Top national forests
National ForestAngeles National Forest
National ForestSequoia National Forest
National ForestKlamath National Forest
National ForestLos Padres National Forest
National ForestStanislaus National Forest
National ForestSierra National Forest
National ForestMendocino National Forest
National ForestCleveland National Forest
National ForestSan Bernardino National Forest
National ForestEldorado National Forest
National ForestShasta–Trinity National Forest
National ForestModoc National Forest
All national forests (18)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angeles National Forest | Los Angeles County | — | La Crescenta-Montrose | 6 |
| Sequoia National Forest | Tulare County | — | Kernville | 3 |
| Klamath National Forest | Siskiyou County | — | Happy Camp | 1 |
| Los Padres National Forest | Santa Barbara County | — | Mission Canyon | 4 |
| Stanislaus National Forest | Tuolumne County | — | Arnold | 3 |
| Sierra National Forest | Fresno County | — | Mammoth Lakes | 3 |
| Mendocino National Forest | Glenn County | — | Upper Lake | 3 |
| Cleveland National Forest | San Diego County | — | Aguanga | 4 |
| San Bernardino National Forest | Riverside County | — | La Quinta | 4 |
| Eldorado National Forest | El Dorado County | — | Pollock Pines | 3 |
| Shasta–Trinity National Forest | Trinity County | — | Weaverville | 4 |
| Modoc National Forest | Modoc County | — | Alturas | 1 |
| Lassen National Forest | Lassen County | — | Westwood | 2 |
| Six Rivers National Forest | Del Norte County | — | Bertsch-Oceanview | 1 |
| Tahoe National Forest | Sierra County | — | Portola | 3 |
| Plumas National Forest | Plumas County | — | East Quincy | 2 |
| San Jacinto National Forest | Riverside County | — | Idyllwild | 5 |
| Calaveras Big Tree National Forest | Calaveras County | — | Arnold | 3 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
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.