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National Forests to Photograph in the USA

140 national forests in 35 states, each with computed light, night-sky and weather data for planning. Pick a state, or start with the most documented locations below.

Top national forests

Shoshone National ForestNational Forest
Shoshone National ForestPark County, WY
Tongass National ForestNational Forest
Tongass National ForestPetersburg Borough, AK
Chugach National ForestNational Forest
Chugach National ForestKenai Peninsula Borough, AK
Inyo National ForestNational Forest
Inyo National ForestEsmeralda County, NV
Angeles National ForestNational Forest
Angeles National ForestLos Angeles County, CA
Sequoia National ForestNational Forest
Sequoia National ForestTulare County, CA
Klamath National ForestNational Forest
Klamath National ForestSiskiyou County, CA
Coronado National ForestNational Forest
Coronado National ForestCochise County, AZ
Gifford Pinchot National ForestNational Forest
Gifford Pinchot National ForestSkamania County, WA
Carson National ForestNational Forest
Carson National ForestRio Arriba County, NM
Willamette National ForestNational Forest
Willamette National ForestLane County, OR
Los Padres National ForestNational Forest
Los Padres National ForestSanta Barbara County, CA
Shawnee National ForestNational Forest
Shawnee National ForestPope County, IL
Bridger–Teton National ForestNational Forest
Bridger–Teton National ForestTeton County, WY
Olympic National ForestNational Forest
Olympic National ForestJefferson County, WA
Mount Hood National ForestNational Forest
Mount Hood National ForestClackamas County, OR
Dixie National ForestNational Forest
Dixie National ForestGarfield County, UT
White River National ForestNational Forest
White River National ForestEagle County, CO
Stanislaus National ForestNational Forest
Stanislaus National ForestTuolumne County, CA
Bitterroot National ForestNational Forest
Bitterroot National ForestRavalli County, MT
Deschutes National ForestNational Forest
Deschutes National ForestDeschutes County, OR
Tonto National ForestNational Forest
Tonto National ForestGila County, AZ
Lincoln National ForestNational Forest
Lincoln National ForestOtero County, NM
Mark Twain National ForestNational Forest
Mark Twain National ForestIron County, MO

By state

Map

How to photograph national forests

Forests suit soft light — overcast days reduce contrast under the canopy, and morning fog adds depth.

  • Dispersed camping is often allowed, which makes sunrise and night shoots easier — check local rules.
  • Forest roads can close in winter or after storms; download offline maps.
  • Fire restrictions may limit campfires and stoves in summer.
  • Look for fire lookouts and high roads for views over the canopy.
  • Fall color peaks vary by elevation; follow it downhill over several weeks.

Season: Autumn color and spring flowers draw photographers; winter brings snow-covered forests in the North and West.