proximity to Hollywood, you would have thought more films would highlight this National Forest…
Dr. Doolittle (2001) San Bernardino National Forest (California)
…but directors seem to prefer to go a little further east based on these classic titles: Heidi (1937), Gone with the Wind (1939), Lassie Come Home (1943), The Yearling (1946), Shane (1953), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), and Old Yeller (1957)
High Plains Drifter (1973) Inyo National Forest (California-Nevada)
Another National Forest in the Golden State used in many westerns like this one starring Clint Eastwood
Straddling the Wyoming-South Dakota border is a region known as the Black Hills, where a gold rush took place in the mid-1870s. The area was a traditional hunting ground for American Indians and site of the sacred Bear Butte, which led to numerous conflicts. The hills may be called black because of the ponderosa pine forests that dominate the rocky landscape that rises above the surrounding prairie. Explore some of its 353 miles of trails on foot, drive the miles of back roads, and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.
Highlights
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Black Elk Peak, Pactola Reservoir, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Bridal Veil Falls, Centennial Trail, Old Baldy Trail, Flume National Recreation Trail, Buzzards Roost Trail
Must-Do Activity
In Wyoming, scenic Bear Lodge Road cuts through the forest between Sundance and Alva, east of Devils Tower National Monument. In South Dakota, we love Black Hills National Forest because it offers tranquil dispersed camping not far from the hubbub that surrounds Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Roughlock Falls, and Deadwood. To escape the crowds, hike a portion of the 111-mile Centennial Trail or 108-mile George S. Mickelson Rail Trail (which is free to hike or bike, but requires a parking fee at its official trailheads).
Best Trail
Rising in the center of the Black Elk Wilderness is 7,242-foot tall Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak), the highest spot in South Dakota and the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains. Trails to the summit start from near Mount Rushmore National Memorial (4.7 miles one-way) and Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park (parking fee, 3.8 miles one-way).
Watchable Wildlife
Elk can be found spread throughout Black Hills National Forest, but these nocturnal ungulates are elusive. Mule deer, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, prairie dogs, and turkeys are more commonly sighted. While driving past Mount Rushmore National Memorial keep an eye out for mountain goats that were introduced to this area. Both Wind Cave National Park (free) and Custer State Park (entrance fee) have herds of bison, but fences keep them out of the National Forest.
Instagram-worthy Photo
West of Rapid City, South Dakota on Highway 44 is the trailhead for the Buzzards Roost trail system. Loops of different lengths connect to the scenic overlook at Buzzards Roost Lookout, the shortest option being 1.1 miles one-way.
Peak Season
Summer, plus Buffalo Roundup weekend (late September)
Fees
None
Road Conditions
Iron Mountain Road (Highway 16A) is part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway where you will discover the meaning of the term “pigtail bridges.” Although it cuts through Custer State Park, you do not have to pay the entrance fee if you are driving straight through. We have found the dirt roads in Black Hills National Forest to be well maintained throughout the year.
Camping
The U.S. Forest Service operates 32 campgrounds (no RV hookups) with nominal fees, especially compared to Custer State Park. There is also a campground at Wind Cave National Park, but we prefer dispersed camping along Forest Service roads although you have to be careful of private property boundaries.
Tiff near the top of Black Elk PeakTiff on the way up to Black Elk Peak Lookout TowerLooking back towards Cathedral Spires in Custer State ParkMountain goatsThe red patches are dead ponderosa pine from bark beetles (bet you can’t spot George Washington’s profile on Mt. Rushmore!)Harney Peak and Mt. RushmoreTiff on the George S. Mickelson Rail TrailScott on the George S. Mickelson Rail TrailTiff on the George S. Mickelson Rail TrailSeptember in Wyoming’s Black HillsRough-legged hawkRough-legged hawk
First established as the 4.1-million-acre Bitter Root Forest Reserve in 1898, the smaller Bitterroot National Forest today flanks both sides of Highway 93 and the Bitterroot River Valley. This stretch of the Idaho-Montana border is rough, mountainous country and about half this National Forest is designated Wilderness (see below). The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows a portion of the boundary between Bitterroot National Forest and Beaverhead National Forest, heading northeast from Lost Trail Pass where Highway 93 crosses into Idaho.
Highlights
Nez Perce Auto Trail, Lost Trail Pass, Lake Como, Magruder Massacre Site, Trapper Peak, Skalkaho Falls, Blodgett Canyon, Boulder Creek Falls, Palisade Mountain National Recreation Trail, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Must-Do Activity
There are trails going west up seemingly every canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains, while Lost Horse Creek has a road that follows it nearly to the Idaho border. Wildfire smoke obscured the views during our visit in July 2021, but the glacier-carved mountain scenery was still impressive on Blodgett Creek Trail. We imagine on a clear day the views would rival California’s Yosemite Valley. There are many more roads (and some trails) to explore in the Sapphire Mountains east of Highway 93.
Best Trail
Blodgett Creek Trail leads 12.6 miles one-way to Blodgett Lake, but you do not have to go that far to appreciate its incredible beauty. The trail climbs steadily as it follows the creek, passing the memorial to smokejumper Don Mackey on its way to two waterfalls: the first at 4.5 miles hidden in a slot canyon and the second a wide cascade only a half-mile further (for a cumulative elevation gain of 1,637 feet). Leaving from a nearby trailhead, Blodgett Overlook Trail is a steep 2.8 miles out-and-back. A similar trek with outstanding views, Bear Creek Overlook Trail climbs about 1,000 feet as it switchbacks 2.6 miles one-way.
Watchable Wildlife
On our backpacking trip into Blodgett Canyon we saw bats, many trout and a beaver dam in the creek, plus a variety of bird life, including a dipper (or ouzel) and a hairy woodpecker. We also heard hermit thrushes and pikas calling in the rocky scree slopes. The Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains are home to elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and moose, as well as mountain lions, black bears, and grizzly bears (which were reintroduced starting in 2003). Wildlife watchers should drive the U.S. Forest Service’s Sula Deer, Elk, and Bighorn Driving Tour.
Instagram-worthy Photo
As you hike the Blodgett Creek Trail keep an eye on the ridgeline to the south for a massive natural arch that punches a hole in the skyline.
Peak Season
Summer
Fees
None
Road Conditions
The last three miles to Blodgett Trailhead were well-groomed dirt road and the route from Hamilton, Montana had signs at every turn.
Camping
Located on a creek, Blodgett Campground (fee) seemed like a nice spot, though it was a bit noisy and smoky on a weekend in mid-July. We also read that Deep Creek Campground is nice and is located near the ruins of a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps camp.
Wilderness Areas
Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness (also in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest)
Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (also in Payette, Salmon-Challis, Boise, and Nez Perce National Forests)
Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (also in Nez Perce, Clearwater, and Lolo National Forests)
Blodgett CanyonMemorial to smokejumper Don MackeyBlodgett CanyonSmoky sunset in Blodgett CanyonTiff in Blodgett CreekWestern redcedarWestern redcedarBlodgett CreekBlodgett CanyonScott on Blodgett Creek TrailFirst waterfallSecond waterfallTiff at second watefallTiff crossing Blodgett CreekSki resort near Lost Trail PassLost Trail Pass
Conifer Tree Species
ponderosa pine, whitebark pine, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, western redcedar, subalpine larch, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, grand fir, western yew
Flowering Tree Species
quaking aspen, black cottonwood, bog birch, Rocky Mountain maple, red alder, red-osier dogwood, sagebrush
Explore More – How tall is Trapper Peak, the highest point in Bitterroot National Forest?
Raven About The Parks 