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National Forest vs National Park (Here’s the Difference)

Will Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:53:50 +0000

In the foreground is the Bridger-Teton National Forest vs Grand Teton National Park in the background.

National Forest vs National Park – while these might sound similar, and even look similar, they are actually quite different in many respects.

Let’s start with the basics of the question of “what’s the difference between National Parks vs National Forests?”

The major difference between National Forests versus National Parks is not the types of land, geography, or even outstanding qualities, but rather their management. Allow me to elaborate.

National Forest vs National Park

Let’s start with the basics – both National Parks and National Forests are federally managed public lands which mean the federal government in Washington is ultimately responsible for their management.

This means the states are not responsible for the management of these lands. However, the states do have some involvement in the management of wildlife in National Forests. More on that later.

An archival photo of a National Park Service Ranger at Zion National Park (courtesy NPS)

So Who Manages a National Forest vs National Park?

The key difference between National Forests vs National Parks lies in their management. Here’s who manages what.

Who Is In Charge of the National Forests (USFS)?

National Forests are managed by the US Forest Service (USFS) which is part of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

National Forests > US Forest Service > US Department of Agriculture

The person in charge of a single National Forest is known as a Forest Supervisor. Their boss is a Regional Forester which oversees all of the national forests within a particular region (of which there are 9).

The Regional Forester’s boss is the Chief Forester who is in charge of the entire Forest Service. The Chief Forester’s boss is the Secretary of Agriculture who is in charge of the entire Department of Agriculture.

The Secretary of Agriculture is a cabinet level position which means their boss is the President of the United States.

US Forest Service Ranger on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Who Is In Charge of the National Parks (NPS)?

National Parks are managed by the National Park Service which is part of the US Department of the Interior.

National Parks > National Park Service > US Department of the Interior

The person in charge of a National Park is known as a National Park Superintendent. Their boss is the National Park Service Director who is in charge of all the National Parks (and national park service managed sites including national monuments and more).

The National Park Service Director answers to the Secretary of the Interior who is in charge of the Department of the Interior. The Secretary of the Interior is a cabinet level position and as such their boss is the President of the United States.

National Park Service Rangers are issued the iconic flat-brimmed hat while US Forest Service Rangers are not.

The National Forests Under Department of the Interior? Once upon a time…

Did you know that originally the National Forests were managed by the Department of the Interior? That’s right!

But, in 1905 the National Forests were transferred to the Department of Agriculture. This was done as part of a reorganization of federally managed public lands under President Theodore Roosevelt, headed by the newly created US Forest Service and it’s first Chief Forester, Gifford Pinchot.

Important Dates

1872 – Yellowstone National Park becomes the world’s first National Park
1891 – Shoshone National Forest becomes the first National Forest
1905 – US Forest Service Created to manage National Forests
1916 – National Park Service Created to manage National Parks

Size: National Forests vs National Parks

US Forest Service

193 million acres
155 National Forests
20 National Grasslands
1 National Tallgrass Prairie

National Park Service

84 million acres
423 National Park Sites including:
63 National Parks
85 National Monuments
4 National Parkways
19 National Preserves
2 National Reserves
18 National Recreation Areas
4 National Rivers
3 National Scenic Trails
10 National Seashores
10 National Wild and Scenic Rivers and Riverways
4 National Battlefield Parks
1 National Battlefield Site
9 National Military Parks
60 National Historical Parks
76 National Historic Sites
1 International Historic Sites
3 National Lakeshores
31 National Memorials
11 National Battlefields
1 White House
10 Other Designations

Management Styles: National Forest vs National Park

The biggest difference between the National Forests and National Parks is how they are managed. This difference can be summed up in two words – multiple use.

National Parks are managed with preservation as a top priority, aiming to keep the national parks just as they are in their current or “original” states (a combination of the two usually).

National Forests are managed for multiple use meaning for a combination of preservation & conservation, utility & resources (think timber products, oil, etc), & recreation.

As Gifford Pinchot, first Chief Forester of the US Forest Service, the National Forests are “to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run.”

Mission Statements

National Forest: The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

National Park: The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

A National Park Service Ranger at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in Washington DC

Fun Facts: National Forests vs National Parks

A US Forest Service Ranger in the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

In the field, National Park Service Rangers are issued the iconic flat-brimmed hats while US Forest Service Rangers are not. They are issued ball cap style hats.

There is almost no hunting in National Parks (with the exception of Grand Teton’s elk reduction program) while there is hunting on National Forests.

The oldest National Park (Yellowstone) is older than the oldest National Forest (Shoshone) but the US Forest Service is older than the National Park Service.

There are more National Forests than National Parks but more national park sites than sites managed by the US Forest Service.

The US Forest Service is responsible for more than twice the amount of land as the National Park Service and as such their annual budget is about double that which the NPS receives.

The person who runs a national park is called a Superintendent whereas the person who runs a national forest is called a Supervisor.

Gifford Pinchot: A 2023 Lesson from America’s First Forester

Tony Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:49:10 +0000

Gifford Pinchot on the cover of Time Magazine 1925

Gifford Pinchot – America’s First Forester

He was America’s first forester. In a time when our nation’s forests were in danger of being decimated, Gifford Pinchot developed a plan to balance their use with their preservation.

His approach became known as “Utilitarian Conservation” whereby natural resources, such as lumber, were to be used in a sustainable manner. Central to this idea was the premise that, for those resources which were being depleted, provisions would have to be made to ensure their replacement.

Ideally, outputs would equal inputs which in turn would create a replaceable supply for generations to come.

As a consequence of his vision and his leadership in the field of conservation and environmentalism, Gifford Pinchot is one of More Than Just Parks environmental heroes.

“Unless we practice conservation, those who come after us will have to pay the price of misery, degradation, and failure for the progress and prosperity of our day.”
-Gifford Pinchot

Gifford Pinchot was America’s first forester. As the first director of the U.S. Forest Service, he introduced a plan to prevent our nation from exhausting its forest and timber lands. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Gifford Pinchot Family

James Pinchot, Gifford’s father, was a successful merchant, art collector and civic leader.
(Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Gifford Pinchot came from two of New York’s wealthiest and most successful families. Descended from French immigrants, the Pinchots settled in Milford, Pennsylvania and quickly became real estate speculators who launched a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures.

His grandfather, Cyrille Pinchot, amassed a fortune as a result of his successful business dealings. The level of financial success he achieved enabled his children to pursue whatever interested them.

James Pinchot

His son, James Pinchot, who became Gifford’s father, left Milford and moved to New York City. It was there that he became a successful merchant and art collector. His long-term financial success was ensured when he married Mary Eno, Gifford’s mother.

This marriage brought him considerable wealth as her father, Amos Richard Eno, had, like Pinchot’s father Cyrille, built a vast fortune of his own as a merchant and a land speculator.

James Pinchot moved to New York City. His marriage to Mary Eno, Gifford’s mother, brought him considerable wealth as her father, Amos Richard Eno, had built a vast fortune as a merchant and land speculator. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Planning A Future For Gifford

The Pinchot Family was deeply influenced by the writings of George Perkins Marsh (above) who warned about the devastation that humankind had inflicted and the importance of conservation.

Given the financial success of the Pinchot and Eno families, James Pinchot was able to retire shortly after his oldest son’s birth in 1865. James then turned his attention to planning a future for young Gifford.

Unlike himself, however, he wanted his son to build a name for himself as someone who would make a difference, not for his family, but for his country.

George Perkins Marsh

In considering a future for the eldest child, James and Mary Pinchot were deeply influenced by the writings of George Perkins Marsh. Marsh was the first environmental leader to challenge the idea that human activity is always beneficial to the environment.

Through his groundbreaking work, Man and Nature, first published in 1864, Marsh wrote that humankind could destroy itself if it did not protect its natural resources and pursue sustainable growth strategies instead.

George Perkins Marsh was one of the very first to actually document the effects humans have on their environment. Through his insightful writings, he influenced many people including John Muir, Gifford Pinchot and Theodore Roosevelt. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

“At a time when the United States was moving at breakneck speed to industrialize and develop the national economy by exploiting its wealth and natural resources to the fullest, Marsh’s was a lonely voice cautioning against the risks of careless growth.”
-David Lowenthal, George Perkins Marsh: Prophet of Conservation

A Future In Forestry

When Gifford Pinchot began his study of forestry, America did not have a single school which offered it. He had to travel to Europe to learn. Pinchot would be instrumental in helping start a forestry program in the United States. In this picture, he is visiting students as a school of forestry camp at Grey Towers. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

As Char Miller writes in his biography of Gifford Pinchot, “Before he entered Yale College as a member of the class of 1889, his father had reportedly popped a question that would change his life. How would you like to be a forester?

This was, Gifford would remember, an amazing question for that day and generation–how amazing I didn’t begin to understand at the time.”

“He did not because, George Perkins Marsh’s influential book notwithstanding, no American had yet accepted its practical consequence–making forestry a career.” (Source: Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, by Char Miller)

“The vast possibilities of our great future will become realities only if we make ourselves responsible for that future.”
-Gifford Pinchot

Studying Forestry Abroad | A Young Man In A Hurry

Pinchot would pursue his forestry studies at L’Ecole Nationale Forestiere in France.
(Courtesy of Wikimedia)

When Gifford Pinchot attended Yale, there was no science of forestry offered there or anywhere else in America. Pinchot was told by Dr. George Loring, former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, that there was little opportunity for him as the field he was proposing to pursue simply did not exist.

From our vantage point today, it’s difficult to imagine that a nation as powerful and prosperous as the United States of America did not offer any training in how to maintain and preserve some of its most precious resources.

This was the reality which Gifford Pinchot confronted in the 1880s.

Setting Sail For Europe

Fortunately for America, Pinchot possessed both the financial resources and the personal drive necessary to defy the odds. In the fall of 1889, after graduating from Yale, he set sail for Europe to begin training for his life’s vocation.

In Europe, there was no shortage of places to learn his craft. The challenge for Pinchot was to decide who could offer him the best possible education in the shortest allowable time.

Forest As A Crop

At L’Ecole Nationale Forestiere in Nancy, France, Gifford Pinchot gained his first real understanding of a forest as a crop which needed to be renewed and replenished.

As a young man, Gifford Pinchot already understood that he wanted to return to America in a position to be considered an “expert” when it came to the science of forestry. To increase his knowledge and understanding, he enrolled in courses at the L’Ecole Nationale Forestiere (the National School of Waters and Forests).

It was there that he was first taught to think of a forest as a “crop,” which needed to be harvested and replanted.

In the French system, foresters were trained to ensure the nation maintained its forests through policies placing limits on what could be cut down while ensuring the planting of replacement trees.

It was only in this way that the nation’s forests would not be decimated by its timber industries.

Dietrich Brandis

Pinchot’s teachers, foremost among them Dietrich Brandis, taught him about the importance of what was called a “stocked forest.” This simply meant the cutting of trees did not exceed their replanting.

Dietrich Brandis taught Gifford Pinchot the science of forestry management. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Brandis was a German botanist and forestry expert. He had served with the British Imperial Forestry Service in India for thirty years. It was there where he acquired extensive practical experience.

Frederick Law Olmstead & The Biltmore Estate

Gifford Pinchot’s first opportunity to put his forestry ideas into practice came when he was hired as the chief forester for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Pinchot’s future as a forester would be shaped by the influences in his life. At each stop along the way, he found at least one mentor/teacher who helped him to develop his craft. In Europe, it was Dietrich Brandis.

When he returned to America, Pinchot’s first opportunity to put the ideas he had learned from him into practice came when he was hired as the forester for George Vanderbilt’s fabulous Biltmore Estate.

The father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmstead, became another mentor and teacher to Gifford Pinchot.
(Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Vanderbilt had also commissioned the famed landscape artist Frederick Law Olmstead. Olmstead, who was considered the father of American landscape architecture, was commissioned to create a harmonious relationship between man and nature.

Pinchot became Olmstead’s assistant. He learned how to combine forestry and artistry.

Vanderbilt’s estate became a “learning laboratory” for Gifford Pinchot. He was able to apply his ideas, determine which ones worked and which ones didn’t, before moving on to serve as the 4th Chief of the U.S. Division of Forestry.

“Pinchot had an ambition to change the world. That ambition drove him to soak up as much as possible from older experts, and then diverge from those perspectives.”
–Natural Rivals: John Muir, Gifford Pinchot and the Creation of America’s Public Lands, by John Clayton

Gifford Pinchot Goes To Washington

Republican President William McKinley appointed Gifford Pinchot as the 4th head of the Division of Forestry. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

For a man whose ambition knew no limits and who was determined to reshape forestry in America, it was time to take what he had learned and move on to Washington. It would not be Pinchot’s knowledge of the science of forestry, which he himself would admit was limited, but his ability to play the political game that enabled him to attain his goals.

James Pinchot had turned his New York home into a meeting place where powerful people came to wine and dine. His political connections in Republican circles proved helpful to his son who was already establishing a reputation as a renown expert in the field of forestry.

In 1898, Republican President William McKinley tapped that expertise by appointing Pinchot as the 4th head of the Division of Forestry.

“Where conflicting interests must be reconciled, the question shall always be answered from the standpoint of the greatest good of the greatest number in the long run.”
-Gifford Pinchot

Theodore Roosevelt & Gifford Pinchot | A Conservation Friendship

The man who became Gifford Pinchot’s political hero would be Theodore Roosevelt. Together, they moved conservation to the forefront of the American agenda. (Courtesy Of Wikimedia)

Gifford Pinchot and Theodore Roosevelt forged a friendship before TR’s presidency. Both were New Yorkers. Pinchot visited Roosevelt while he served as governor of the state.

The two men engaged in boxing and wrestling matches. A friendship developed between them as they shared their love of the outdoors.

“He and the president seemed of like minds, especially on matters of federal conservation policy. As with many of their generation, they were appalled by the human destruction of nature everywhere visible in early twentieth-century America. The solution, they believed, lay in federal regulation of the public lands and, where appropriate, scientific management of these lands natural resources.”
–Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, by Char Miller

When William McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Roosevelt became president. Like Pinchot, the new president believed the nation’s forests should be transferred from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Agriculture where they could be more effectively managed.

He also shared Pinchot’s dream of creating a “Forest Service” comprised of professionals who would ensure the proper management of these important public lands.

Roosevelt used his power as president to persuade Congress to authorize the transfer and support the creation of the U.S. Forest Service in 1905.

The U.S. Forest Service

As the first head of the U.S. Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot professionalized the agency by ensuring that it was staffed with talented foresters selected on the basis of merit. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Gifford Pinchot was named by Theodore Roosevelt to lead the newly created U.S. Forest Service. Pinchot had witnessed firsthand how political patronage could undermine an agency’s effectiveness.

One of his first actions was to mandate competitive civil service examinations to ensure that the nation’s foresters were qualified professionals.

He also created a decentralized administrative structure whereby power and autonomy flowed to the people in the field who were most familiar with the challenges and opportunities existing in different parts of the country.

Pinchot had also become a skilled politician in his own right. He understood that by setting up these offices where the forests were located and embedding them within the local communities, they would be able to build political support within those communities.

Gifford Pinchot understood the importance of building political support for the newly created U.S. Forest Service. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

He also understood the importance of public relations. As Char Miller notes:

“The Forest Service set up an in-house press bureau and made great use of a new technological marvel: a mailing-label machine that could rapidly crank out the 670,000 addresses of groups and individuals targeted by the service to receive its reports and releases.“

John Muir & Gifford Pinchot | Another Conservation Friendship

While much has been written about the disagreements between John Muir and Gifford Pinchot especially as it pertained to their competing visions of conservation, the two men were, for most of their adult lives, good friends.
(Courtesy of Wikimedia)

How to describe John Muir? A Scottish-American naturalist? A philosopher? A writer? Muir was all of this and much more. He has been called “John of the Mountains.”

He has also been called the “father of the national parks.” Through his deeds and his words, John Muir brought the beauty and majesty of nature to life for the people of his time. And he fought to preserve these natural wonders.

RELATED: 10+ AMAZING John Muir Facts

“The most prominent preservationist spokesman was John Muir. Inspired by the magnificence of Yosemite and informed by his own natural mysticism, Muir spearheaded the crusade to conserve the natural world in part for its own sake, and not solely for man’s.
In his passionate regard for all things wild, Muir tapped into powerful sentiments that the practical business of nation-building had all but buried. In Muir’s view, no conceivable use of a 3,000 year old sequoia or a unique mountain valley could possibly be wiser than the act of letting them be.”
Curt Meine, Aldo Leopold His Life And Work

Through his impressive body of work, John Muir continues to be recognized as one of the leaders of the school of conservation which considered preservation to be the highest possible good.

Muir and Pinchot have been depicted as rivals who battled over what it truly means to be a conservationist.

In reality, Muir and Pinchot were friends for much of their adult lives until a disagreement over the Hetch Hethcy Valley (see next section) led to dissolution of that friendship.

“In some circles, Pinchot is also famous as a counterpoint to Muir. Many historians use the two men to embody opposing philosophies. The romantic Muir is preservation: leaving nature alone so as to benefit from its holistic wonder. The practical Pinchot is conservation: using natural resources sustainably to serve what Pinchot called the ‘greatest good for the greatest number in the long run.’
To regular folks, preservation and conservation may seem like similar ideas, especially in contrast to the wanton exploitation of natural resources for short-term gain. But to some scholars, the difference between these near-synonyms helps explain America’s twentieth-century environmental history.”
–Natural Rivals: John Muir, Gifford Pinchot and the Creation of America’s Public Lands, by John Clayton

Muir Supported Pinchot’s Career

John Muir was a guest at the home of James and Mary Pinchot. It was there that he began a friendship with a young Gifford Pinchot. Like Dietrich Brandis, Frederick Law Olmstead, and Theodore Roosevelt, Muir became one of those men who influenced Pinchot and helped him to pursue his dream of becoming America’s first forester.

The battle over Hetch Hetchy would pit the two against each other. Muir understood the need for public use of public lands just as Pinchot understood the importance of preserving and protecting those lands against their exploitation.

While the two men have been cast as opposites on the conservation spectrum, Muir actually championed Pinchot’s career believing that he would provide the necessary balance between preservation and use of America’s public lands.

Hetch Hetchy

The fight over the Hetch Hetchy Valley was the first to pit preservationists against conservationists. At stake was the idea that natural resources should serve the public good versus the idea that these resources constituted a public good in and of themselves and should therefore be preserved as they exist. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

The battle over Hetch Hetchy was a fight to determine whether a beautiful valley would remain in its natural state or serve the growing city of San Francisco’s water needs. The larger issues at stake would frame environmental debates for years to come.

The fundamental issue involved two concepts. The first is preservation. Should nature be left alone so that people can enjoy its primal wonders? The second is conservation. Should natural resources be used to serve the greatest good for the greatest number?

The Greatest Good For The Greatest Number

Woodrow Wilson signed the bill which gave San Francisco authorization to inundate the Hetch Hetchy Valley and build the O’Shaugnessey Dam. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

In his congressional testimony, Pinchot argued in favor of building the dam. He said, “So we come now face to face with the perfectly clean question of what is the best use to which this water that flows out of the Sierras can be put.

As we all know, there is no use of water that is higher than the domestic use. . . .We come straight to the question of whether the advantage of leaving this valley in a state of nature is greater than the advantage of using it for the benefit of the city of San Francisco.”

Pinchot went on to argue that applying the principle of the “greatest good for the greatest number,” the benefits accrued to the people of San Francisco from having the dam far outweighed leaving the valley in its current state of nature.

The Raker Bill

It would be Congress that would decide the fate of the Hetchy Hetchy Valley. California Rep. John E. Raker submitted a bill granting the city of San Francisco the right to dam the Hetchy Hetchy Valley as a reservoir and also providing the city the right of municipalized electricity as well.

Congress would decide the fate of the Hetch Hetchy Valley.

The bill passed both houses of Congress. It became known as the Raker Act. It was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on December 19, 1913.

The Ballinger Pinchot Controversy

The Ballinger-Pinchot Controversy would have wide ranging consequences for Theodore Roosevelt’s successor, William Howard Taft, and the Republican Party which he led.

The controversy arose when Gifford Pinchot became convinced that the Secretary of the Interior, Richard Ballinger, was supporting private trusts in the handling of water power issues.

At issue was a series of coal claim purchases made by Clarence Cunningham of Idaho. Cunningham was granted certain claims to mine coal in Alaska.

Gifford Pinchot engaged in a political battle with Secretary of the Interior Richard Ballinger which resulted in both men leaving government service. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

The Alaska Syndicate

J.P. Morgan was part of a powerful syndicate which attempted to profit by acquiring the rights to mine coal in Alaska. This was a violation of federal law. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

It was then discovered that Cunningham was actually acting on behalf of an “Alaska Syndicate” operated by J.P. Morgan and Issac Guggenheim. Both men were powerful financiers.

This was a violation of then existing laws. Pinchot was concerned that Ballinger was obstructing the investigation. He also feared that President Taft had renounced his predecessor’s commitment to conservation.

Pinchot responded by sending a letter to Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver which was read on the floor of Congress and entered into the Congressional Record. The letter, critical of Taft’s leadership in the matter, led him to fire Pinchot in January of 1910.

Split In The Republican Party

The Ballinger-Pinchot Controversy widened the growing rift in the Republican Party between those who supported the ideals of Theodore Roosevelt and those whose loyalty was to William Howard Taft.

The Ballinger-Pinchot Controversy helped divide the Republican Party. It turned Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft into political adversaries and helped to elect Woodrow Wilson to the presidency in 1912.
(Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Ballinger had sought to make public resources more available for private exploitation. As a consequence of Pinchot’s firing and the growing dissension within the Republican Party, Ballinger was forced to resign on March 12, 1911.

The damage proved irreversible. Theodore Roosevelt challenged William Howard Taft for the Republican Party nomination in 1912. Denied the nomination by the party bosses, Roosevelt ran instead as an Independent and a leader of the Bull Moose Party.

The battle between these two men split Republicans resulting in the election of Democrat Woodrow Wilson.

During his unsuccessful campaign, Gifford Pinchot served as one of Theodore Roosevelt’s closest political advisors writing many of his speeches.

Life After Roosevelt | The Rise Of A Political Progressive

After the 1912 campaign, Gifford Pinchot continued to pursue conservation issues. Ten years after his dismissal from the U.S. Forest Service, he returned to public service. Pennsylvania Governor William Sproul appointed him as head of Pennsylvania’s forestry division.

Two years later, he succeeded Sproul by winning the Republican nomination as governor. He was elected and served a four year term during which time he became a progressive political crusader siding with labor over management.

He went further than any of his predecessors by preventing mine operators from deploying a private police force to break up a strike.

“The need to link present-day policy to future needs, a staple of conservationist argument since at least the writings of George Perkins Marsh in the mid nineteenth century, informed Pinchot’s categorical rejection of what he called a ‘stupidly false’ term–inexhaustible resources.
Neither coal, wood, soil, forage plants, nor water was infinite; each was at the mercy of unrestrained economic forces seeking short-term profit at the expense of long-term sustainability.
Only strict regulation could alter these dangerous consumption patterns, he contended, an argument that was central to his abiding faith. ‘The conservation of natural resources is the basis, and the only permanent basis, of national success.'”
–Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, by Char Miller

A “New Deal” For The People Of Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, Pinchot could not succeed himself as governor. He was, however, able to run again in 1930. He did so and was elected for a second time.

The national landscape had changed significantly since his first term with the advent of the Great Depression. Governor Pinchot experimented with state intervention in the development of social and economic policy to help struggling Pennsylvanians.

His policies, such as unemployment relief and workers’ compensation were similar to those of New York’s Governor Franklin Roosevelt.

As governor, Gifford Pinchot experimented with state intervention in the development of social and economic policy to help struggling Pennsylvanians. In this regard, his policies mirrored those of New York Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Pinchot went a step farther, however, setting up relief camps across the state. Thousands of unemployed Pennsylvanians were given the opportunity to upgrade roads and public lands. His efforts became the model for President Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps.

The Training Of A Forester

President-elect Franklin Roosevelt reached out to Gifford Pinchot in 1932 asking his advice on how the new administration could apply its conservation efforts to America’s public lands.

Pinchot responded by encouraging the new president to have the federal government take control of millions of additional acres of public lands and ensure their protection for generations yet to come.

Yale University established a “School of the Environment.” The men responsible for establishing the School were Gifford Pinchot, B.A. 1889, LL.D. 1925, and Henry S. Graves, B.A. 1892, LL.D. 1940. Pinchot was the first American to receive professional forestry training in Europe, and Graves the second. Graves also succeeded as the head of the U.S. Forest Service in 1910. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

“What would happen, for instance, if the definition of the greatest good change over time, a shift in part dictated by what the greatest number construed as good? That question is decidedly political, and it is no surprise that Pinchot, who throughout his career had been alert to new currents in scientific scholarship and public activism, responded once more.”
–Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, by Char Miller

After he left office, Pinchot dedicated himself to revising his 1917 publication, The Training of a Forester. As our understanding of our impact on the environment grew, Pinchot increasingly advocated that applying the “greatest good for the greatest number” meant finding a middle ground between utilitarian conservation and a more preservationist approach.

The Legacy Of Gifford Pinchot

President John F. Kennedy at the Pinchot Institute for Conservation Studies. (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

When Gifford Pinchot set sail for Europe after graduating from Yale, America had no school of forestry. Our nation’s forests were in danger of being decimated by private interests who thought only of the money to be made at the time. Our public lands were in jeopardy.

Pinchot changed that. As America’s first forester, he helped create a service dedicated to the scientific management of our nation’s forest lands.

Working with Theodore Roosevelt, he helped to establish the U.S. Forest Service, served as its first leader, and professionalized the ranks of those tasked with the management of these important public lands.

“The vast possibilities of our great future will become realities only if we make ourselves responsible for that future.”
-Gifford Pinchot

It’s Still The Greatest Good For The Greatest Number

Courtesy of Wikimedia

Pinchot’s critics contend he was too quick to stress the “use” of America’s public lands as in the case of Hetch Hetchy.

What these critics ignore is that this was the same man who took on the Secretary of the Interior and President of the United States when he believed our nation’s public lands were being exploited for private gain.

Gifford Pinchot passed away in 1946. Had he lived longer, it’s likely that his conservationist ethic would continue to be guided by the greatest good for the greatest number.

What would have changed was how he interpreted that “greatest good.”

“When the facts change, I change my mind.”
-John Maynard Keynes

Just as he embraced innovative solutions to tackling the Great Depression, such as unemployment insurance and workman’s compensation, Gifford Pinchot likely would have embraced the environmental movement and the science of a changing climate.

Through Pinchot’s example we are reminded that it takes dedicated public servants, who are willing to put the well being of their country first and foremost, to ensure a sustainable future.

He also reminds us that, ultimately, it takes a dedicated citizenry to hold their elected officials accountable.

“In The Use of the National Forests, a 1907 Forest Service publication, the then-chief [Pinchot] had asserted that the public forests ‘exist to-day because the people want them.
To make them accomplish the most good the people themselves must make clear how they want them run.'”
–Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, by Char Miller

To Learn More:

Clayton, John. Natural Rivals: John Muir, Gifford Pinchot, and the Creation of America’s Public Lands, Pegasus Books, 2019.
Meine, Curt. Aldo Leopold: His Life And Work, The University of Wisconsin Press, 1988.
Miller, Char. Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, Island Press, 2001.
Righter, Robert W. The Battle Over Hetch Hetchy: America’s Most Controversial Dam and the Birth of Modern Environmentalism, Oxford University Press, 2005.
Wolfe, Linnie Marsh. Son of the Wilderness: The Life of John Muir, The University of Wisconsin Press, 1945.
Worster, Donald. A Passion of Nature: The Life of John Muir, Oxford University Press, 2008.

The post Gifford Pinchot: A 2023 Lesson from America’s First Forester appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

A (VERY) Helpful Guide to the Black Hills National Forest [Photos + Video]

Will Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:18:37 +0000

The Black Hills National Forest Video we created for the US Forest Service & Travel South Dakota

The Most Magical Natural Wonder in All of America – Behold the Black Hills.

Of all the magical natural places I’ve traveled to in America (and beyond), the Black Hills National Forest tops the list.

Maybe it’s just the dazzling rock formations, beautiful pine forests, incredible wildlife, mesmerizing magic hour, and insane amount of recreation opportunities that exist here. Or maybe it’s more than just that…

There’s something almost spiritual about this place (just ask the native tribes who’ve lived here for nearly 10,000 years).

Sure the air is crisp, the forests are vibrant, and the land is serene, but there’s something intangible about the Black Hills that you just have to experience for yourself.

The Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

You can feel the magic of this place. So, to properly capture the essence of the Black Hills, we partnered with South Dakota to create a breathtaking film on the forest.

The results are, well, magical.

About Our Travels to the Black Hills National Forest

My first trip to the Black Hills was nearly a decade ago during a road trip with my brother Jim (pictured above) and some friends across America. We stopped into the region, like many folks do, for the sole purpose of seeing Mount Rushmore.

Rushmore was interesting but the real star of the show was the Black Hills National Forest. We were hooked. Since that trip we’ve returned many times, culminating (finally) in a to document the forest in partnership with the state and the US Forest Service.

We decided to feature the Black Hills during the fall season largely due to the breathtaking foliage displays that happen during this time of year.

The Pattiz Brothers, Will (left) & Jim (right), atop Black Elk Peak | Black Hills

About the Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Situated in western South Dakota, the Black Hills National Forest comprises 1.2 million acres of unparalleled beauty. Rising far above the surrounding prairie, the Black Hills even contains the tallest peak east of the Rocky Mountains.

Boasting over 13,000 acres of wilderness, 1,300 miles of streams, 450 miles of hiking trails, and 2 national scenic byways, it’s no wonder why so many consider the Black Hills a recreation paradise.

Recreational Opportunities

Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Climbing
Fishing
Hunting
OHV Driving (ATVs, Dirt bikes, etc)
Hiking
Camping
Boating (kayaking, canoeing, motors, etc)
and so much more

Things to Know Before You Visit the Black Hills

Best Map

Map: We use this one.

Best Guide

Guide: We love this one.

Downloadable Visitor Guide (courtesy USFS)

Entrance Fees

Entrance Fees: There are no entrance fees to get into the Black Hills National Forest. This is pretty typical for national forests. Some areas are designated fee areas but by and large no fees are required here.

If you’d like to be on the safe side you can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks or online here). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee (annual pass).

Lather up!

Sunscreen: For many of us visiting national forests in the summer means lots of sun. Seriously, some of these parks can zap you if you don’t wear sunscreen. We happen to like this one because it works AND it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals.

Leave No Trace

We’re big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

Mosquitoes

Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on national forests including the Black Hills.

Where to Stay

Visiting the Black Hills? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) here’s our favorite hotels in each of the major cities around the Black Hills:

Details About the Black Hills National Forest

Location: Western South Dakota & Eastern Wyoming

Closest City: Spearfish, Rapid City (among others)

Established: February 22, 1897

Size: 1,253,308 acres

Native Land: Arapaho, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Kiowa-Apache, Lakota, Omaha,

Entrance Fees: Free

Black Hills National Forest Maps (4)

Bear Lodge Ranger District Map

Bear Lodge Ranger District Map | Black Hills

Northern Hills Ranger District Map

Northern Hills Ranger District Map | Black Hills

Mystic Ranger District Map

Mystic Ranger District Map | Black Hills

Hell Canyon Ranger District Map

Hell Canyon Ranger District Map | Black Hills

Where is the Black Hills National Forest?

The Black Hills National Forest is located in Western South Dakota over 4 different ranger districts featuring different topography.

Ranger Districts

Bear Lodge Ranger District
Northern Hills Ranger District
Hell Canyon Ranger Districts
Mystic Ranger District

Getting to the Black Hills – Directions & Location

The Black Hills National Forest is massive at over a million acres. Getting to the forest depends on which part you’re trying to access.

Closest Airport (Rapid City): RAP – Rapid City Regional Airport (distance – 20 miles from the Mystic Ranger District)

The best way to get to the Black Hills is typically flying into Rapid City (RAP) and driving to the forest.

Depending on which part of the forest you are trying to visit will determine the drive time but typically somewhere from 30 minutes to the Mystic & Northern Hills Ranger Districts and about to 90 minutes to the Bear Lodge Ranger District.

Watch the Award-Winning Black Hills Video

WATCH: We produced this 3 minute visually stunning film on the Black Hills National Forest.

About the Black Hills Video

This film was created by the team at More Than Just Parks in partnership with Travel South Dakota in an effort to adequately capture the essence of the Black Hills National Forest.

In the making of this film we hiked nearly every trail, traversed most of the roads, rode horses, drove ATVs, went fishing, filmed hunting, boated, camped, biked, and so much more.

The film features the fall season because we feel like that’s the most impressive season in the forest.

Seasons & Weather in the Black Hills

A cloudy day on the Black Hills National Forest.

The weather on the Black Hills National Forest is pretty variable with four very distinct (and wonderful) seasons.

Spring is rainy but vibrant, summer is hot and dry with the occasional awe-inspiring thunderstorm, Autumn is cool and colorful, and Winter is cold and snowy.

Best Time to Visit the Black Hills

The best time to visit the Black Hills National Forest is during Fall when the park is cool but not cold, crowd sizes are down, and the foliage is shocking.

I recommend visiting between late September and mid-October for the best chance at seeing peak fall foliage.

Black Hills Seasons

Spring on the Black Hills National Forest

Spring is a pleasant and vibrant time to visit the Black Hills with all the deciduous trees slowly coming back to life.

As a rule of thumb, the later into Spring the better the weather will be which means more accessible forest recreational opportunities.

Black Hills in Spring

Summer on the Black Hills National Forest

Summer is a great season to visit the Black Hills. Temperatures are warm but usually not too hot given the elevation. The full arsenal of recreational activities are available during Summer which makes it a great time to visit.

Summer is the most popular time to visit the forest so crowds will be up but still nowhere close to what you will see in the national parks.

Black Hills in Summer

Fall on the Black Hills National Forest

Fall is the best time of year to visit the Black Hills National Forest. The foliage here is unexpectedly (at least to me) striking. The Spearfish Canyon region has especially beautiful color.

Temperatures are down and so are crowds as kids return to school and vacation season winds down.

Black Hills National Forest in Fall

Winter on the Black Hills National Forest

Winter is cold and snowy on the Black Hills National Forest. If you love winter sports then you can find plenty of great winter recreation opportunities all over the forest.

Best Things to Do On The Black Hills National Forest

1. Saddle Up & Go Horseback Riding

One of the most popular and iconic activities in the Black Hills is horseback riding. Nothing feels quite so right for the setting or the western landscapes as soaking in the beauty via horseback.

Our favorite horseback riding vendor is Elk Haven which you’ll see featured here and in our Black Hills film.

Horseback Riding in the Black Hills

2. Hike To the Highest Point In South Dakota, Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is the highest point in all of South Dakota at 7,244 feet elevation. Hiking to the top is a wonderful way to see the best views in the Black Hills.

Distance: 7.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,469 feet
Time Required: 4-5 hours

Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for the trail. The trail starts off in coniferous forests crossing a small creek before ascending above the tree line up a series of rocky stairs. The lookout tower is usually open and is a site to behold.

NOTE: This trail is primarily on the Black Elk Wilderness which is the highest level of protection on federal lands. Tread lightly and practice Leave No Trace.

Black Elk Peak | Black Hills

3. Try Your Hand at Some World Class Fly Fishing

The Black Hills National Forest is home to some of the best small stream fly fishing on the planet with over 500 miles of streams. Rainbow, brook, brown, and tiger trout are mostly the types of fish you’ll find in these streams.

The setting amongst the epic canyons of the Black Hills makes for a magazine-esque experience.

A few of the best places to fly-fish are:

Spearfish Creek
Castle Creek
Rapid Creek
Box Elder Creek
Sand Creek

For more fishing information visit Dakota Angler.

A rainbow trout from Spearfish Creek | Black Hills

4. Soak in the Views (& History) at Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower

For the history buffs and fans of the hit HBO show, Deadwood, the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower will have special meaning for you. This tower was built by the famous Deadwood Sheriff, Seth Bullock, as a tribute to his good friend Theodore Roosevelt.

The tower was built in 1919 and is still standing strong today, albeit with a few structural improvements over the years.

Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower | Black Hills

5. Check Out The Gold Mountain Gold Mine

The Gold Mountain Mine gives visitors a glance into what life might have been like as a Black Hills prospector. This site is significant as it is the only remaining gold mining site in the Black Hills.

Visitors can drive right up to the mine which has a few interpretive signs describing its history in greater detail. Please do not attempt to climb the structure.

The Gold Mountain Mine | Black Hills

6. See the Stunning Spearfish Falls

Spearfish Falls is an 80 foot waterfall located on the Spearfish Creek that is often overlooked by folks as signage is lacking and the falls are not visible from the main road.

To get to the falls, visitors should park at the Latchstring Restaurant and look at the end of the parking lot for the trailhead. The trail is only about .8 miles long round trip and descends gently into the canyon leading to the falls.

Spearfish Falls | Black Hills

7. Drive the Incredibly Scenic Highway 16 Through the Black Hills

Highway 16 is an incredibly scenic drive that winds through the heart of the Black Hills National Forest. From the road you can see epic overlooks of the granite spires that rise out of the coniferous forests.

Several tunnels perfectly frame Mount Rushmore in the distance (by design). This is a lovely area to escape the Rushmore crowds and soak in the full beauty of the forest.

A view from Highway 16 in the Black Hills

Where to Stay in the Black Hills – Camping & Lodging

Camping & Campgrounds

The Black Hills National Forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds with 682 individual campsites. The forest also has one rent-able cabin.

Central Hills / Rapid City

Northern Hills / Spearfish

Northwestern Hills / Sundance

Southern Hills / Custer

For more about camping on the Black Hills visit the USFS camping page.

Lodging

Unlike many National Forests, there are no lodges located on the Black Hills National Forest. There is one rent-able cabin however – for more info on it visit the USFS cabin page.

If you’re looking for a hotel, there are a plethora to choose from within a stones throw from the forest. Rapid City, Deadwood, Keystone, and Spearfish are all great towns with lots of hotel beds.

Here’s our favorite hotels in the Black Hills.

Cemetery Ridge Lookout Tower | Black Hills

Driving in the Black Hills

Some forests are designed for 4WD vehicles due to the sheer amount of roads they have to maintain and their relative remoteness. The Black Hills is more of an AWD or even 2WD national forest.

Don’t get me wrong, if you have a 4WD vehicle there are *some* spots where it will come in handy. But, by in large the roads are great in the Black Hills.

Black Hills Roads & Driving

Black Hills National Forest Photos

Photos of the Black Hills National Forest

Photos from the Black Hills

Nearby Attractions

Wind Cave National Park
Badlands National Park
Custer State Park
Jewel Cave National Monument
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Mount Rushmore

Black Hills Summary | Leave us a Comment!

That’s a wrap folks! Hopefully you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to the Black Hills National Forest. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

More Things to Do Nearby: 25 EPIC Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore (Helpful Guide + Photos)
Visiting Mount Rushmore: 15 HELPFUL Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore (Things to Do + Photos)
Things to Do in the Badlands: 18+ (INCREDIBLE) Things to Do in Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park Guide: A (Very) Helpful Guide to BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK (Photos + Video)
National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 National Parks Ranked from Best to Worst 2021
National Park Road Trips: 10 Best National Parks Road Trips in America

Why Listen to Us About the Black Hills National Forest?

You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.

Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us national parks experts.

Jim (left), Will (right), with our Tony (our dad)

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers.

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

If you’d like to follow along our journey we’d be delighted to have you!

And a bonus! Tips for Visiting a National Forest

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the national forest you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As public lands become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks & forests with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Want Less Crowds? Try another National Forest!

Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.

For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National forests and parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

Sticking to trails
Checking the weather before going out on a hike
Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
Avoid ledges with steep drop offs

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The post A (VERY) Helpful Guide to the Black Hills National Forest [Photos + Video] appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

20 BEST Hiking Apps in 2024 (Expert Guide for ALL Skill Levels)

Will Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:41:17 +0000

Hikers using a hiking app in Redwood National Park

Article Overview: Best Hiking Apps

As smartphones become more and more integrated into every facet of our lives, so they have reached the trails via some pretty great hiking apps.

Personally I have mixed feelings regarding bringing a phone out onto a hike but with the cameras they’ve got these days it’s increasingly hard to leave the old buzzer in the car.

So, in the spirit of of embracing the times, I’ve listed the 20 best hiking apps on the market today.

In this post I’ll cover the best hiking apps currently available including:

Best app with gps for hiking
Best hiking app for maps
Best free hiking apps
Best app for hiking trails
Best hiking app for apple watch

Ready to hit the trails with the best hiking apps? Let’s go!

Table of Contents: Best Hiking Apps

The DESCHUTES is America’s Most Beautiful National Forest (Photos)

Will Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:05:10 +0000

WATCH: A visually-stunning journey through the Deschutes National Forest

The Deschutes National Forest one of the most spectacular places on planet earth. This is a land sculpted by ancient volcanoes, where crystal blue rivers carve their way through primeval forests, towering mountains give way to lush valleys and pristine lakes, and deep below the surface lie vast networks of cavernous wonders.

At over 1.5 million acres, the Deschutes is home to some of the most epic natural scenery on the planet, and is perhaps the most beautiful national forest in America.

Nowhere else in the US will you find a national forest so full of incredible natural diversity as in Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes.

Todd Lake with Mt Bachelor in the background | Deschutes National Forest

About Our Travels to the Deschutes National Forest

As an Oregon resident for the past five years I’ve been traveling to the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon just about every opportunity I get. It is a place that always seems to have sunshine (especially coming from Portland).

As someone who *loves* this forest, you can imagine how thrilled I was thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Visit Bend to create a film on the Deschutes National Forest.

My wife (who wrote about the best hikes in Bend) looking out at Mt Bachelor.

Over the course of a year I (along with my wife & brother) set out to capture the essence and beauty of this forest.

Along the way I hiked nearly every trail and explored so many incredible areas. In this guide I’ll share the best photos, places to go, things to do, and insider tips from my years of adventuring in this epic landscape.

Deschutes National Forest Guide

About the Forest
Maps
Directions & Location
Video
Weather & Seasons
Things to Do
Camping & Lodging
Photos
Nearby Attractions

About the Deschutes National Forest

Situated in central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest comprises 1.5 million acres of otherworldly beauty. Massive volcanic mountains dominate this extremely diverse landscape of waterfalls, lakes, rivers, forests and more.

Boasting five wilderness areas, six wild and scenic rivers including the forests namesake Deschutes, more than 350,000 acres of old-growth forests, and a national monument, this forest has an incredible amount of recreational opportunities.

The mighty Cascade Mountain Range on full display in the Deschutes National Forest

Recreational Opportunities

Snowmobiling
Skiing
Paddleboarding
Mountain Biking
Climbing
Fly Fishing
OHV Driving (ATVs, Dirt bikes, etc)
Hiking
Camping
Boating (kayaking, canoeing, motors, etc)
and so much more

Things to Know Before You Visit the Deschutes

Best Map

Map: We use this one.

Entrance Fees

There are no entrance fees to get into the Deschutes National Forest. This is pretty typical for national forests. Some areas are designated fee areas but by and large no fees are required here. If you’d like to be on the safe side you can purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks or online here). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee (annual pass).

Lather up!

Leave No Trace

We’re big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

Mosquitoes

Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on national forests including the Deschutes. However, they are not allowed into Wilderness areas.

Where to Stay

Visiting the Deschutes National Forest? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) here’s our favorite hotel near the Deschutes.

Details About the Deschutes National Forest

Location: Central Oregon

Closest City: Bend, Sisters

Established: February 22, 1897

Size: 1,253,308 acres

Native Land: Wasco, Warm Springs, Paiute

Entrance Fees: Depends (many areas are free – others are paid)

Deschutes National Forest Map & Location

The Deschuts National Forest is located in Central Oregon over 3 different ranger districts featuring different topography.

Deschutes Ranger Districts

Bend Fort Rock Ranger District
Crescent Ranger District
Sisters Ranger District

Getting to the Deschutes – Directions & Location

The Deschutes National Forest is massive at over 1.5 million acres. Getting to the forest depends on which part you’re trying to access.

Closest Airport (Redmond): RDM – Redmond Municipal Airport (distance – 17 miles from the Bend)

Cheapest Airport (Portland): PDX – Portland International Airport (distance – 160 miles from Bend)

The best way to get to the Deschutes is typically flying into Portland (PDX) and driving the 3 hours to the forest.

I recommend flying into PDX and making the 3 hour drive to Bend which is the best base camp for the forest. Sometimes you can get great flight deals through Redmond but as far as affordability goes (rental car + flights), Portland is your best bet.

Watch the Deschutes National Forest Video

WATCH: We produced this 3 minute visually stunning film on the Deschutes National Forest.

About the Deschutes Video

This film was created by the team at More Than Just Parks (us) in partnership with Visit Bend in an effort to adequately capture the essence of the Deschutes National Forest.

In the making of this film we hiked nearly every trail, traversed most of the roads, rode snowmobiles, went fishing, boated, climbed, camped, biked, and so much more.

The film features the Deschutes National Forest in every season of the year.

Deschutes Seasons & Weather

The weather on the Deschutes National Forest is pretty variable with four very distinct (and wonderful) seasons. Spring is rainy but vibrant, summer is hot and dry with the occasional awe-inspiring thunderstorm, Autumn is cool and colorful, and Winter is cold and snowy.

Stormy day on the Deschutes National Forest.

Best Time to Visit the Deschutes National Forest

The best time to visit the Deschutes National Forest is during Summer when the forest is warm to hot, precipitation is minimal, wildflowers are blooming, and access is nearly unlimited.

I recommend visiting July – September for maximum recreational access. With that being said, fall is also lovely on the Deschutes with beautiful foliage especially along the Metolius River.

Wildflowers bloom in Summer on the Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Spring on the Deschutes National Forest

Spring on the Deschutes National Forest is typically pretty snowy with most of the trails snowed in until June or July.

It’s still a great time of year to visit the forest but note that the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (along which many of the famous lakes are located) will be closed for much of the season.

Deschutes in Spring

Summer on the Deschutes National Forest

Summer is the best time of year to visit the Deschutes with wildflowers blooming, trails thawed, and spectacular weather. The full arsenal of recreational activities are available during Summer which makes it a great time to visit.

Summer is the most popular time to visit the forest so crowds will be up but still nowhere close to what you will see in the national parks.

Deschutes in Summer

Fall on the Deschutes National Forest

Fall is a great time of year to visit the Deschutes National Forest. The foliage here is unexpectedly (at least to me) striking. The Metolius River area has especially beautiful color.

Temperatures are down and so are crowds as kids return to school and vacation season winds down.

Deschutes National Forest in Fall

Winter on the Deschutes National Forest

Winter is cold, snowy, and wonderful on the Deschutes National Forest. If you love winter sports then you can find plenty of great winter recreation opportunities all over the forest.

People flock from all over the world to ski and snowboard on the forests top winter recreation destination, Mt Bachelor.

Tumalo Mountain at Sunrise | Deschutes National Forest in Winter

8 Epic Things to Do On The Deschutes National Forest

1. Sparks Lake

Often referred to as the most beautiful lake in the entire state of Oregon and one of the most beautiful in America, Sparks Lake is a must-see destination on the Deschutes National Forest.

Located off the world-famous Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway just past Mt Bachelor, Sparks Lake is the first of many beautiful lakes on the highway. The lake itself was formed by the massive volcanoes that surround it about 10,000 years ago.

Today visitors can hike around Sparks Lake, go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, camping, and more.

Sparks Lake at Sunset | Deschutes National Forest

2. Paddleboard Hosmer Lake

I would consider Hosmer Lake as more of a hidden gem as it’s located out of sight (behind Elk Lake) of the famed Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The lake is great for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

It’s really the orientation of Hosmer Lake as well as how shallow the waters are that really lends itself to paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The color of the lake appears a striking greenish-turquoise in the sunlight making it different from all the other lakes in surrounding area.

Paddleboarding Hosmer Lake | Deschutes National Forest

Hosmer Lake | Deschutes National Forest

3. Snowmobile to Paulina Peak

One of the coolest, most memorable experiences I’ve had on the Deschutes National Forest was snowmobiling up to Paulina Peak for sunrise in the dead of winter.

Paulina Peak sits at nearly 8,000 feet elevation and is in the perfect position to get spectacular views of the cascades.

The view from the top is absolutely spectacular with a clear view of the cascade mountains as far south as Mt Shasta (in California!) and as far north as Mt Hood.

Paulina Peak in Winter featured with the Cascade Mountains in the background

A snowmobile headed to the top of Paulina Peak | Deschutes National Forest

4. Green Lakes Hike

One of the most popular (and most spectacular) hikes in all of the Deschutes National Forest is the Green Lakes Hike which features some of the most striking scenery in the forest.

Distance: 9.1 miles
Elevation: 1180 feet
Time: 4-5 hours

The hike itself is somewhat of a doozy for those not initiated to longer hikes. At 9.1 miles with 1100 feet of elevation gain it takes about 4-5 hours for most folks to complete.

Despite starting with nearly clear blue skies, we experienced a freak thunderstorm with lightning strikes at the top and were forced to take cover and wait out the storm. That being said, be prepared for all weather as systems can move through seemingly out of nowhere.

Green Lakes Hike

Green Lakes Trail | Deschutes National Forest

Green Lakes | Deschutes National Forest

5. Tumalo Falls

At 97 feet tall, Tumalo Falls is possibly the most beautiful and dramatic of all the waterfalls on the forest. Getting to the falls is easy as there’s a parking lot within feet of the main viewing platform.

If you’d like to get a different perspective, follow the path around to the top of the falls where there is another viewing platform.

Tumalo Falls | Deschutes Forest

6. Fly Fishing

With six Wild & Scenic Rivers located on the forest, the Deschutes is home to some of the best fly fishing in the world. The three most popular rivers for fly fishing are the Deschutes River, Fall River, and Metolius River.

There are great populations of wild fish supplemented with hatchery fish on these rivers.

Fish species include:

Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Whitefish

Anglers are out year round even in the snow making the Deschutes a fisherman’s paradise. The Fall River is a popular winter spot for those looking to get their snowy fix in!

In order to fish legally, anglers must obtain an Oregon Fishing License.

Fly Fishing on the Metolius River in Autumn

Fly Fishing on the Fall River | Bend, Oregon

7. No Name Lake

One of the most beautiful hikes with incredible payoffs on the Deschutes is the hike to No Name Lake. This along with the Green Lakes Hike are my personal favorite on the forest.

Distance: 6 miles (if using the 4WD shortcut road)
Elevation: 1400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging

This is one of those hikes that as soon as you get to to the top you realize what all the hype is about. Panoramic views of No Name Lake and the mighty cascade mountains surround you at the top of the hike. One feels as though they are amongst the clouds up here.

Make sure to hike past No Name Lake to get the full breadth of the panorama. This trail does not typically thaw out until July.

No Name Lake | Deschutes Forest

Looking back down from near the top of the No Name Lake Trail

The view from the top of the No Name Lake hike

8. Lava River Cave

At 5,211 feet long the Lava River Cave is the longest (of many) lava tubes in the state of Oregon. While technically in the Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument (located within the boundaries of the Deschutes) this is definitely worth a stop!

At the entrance to the cave, rangers give visitors a brief instruction session informing cave goers of how to prevent the spread of White Nose syndrome in the bat population and basics for protecting the cave itself.

Make sure to dress warmly and bring a flashlight and/or headlamp! If you don’t have one you can rent them from the staff on site.

Lava River Cave | Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument

Where to Stay on the Deschutes

Deschutes Camping & Campgrounds

The Deschutes National Forest is home to 70 developed campgrounds with hundreds individual campsites. The forest also has three cabins for rent.

Stargazing on the Deschutes

Bend/Sunriver/La Pine Area

Cascade Lakes Area

Crescent Area

Fort Rock Area

Sisters-Metolius Area

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Lodging On the Deschutes

There are 4 resorts and one lodge located on the Deschutes. They include:

Sparks Lake by night (can you spot the meteors?)

Driving on the Deschutes

Some forests are designed for 4WD vehicles due to the sheer amount of roads they have to maintain and their relative remoteness. The Deschutes is more of a mix.

There are plenty of 2 wheel drive roads in the forest that will take you to nearly all of the most popular attractions including the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument.

There are also great 4WD opportunities as well but I wouldn’t say 4WD is a must on the forest! If you’re driving in the winter be sure to pack chains!

Driving on the Deschutes National Forest

A dirt road on the Deschutes

Deschutes National Forest Photos

Photos of the Deschutes.

Nearby Attractions

Crater Lake National Park
Willamette National Forest
Smith Rock State Park
Bend, Oregon

Summary | Leave us a Comment!

That’s a wrap folks! Hopefully you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to the Deschutes. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

deschutes national park, hiking deschutes park, bend national forest, oregon national forest, deschutes trails,

The post The DESCHUTES is America’s Most Beautiful National Forest (Photos) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

15 BEST USA Road Trips of a Lifetime

Jim Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:51:40 +0000

Article Overview: Best Road Trips USA

If you’re planning a good old-fashioned American road trip, then you’ve come to the right place. When someone asks me if I’ve driven through a particular scenic area in the USA I’m reminded of the Geoff Mack song I’ve Been Everywhere and his response to the truck driver giving him a lift, “Listen, I’ve traveled every road in this here land”.

Sure there are some left for us to do, but we really have covered nearly every US road trip imaginable… Which means we have some extensive knowledge and great recommendations built on our own experiences.

There is no better way to see the beauty of the great USA than through a road trip. In this article I’ll roll through 15 epic road trip ideas to help inspire your next drive across the USA.

America Road Trip – Table of Contents

10 Epic Things to Do in Buffalo Gap National Grassland (Photos + Tips)

Jim Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:31:50 +0000

Best Things to Do in Buffalo Gap National Grassland

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Buffalo Gap National Grassland you’ve come to the right place. In 2021 we partnered with the South Dakota Tourism Department to travel to Buffalo Gap and bring a portion of it’s beauty to screens all over the world.

Surrounding Badlands National Park in western South Dakota lies nearly 600,000 acres of spectacular landscapes and rugged outdoor adventure.

In this article I’ll go over:

Things to Do in Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Best Places to See in Buffalo Gap
Camping in Buffalo Gap
Must See Sites in Buffalo Gap

Our nation’s system of national grasslands comprises a patchwork of more than 3.8 million acres of unique public lands filled with recreational opportunities. These grasslands are often overlooked by would-be public lands visitors in favor of more popular national parks and even national forests. But as Buffalo Gap amply proves, national grasslands are spectacular public lands destinations for those wanting to escape the crowds and truly enjoy a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland is often overshadowed by the neighboring Badlands National Park, as well as nearby sites like Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Black Hills National Forest, and Wind Cave National Park. But we’re here to tell you this grassland truly delivers on scenery and solitude.

Watch the Buffalo Gap National Grassland Video

In the vast prairie expanses of western South Dakota lies nearly 600,000 acres of spectacular landscapes and rugged outdoor adventure.

Journey with us to discover a place where bison roam amidst winding badlands and unending prairie – where solitude is ample and people are not. This is Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland Video

We partnered with our friends at Travel South Dakota to capture the beauty of Buffalo Gap and bring it to screens all over the world. Be sure to check out Travel South Dakota’s website for up to date travel information and plenty of inspiration for your next trip!

Things to Do Buffalo Gap National Grassland

1. Explore the Grasslands

Like Badlands National Park, Buffalo Gap National Grassland is an open hike area where visitors can explore wherever they prefer (as long as they stay on public land).

At Buffalo Gap visitors are encouraged to create their own experience and explore this vast and rugged terrain. There’s something stirring about looking out at such a vast and beautiful expanse of land and knowing you can take off in any direction and explore however you like.

Some things to keep in mind as you explore Buffalo Gap National Grassland:

Make sure you’re staying on public lands – grasslands are often a patchwork of public lands so make sure you have an up to date map and aren’t crossing over any fences or private land boundaries.
Be mindful of prairie rattlesnakes and wear safe and sturdy footwear.
Enjoy wild animals from a safe distance.
Leave no trace – always try to leave the area as you found it.

I highly recommend stopping in the National Grassland Visitor Center in Wall, South Dakota to grab some maps and chat with the Forest Service staff there about your trip. The staff are incredibly helpful and will give you some great recommendations on where to go and what to expect.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland Things to Do

2. Camp Out Under the Stars

Buffalo Gap National Grassland has one developed campground and endless backcountry camping opportunities.

French Creek Camping Area

Reservations: First Come-First Serve
No potable water
Fees are required

Thanks to it’s remote location and hundreds of thousands of protected acres Buffalo Gap is a fantastic place to take in unobstructed views of the night sky.

There’s really nothing quite like sleeping out under the stars amidst the badlands of the Dakotas, a pastime President Theodore Roosevelt fondly enjoyed in the late 19th century and one you can enjoy much the same today.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland Night Sky

Buffalo Gap National Grassland Things to Do (Badlands National Park pictured above)

3. Go Rock Hounding!

Yes, in Buffalo Gap National Grassland it is perfectly legal (and even encouraged) for you to scour the hills for rare rocks and take a few home with you!

Rock hounding is a fun activity for the whole family and who knows, you might even find the rare and beautiful Fairburn Agate, a highly sought after agate and the state gem of South Dakota.

The beautiful Fairburn Agate

Fore more information on this fun activity visit the Grassland’s website here.

4. See the Bison

Bison can be viewed throughout Buffalo Gap National Grassland, but are most reliably found in the area adjacent to Badlands National Park. Seeing these majestic emblems of the American West is an opportunity not to be missed.

NOTE: It’s important for your safety and theirs that you keep at least 25 feet away from animals (especially bison) at all times. Also bison can damage your vehicle if you present an obstacle to them so don’t attempt to drive up next to them.

Bison | Things to Do Buffalo Gap National Grassland

5. OHV Riding

Buffalo Gap provides some amazing opportunities for OHV riding on your public lands. Railroad Buttes is the go to spot here for dirt biking, ATV’s and more with plenty of parking and space to ride.

A biker rides a trail in Buffalo Gap National Grassland

For more information on OHV opportunities in Buffalo Gap visit their website here.

6. Take in a Magical Sunset

Sunsets in this western corner of South Dakota are unforgettable. The dwindling light lingers on the badlands and paints the oceans of grass vivid shades of purple and orange.

Regardless of your vantage point you’ll be amazed at the way the entire landscape before you is transformed as the last light of the day puts on an incredible show before retiring for the night and ceding way to the stars that soon fill the sky.

Sunset in Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Sunset at Buffalo Gap

7. Storm Watching

Weather fronts move through this part of the country in stunning fashion. The wide open vistas and badlands formations offer unobstructed views and dazzling backdrops to watch the forces of nature at work.

Taking in a distant storm from a high bluff in this rugged country is right of passage you might say. There’s something about seeing a massive wall of rain moving along in the distance with flashes of lightning that gives one a healthy respect for nature.

Evening Storm | Things To Do Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Buffalo Gap National Grassland Things To Do

Make sure to view storms from a safe distance and take proper precaution in the event of lightning in your area!

8. See the Prairie Dogs

A family favorite, prairie dogs are endlessly fun to watch as they go about digging, yipping, and frolicking amidst the waving prairie grass.

Prairie dog towns can be seen throughout Buffalo Gap National Grassland and you’ll know them when you see them.

NOTE: Though they are very cute, don’t approach or attempt to feed the prairie dogs. Enjoy watching them go about their business from a safe and respectful distance.

Prairie Dog Towns | Best Things to Do Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Summary of Things to Do in Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Explore the Grasslands
Camp Under the Stars
Go Rockhounding
See the Bison
Bison
OHV Riding
Take in a Sunset
Prairie Dogs

Helpful Related Articles

Black Hills Guide: Your Complete Guide to South Dakota’s Black Hills

Badlands National Park Guide: Helpful Guide to Badlands National Park

Things To Do Badlands National Park : 20 Amazing Things to Do Badlands National Park

Visiting Mount Rushmore: 15 Helpful Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore

Things to Do Near Rushmore: 25 Epic Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore

Why Trust Us About Things to Do in Buffalo Gap National Grassland?

I’m Jim Pattiz and along with my brother Will, we make up the filmmaking duo known as the Pattiz Brothers.

WATCH: The Pattiz Brothers as National Park experts on The Weather Channel.

We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.

Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

And a bonus! Tips for Visiting Your Public Lands Responsibly

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the place you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National parks, forests, and grasslands are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

Sticking to trails
Checking the weather before going out on a hike
Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
Avoid ledges with steep drop offs

The post 10 Epic Things to Do in Buffalo Gap National Grassland (Photos + Tips) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST (Vermont, U.S.)

Will Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:39:55 +0000

Green Mountain National Forest Vermont in peak fall foliage.

If you’ve never been to the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont, you’re really missing out – here’s why.

Every year millions of people all over the world look forward to fall to watch the leaves change color – there is no better place to see this happen on the planet than Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest.

I have traveled the world in search of the best fall color and have seen spectacular foliage displays in epic places like the Great Smoky Mountains, Voyageurs, Acadia, Lake Huron, Utah’s Fish Lake, Kyoto, and so many more.

To this day I have never seen anything come close to what you can find in the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont.

Sunset Green Mountain National Forest Vermont during peak fall color

With that being said, there is a lot more to see and do in the Green Mountains than just watch the leaves change color.

In this article I’ll detail everything you need to know about seeing peak Fall foliage in the Green Mountains plus all sorts of other great tips and tricks for visiting this special part of planet earth.

Ready? Let the leaf peeping begin!

About My Travels to the Green Mountain National Forest

Me with my wife in the Green Mountains – Stowe, Vermont

My latest trip to the Green Mountains was in early October of 2021 to try and catch the peak fall foliage in Vermont. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

Each year I try to travel somewhere new to watch the leaves change and while Vermont was always on my list it had not yet come up for one reason or another.

Given my line of work, filming national parks and national forests for a living, sometimes the places choose me rather than me choosing the places.

For this trip I rented a car and drove up from New York to spend a week in the Green Mountains. Along the way I tried to stop off at all of the major towns and cities with a goal to rate the best areas of fall color and eat as many things maple as possible.

Green Mountain National Forest

About the Forest
Maps
Directions & Location
Video
Weather & Seasons
Things to Do
Camping & Lodging
Photos
Nearby Attractions

About the Green Mountain National Forest

Peak Fall Foliage in the Green Mountains of Vermont

Situated in the heart of Vermont, the Green Mountain National Forest is a vast land of hardwood forests, beautifully carved by glaciers with the most spectacular displays of fall foliage in the world.

This forest is a veritable maple capital of the world with the purest and tastiest maple syrup on the planet. The landscape, while striking, is dotted with quaint and beautiful homes.

Green Mountains Fall Color

Here you’ll find wonderful nature, friendly folks, and a reverence for the natural world. While visiting, please be respectful of this treasure of a forest.

The Green Mountains also boast an massive amount of great recreational opportunities, many of which you cannot find in the National Parks.

Green Mountains Recreational Opportunities

Mountain Biking
Climbing
Fishing
Hunting
Snowmobiling
Cross Country & Downhill Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Camping
Boating (kayaking, canoeing, motors, etc)
and so much more

Things to Know Before You Visit the Green Mountains

Map: We used this one.

Guide: This one was great for hikes.

Entrance Fees: There are no entrance fees to get into the Green Mountain National Forest. This is pretty typical for national forests. Some areas are designated fee areas but by and large no fees are required here.

Fire Safety: Keeping the Green Mountain pristine is easier than you think and it starts with fire safety. Fireworks are never a good idea on National Forests as they routinely start blazes. Be sure to check with the forest’s official page to learn more about current fire restrictions.

Visit with Respect: We need to keep this forest pristine. Make sure you’re prepared for this experience, including practicing Leave No Trace principles, how to backcountry camp, fire safety and more.

Sunscreen: For many of us visiting national forests in the summer means lots of sun. Seriously, some of these parks can zap you if you don’t wear sunscreen. We happen to like this one because it works AND it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals.

Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.

CAUTION: Vermont is a hot spot for ticks carrying Lyme disease. Be sure to take proper precautions when hiking through the forests. Summer is *the* month for ticks so come prepared. I recommend this tick spray that worked great for us.

Dogs are allowed in national forests including the Green Mountain.

Details About the Green Mountain National Forest

Green Mountains Fall Foliage

Location: Vermont

Closest Cities: Manchester, Middlebury, Lincoln, Warren, Stowe, Burlington, more

Established: April 25, 1932

Size: 400,000 acres

Native Land: Abenaki, Mohican

Entrance Fees: Free

Green Mountain National Forest Map

North Half

Green Mountain National Forest Map – North Half | Vermont Fall Foliage

South Half

Green Mountain National Forest Map – South Half | Vermont Fall Foliage

Where is the Green Mountain National Forest?

The Green Mountain National Forest is located in southern and central Vermont and split up into two parts and two ranger districts.

Green Mountain Ranger Districts

Rochester Ranger District
Manchester Ranger District

Getting to Green Mountain National Forest – Directions & Location

The Green Mountain National Forest’s location in Vermont makes getting to the forest relatively easy with lots of options including simply driving from a surrounding area or flying into any number of nearby airports.

Closest Airport: BTV – Burlington International Airport (30 miles from the north half of Green Mountain)

Burlington to the Green Mountains

Other Airports: Albany International Airport (ALB) is located just 45 miles southwest from the south half of the Green Mountain. Alternatively you could easily fly into another major airport like Boston, NYC airports (JFK & LGA), and drive a few hours to the forest.

The best way to get to the Green Mountain is typically flying into Burlington (BTV), renting a car, and driving to the forest.

Depending on which part of the forest you are trying to visit will determine the drive time but typically somewhere from 1 hour (north half) to 2.5 hours (south half) depending on which part of the forest you’re headed to.

Albany to the Green Mountains

Green Mountain National Forest Video

The idea behind this film was to give folks a breathtaking and deliberately slow look at the Green Mountain National Forest during peak fall foliage.

This film is a deviation from our traditional 3-5 minute series on national parks and forests. The reason we chose to release this film in a 10+ minute version is that we wanted folks to be able to slowly take in the views at a relaxed pace.

We may, in the future, release a version more fitting of our typical style of film.

Seasons & Weather

The Green Mountain National Forest sees four distinct seasons – a vibrant spring, warm summer, gorgeous fall, and snowy winter.

Green Mountains at sunset in the fall

Best Time to Visit the Green Mountains

The best time to visit the Green Mountain National Forest is during Fall when the forest explodes with kaleidoscopic fall foliage.

The Green Mountains are a world renowned fall destination so be prepared for lines.

Peak fall foliage in the Green Mountains

When is Peak Fall Foliage in Vermont?

With the effects of climate change becoming greater each year it is becoming harder to predict when peak fall foliage will hit Vermont. For the Green Mountains, I recommend visiting between early to mid October for the peak fall foliage in Vermont.

Planning for the 8th – 14th of October should be just about right.

As a rule of thumb, it’s better to get there too early when there are green leaves still on trees than too late when there are no leaves on trees.

Peak Fall Foliage Vermont Green Mountains

Peak fall foliage in Vermont’s Green Mountains

Green Mountains Seasons

Spring on the Green Mountain National Forest

Spring is a great time to visit the Green Mountains as temperatures are cool to cold, crowds are down but increasing, and the deciduous parts of the forest (most of it) come back to life.

As a rule of thumb, the later into Spring the better the weather will be which means more access to forest recreational opportunities.

Summer on the Green Mountain National Forest

Summer is a great season to visit the Green Mountain National Forest. Temperatures range from warm to downright hot so make sure to pack and dress accordingly.

Summer is a popular time to visit the forest so crowds will be up but still nowhere close to what you will see in the fall.

Fall on the Green Mountain National Forest

Fall is the best time of year to visit the Green Mountain National Forest. Crowds are up during the fall but the autumn foliage is world-class.

All of the second-growth hardwoods make for a spectacular display sure to delight the leaf peeper in all of us.

Peak fall foliage near Smugglers Notch | Green Mountain National Forest, Utah

Winter on the Green Mountain National Forest

Winter is cold and snowy on the Green Mountain National Forest. If you love winter sports then you can find plenty of great winter recreation opportunities all over the forest.

While fall is beautiful, winter is where the fun really begins.

Winter recreational activities include:

Snowmobiling
Downhill skiing
Snowboarding
Cross Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Sledding
more

Snowy peaks in the Green Mountains

Best Things to Do On The Green Mountain National Forest During Fall

1. Smugglers Notch

Smugglers Notch is probably the most scenic place on the forest (and the world for that matter) to soak in jaw-dropping fall foliage. Every square inch of this area is drenched in spectacular colors.

The best time to visit Smugglers Notch is early in the morning around sunrise before traffic consumes the area. The top of the notch narrows traffic to one passable lane which creates some epic traffic jams.

A car passes through Smugglers notch during peak fall color | Vermont

Why It’s Called Smugglers Notch

According to the Vermont Historical Society notch got it’s name during the War of 1812 when smugglers used the pass to smuggle goods and material between the US and Canada. The passageway is chocked full of massive boulders that were convenient to hide behind.

NOTE: The notch road closes seasonally in winter.

Smugglers Notch during peak fall foliage in Vermont

2. Middlebury Gap

Middlebury Gap is one of the best places to see Vermont’s fall color at it’s finest. The gap itself refers to the area between Middlebury and Hancock.

Luckily for motorists, Highway 125 spans the entire length of Middlebury Gap giving tourists prime viewing opportunities.

The road through Middlebury Gap during peak fall foliage | Green Mountain National Forest

3. Appalachian Gap at Buels Gore

Buels Gore, Vermont at peak fall foliage

Technically this area is located just north of the south half of the Green Mountain National Forest. Nonetheless it is a striking place to see fall foliage.

A small pond lies below the Appalachian Gap in Vermont

The windy road that leads through Appalachian Gap is quite scenic and provides access to the excellent autumn scenery. Note the small pond near the top of the gap.

At the top of the gap itself is a great viewpoint (one of very few on the forest).

4. Route 100

There are many incredible drives through the Green Mountain National Forest. Of them, Highway 100 is a stand out for exceptional fall viewing.

Mountains pop up on either side of the road throughout the drive along with vast hardwood forests full of color in the fall.

Highway 100 on Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest

5. Stop In A Scenic Town or Two, Like Stowe

Vermont is chocked full of beautiful and quaint New England towns and cities. These places are equal parts charming and beautiful. Some that I recommend seeing are:

Stowe
Burlington
Warren
Middlebury
Waterbury
Montpelier

Stowe, Vermont during peak fall color

6. The Vermont Country Store

Located right on the border of the northeast corner of the south half of Green Mountain National Forest is an absolute must stop for everyone visiting the area – the legendary Vermont Country Store.

This store is world-famous for it’s quality goods and maple everything. Maple syrup, maple candies, maple candles (we bought one) – if you can add maple to it, it’s in there.

Right next to the store itself is an ice cream shop (also run by the Vermont Country Store) that sells “maple creemees”. Call me a maple nut but it’s probably the best ice cream I’ve ever had.

Make sure to route to the original store in Weston, Vermont to see the store in it’s full splendor.

The Vermont Country Store

7. Warren Falls

Another great roadside stop is Texas Falls located off Highway 125 near Middlebury Gap. This series of cascading waterfalls is a peaceful pause on your trip.

There are several great trails in the area that loop around the falls following Hancock Branch Creek. This area is chocked full of incredible foliage as well.

Texas Falls | Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont

Where to Stay – Camping & Lodging

Stowe Gondola Skyride | Green Mountain National Forest Vermont

The Green Mountain is home to a host developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, as well as cabins for rent.

Middlebury/Rochester District

Manchester District

For dispersed camping options visit the USFS dispersed camping page.

For more about camping on the Green Mountain National Forest visit the USFS camping page.

Lodging in the Green Mountains

I recommend camping on this spectacular forest. If you’re set on staying inside a hotel with all of the creature comforts, I recommend the towns of:

Stowe, Burlington, Middlebury, Killington, Warren, Manchester, & Rutland (there are so many more).

Driving the Green Mountains

Green Mountain Roads & Driving

Driving on the Green Mountains National Forest is a breeze as the roads are pretty much all paved. Some roads are dirt and gravel but by for the most part driving conditions are great.

That does change however in Winter, when roads conditions can be dangerous. Despite regular plowing this area sees a lot of snow and ice so be please be careful.

Green Mountains Vermont Peak Fall Foliage

Photos

Photos of Green Mountain National Forest.

Nearby Attractions

Acadia National Park
White Mountain National Forest
Finger Lakes National Forest
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Summary | Leave us a Comment!

That’s a wrap folks! Hopefully you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to the Green Mountain National Forest. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Hope to see you on the trails sometime soon!

The post GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST (Vermont, U.S.) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

20 EPIC Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore (Helpful Guide + Photos)

Will Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:25:34 +0000

Planning a trip to South Dakota and looking for things to do near Mount Rushmore? You’re in good hands. I’ve spent the past several years traveling to South Dakota and working with the state to create visually stunning films on its beautiful public lands. Along the way I’ve seen a lot of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore is located in the heart of the Black Hills which is full of really incredible sites including two national parks, two national monuments, a national forest, a national grassland, state parks, and more.

Things to Know Before Visiting Sites Near Mount Rushmore

Entrance Fees Good news here! Mount Rushmore does not charge an entrance fee for visitors. However, there is a parking fee which is $10 per vehicle.
Here’s my favorite map and guidebook for visiting the Mount Rushmore area.
Closest Airport to Mount Rushmore: The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport which services most major US airlines daily.

If you’re looking for things to do at Mount Rushmore rather than things to do near Mount Rushmore, check out my post: 15 Helpful Tips for Visiting Mount Rushmore (Things to Do + Photos)

Best Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore

Click for a Table of Contents!

See Idaho’s EPIC Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (+ Video)

Will Pattiz — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:35:43 +0000

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

In the heart of Idaho lies America’s largest (and most breathtaking) contiguous Wilderness area outside of Alaska, The Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness.

Steep canyons, pristine forests, untouched Wilderness, incredible wildlife, and world-class whitewater rafting comprise this epic 2.3 million acre road-less area.

The wilderness is located in 5 national forests plus a sliver of BLM land including:

Salmon-Challis National Forest (39.59%)
Payette National Forest (33.45%)
Boise National Forest (14.06%)
Bitterroot National Forest (8.18%)
Nez Perce National Forest (4.68%)
Bureau of Land Management (0.034%)

WATCH: A rarely seen glimpse inside of the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

Our Travels to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Us with our Forest Service ranger guides – Jim Pattiz, Ranger Elise, Will Pattiz (me), Ranger Sean, Tom Pattiz

I first visited the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness back in 2016 as part of a filming expedition for the US Forest Service. Along with my brothers and two forest service ranger guides it was the trip of a lifetime.

Our full trip on the middle fork of the Salmon River lasted about a week. We were flown into Indian Creek campground first where we stayed for a few days. From there we were flown up river near the confluence of the north fork and middle fork of the Salmon.

From there we set out on a 4 day rafting trip down the middle fork experiencing all kinds of weather and stunning scenery.

Why Trust Us About The Frank Church Wilderness?

We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers. Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

WATCH: The Pattiz Brothers as National Park experts on The Weather Channel.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness Guide

Middle Fork of the Salmon River | Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho

About the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

Location: Idaho
Established: January 1, 1980
Size: 2,366,827 acres
Native Lands: Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, Shoshone-Paiute
Entrance Fees: varies (we recommend the $80 for America the Beautiful Pass which gets you into most federal lands)

Map of the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness Map (courtesy PBS)

For a US Forest Service downloadable User’s Guide to the Frank Church: Download

For more maps of the area visit the USFS maps page: here

Where is the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness?

The Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness is located in the heart of Idaho, centered near the town of Salmon, and spanning across 5 national forests plus BLM land.

Getting to the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

A small 4 person aircraft takes off from the remote, Indian Creek Airstrip | Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

Getting to the Frank Church Wilderness is challenging by design. As a wilderness, there are no two-wheeled vehicles allowed in the Frank Church.

The only exception to this rule is for aircraft which is how a large percentage of folks enter this wilderness area.

Nearby Airports

A plane sits on the runway of Indian Creek Airfield of the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

There are 6 viable airports surrounding the River of No Return Wilderness. They include:

Missoula (3 hours north of Salmon)
Helena (3.5 hours northeast of Salmon)
Bozeman (4 hours east of Salmon)
Idaho Falls (2.5 hours southeast of Salmon)
Twin Falls (4.5 hours south of Salmon)
Boise Airport (5 hours south of Salmon)

Idaho Falls is the closest airport at 2.5 hours from Salmon and Boise is usually the cheapest but 5 hours away.

Ways to Enter the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

View from the window of a small aircraft flying over Idaho’s Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

Depending on where you want to go will determine which of the three main modes you use to enter the wilderness, those being by air, boat, or foot.

Let’s start with the latter option – accessing the Wilderness by foot (+ car to the edge).

Getting to the Bighorn Crags

Directions to the Bighorn Crags

If you’re looking to get to the Bighorn Crags (the most popular of the 2500+ miles of Wilderness trails) prepare for 2+ hours of dirt road driving. From Salmon, the entire drive is about 3 hours depending on how safely you drive.

The jumping off point is the Crags Campground Complex situated at 8400ft where you’ll find a basic campground and the Bighorn Crags Trailhead. The Crags are a must-see bucket list site with a series of dramatic granite peaks and pristine alpine lakes (with fish).

Ever since I saw a photo of Fishfin Ridge I have longed for a trip to this area. The fact that there is a road that gets you so close is a marvel.

From the trailhead the shortest *worthy* hike is Cathedral Lake at 8.8 miles RT + 2,200ft elevation gain.

Video of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

This film was shot in the heart of the remote Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on one of America’s premiere Wild & Scenic Rivers, the middle fork of the Salmon.

This short film highlights the unique, rugged beauty of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and explains the delicate balance between visitors and the wilderness.

Things to Do in the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

One of the most popular things to do in the River of No Return Wilderness is whitewater rafting

1. Salmon River Whitewater Rafting

Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the most sought after floats in the world. Permits are not easy to come by, being awarded to private groups each year on a lottery system.

Alternatively you can hire an outfitter (see more complete list below) to guide your group down (in style).

Guided trips are not cheap, as you could imagine, with trips ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000 and above, per person.

List of Salmon River Rafting Outfitters:

Fishfin Ridge in the Bighorn Crags via Summit Post’s pioneerclimber

2. Bighorn Crags

The Bighorn Crags are considered by many as the crown jewel of the Frank Church Wilderness with magnificent granite peaks and pristine alpine lakes that stir the imagination.

Getting to the Bighorn Crags is not exactly easy but well worth the effort. Lucky for most folks a dirt road has been constructed that takes visitors within 5 miles of them.

To get a full appreciation of the majesty of the Bighorn Crags you should consider a backpacking trip into the area.

Backpackers head into the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

3. Backpacking

As the Wilderness is so remote, backpacking is one of the most popular ways to experience this area.

There are many popular backpacking trails (over 2500 miles!) to explore in the Frank Church, none so popular as the Bighorn Crags complex.

Gearing up to float the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

4. River Trips

Probably the most popular way to experience the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness is by floating down one of it’s rivers, particularly the middle fork of the Salmon River.

If you plan to visit the area I recommend this as *the way* to experience all that it has to offer.

The stunning beauty from the river is Yosemite-esque in many places with towering granite canyon walls on either side of the river.

A number of outfitters are available for hire on the river who offer a variety of services and trips from basic to luxury glamping experiences with 5 star meals. For a list of some of the top outfitters in the area scroll below.

Rafts on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Native American Pictographs in the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho

5. Cultural Sites

While we were in the area we had the good fortune of meeting one of the top interpretive guides on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River (who’s featured in the video above). This area is rich with cultural history, especially that of the Native American inhabitants.

All sorts of cultural sites are visible from simple depressions in the ground, to pictographs, petroglyphs, archeological sites, and more.

When visiting the area, be sure to leave anything you find of cultural or historical significance (and anything else for that matter) on the ground in it’s original place. Let your guide or the US Forest Service know of your discovery so they can log it!

The Stoddard Panel of Pictographs off the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Preparing for a backcountry horseback trip into the Wilderness

6. Horseback Trips

One of the most popular ways to experience the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness is on horseback. There are several outfitters in the area that offer packages that take visitors deep into the wilderness including meals and guides.

For a full list of outfitters in the area scroll below.

A pack train of horses and mules

Camping along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

6. Stargazing

As perhaps the most remote area in the contiguous 48 states, the stargazing in this Wilderness is world-class. I don’t believe I have ever seen so many stars in my life as on my trip down the Middle Fork.

If you love stars, be sure to plan your trip around a dark moon to get the best viewing. You will not be disappointed!

Parrot’s Grotto Waterfall off the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

7. Waterfalls

The Frank Church Wilderness is full of breathtaking waterfalls. My personal favorite so far is Parrot’s Grotto located off the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

A short, 3/4 of a mile hike up a primitive trail which follows Nugget Creek will lead you into the grotto itself. The grotto is named after Earl Parrot, an early 20th century inhabitant of the area whose cabin still exists on the river today.

Waterfall on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River Idaho

Elk is on of the prize big game animals | Hunting Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness Idaho

8. Big Game Hunting

One of the most sought after places for big game hunting in the United States and for that matter, the world, is the Frank Church Wilderness.

Permits are available for hunting each year here and there are a number of great hunting outfitters that offer guide services.

Big Game Animals on the Frank Church

Bear, Deer, Elk, Goat, Lion, Moose, Sheep, Wolf

List of Big Game Hunting Outfitters on the Frank Church Wilderness

List of Outfitters – Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Rafting & Floating Outfitters

Big Game Hunting Outfitters

Photos of the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness

Summary | Leave us a Comment!

Here we are with another US Forest Service Ranger at Indian Creek on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Well folks, hat’s a wrap! Hopefully you feel like you’ve got a good handle on your next trip to the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness.

Please leave us a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments!

The post See Idaho’s EPIC Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (+ Video) appeared first on More Than Just Parks | National Parks Guides.

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National Forest vs National Park

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The National Forests Under Department of the Interior? Once upon a time…

Important Dates

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US Forest Service

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Further Reading

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Gifford Pinchot – America’s First Forester

Gifford Pinchot Family

James Pinchot

Planning A Future For Gifford

George Perkins Marsh

A Future In Forestry

Studying Forestry Abroad | A Young Man In A Hurry

Setting Sail For Europe

Forest As A Crop

Dietrich Brandis

Frederick Law Olmstead & The Biltmore Estate

Gifford Pinchot Goes To Washington

Theodore Roosevelt & Gifford Pinchot | A Conservation Friendship

The U.S. Forest Service

John Muir & Gifford Pinchot | Another Conservation Friendship

Muir Supported Pinchot’s Career

Hetch Hetchy

The Greatest Good For The Greatest Number

The Raker Bill

The Ballinger Pinchot Controversy

The Alaska Syndicate

Split In The Republican Party

Life After Roosevelt | The Rise Of A Political Progressive

A “New Deal” For The People Of Pennsylvania

The Training Of A Forester

The Legacy Of Gifford Pinchot

It’s Still The Greatest Good For The Greatest Number

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About Our Travels to the Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest Guide

Contents

About the Black Hills National Forest

Recreational Opportunities

Things to Know Before You Visit the Black Hills

Best Map

Best Guide

Entrance Fees

Lather up!

Leave No Trace

Mosquitoes

Dogs

Where to Stay

Details About the Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest Maps (4)

Bear Lodge Ranger District Map

Northern Hills Ranger District Map

Mystic Ranger District Map

Hell Canyon Ranger District Map

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Ranger Districts

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Watch the Award-Winning Black Hills Video

About the Black Hills Video

Seasons & Weather in the Black Hills

Best Time to Visit the Black Hills

Black Hills Seasons

Spring on the Black Hills National Forest

Summer on the Black Hills National Forest

Fall on the Black Hills National Forest

Winter on the Black Hills National Forest

Best Things to Do On The Black Hills National Forest

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