Off-the-beaten-path national parks, forests, and wilderness

Buckhorn Wilderness

Buckhorn is the largest of the five wilderness areas located in the Olympic National Forest. It is situated along the eastern boundary of Olympic National Park and spans a total of 44,000 acres. The area is known for its steep terrain, which includes the summit of Mount Fricaba, standing at 7,135 feet. In addition to its beautiful streams, fir, and pine trees, Buckhorn also has 216 private acres that are part of a patented mining claim. The Upper Big Quilcene Trail, or UBQ, is a popular destination for hikers. The 12-mile out-and-back trek offers a challenging climb with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Camping is available at Marmot Pass, Boulder Camp, and Camp Mystery along the trail. It is worth noting that the weather in Buckhorn is typically warm and dry in August, but Marmot Pass and Camp Mystery may have snow on the ground until mid-July due to the region's location in Washington state. After completing the hike, consider exploring the nearby Kitsap Peninsula, home to the charming waterfront town of Poulsbo and its Little Norway district. There, you can browse the shops and galleries before refueling with a Kölsch at Echoes Brewing's taproom.

Stanislaus National Forest

If you're looking for a peaceful camping experience in California, Stanislaus National Forest may be the perfect place for you. Located just northwest of Yosemite National Park and southeast of Lake Tahoe, this 900,000-acre forest offers a variety of trails to explore, including the Crabtree and Bell Meadow loop, a 19.5-mile trail that takes you through the stunning Sierra Nevada range and past beautiful rivers, streams, and alpine lakes. There are also plenty of campgrounds and dispersed camping options available within the forest. With no park entrance fee or reservations required, you can spend as much time as you'd like exploring this beautiful part of Northern California. While you're there, be sure to visit the historic town of Sonora, located about 20 miles from the trailhead.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park are the first international peace parks in the world, having been designated as such in 1932 by the United States and Canada. Located just south of the border each other, these parks are connected by the Goat Haunt, which does not actually have any goats or hauntings but does offer beautiful views of Goat Haunt Mountain. While Glacier National Park sees a large number of visitors each year (around 3 million), Waterton Lakes National Park is less crowded, with around 450,000 annual visitors. However, popular areas like Red Rock Canyon and Cameron Lake can still get busy, especially during the peak season from late spring to early fall. To escape the crowds, consider taking a ferry across Upper Waterton Lake and embarking on the Crypt Lake Trail, a stunning hike through the Canadian Rockies that features dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and 10 backcountry campgrounds.

Nantahala National Forest

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, with 14 million annual visitors. Located near the park is the Nantahala National Forest, which is home to 600 miles of developed trails, including parts of the Appalachian Trail. The forest also offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, rafting, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. In addition, the Nantahala National Forest has over a dozen campgrounds and allows dispersed camping. The highest peak in the forest is Lone Bald, which stands at 5,800 feet. The town of Franklin, NC, located within the national forest, is also worth a visit, with the Little Tennessee River Greenway running through it. In the fall, when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is stunning, consider stopping at Lazy Hiker Brewing for a flight of beers on their patio.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland

The Midwest's otherworldly badlands can also be found in Buffalo Gap National Grassland, which is part of Nebraska National Forest and one of 20 National Grasslands. This area is home to numerous sedimentary rock formations and receives 85% fewer visitors compared to Badlands National Park. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding in Buffalo Gap without the need for a permit and at no cost. Rock collectors should visit the Fairburn area near the French Creek Campground, the only developed campground in Buffalo Gap, or any of the eroded spaces in the 600,000 acres of open prairie. Camping is also possible at sites such as Badlands Overlook, located about a mile north of Badlands and just south of Wall, SD. In Wall, you can find the Buffalo Gap National Grassland Visitor Center and the historic Wall Drug Store, a popular roadside attraction that sells souvenirs such as shot glasses and bumper stickers.