October 2002 Volume 2 - Issue 1 Special Places

Message from the Chief The Tread Lightly! message is simple: Sustainable Tourism – The T - Travel and recreate with minimum impact Tread Lightly! Partnership R - Respect the environment and rights of others America’s national forests and grass- become a not-for-profit organization. The E - Educate yourself. Plan and lands are the “golden crown” of outdoor Tread Lightly! program is about leav- prepare before you go settings where national and international ing a good impression—both on the land A - Allow for future use of the visitors can enjoy premier adventure trav- where we recreate and with the nearby outdoors. “Leave it better than el and ecotourism recreation. The national communities. Its sole purpose is to edu- you found it” forests and grasslands offer everything cate users and tourism providers on how D - Discover the rewards of from a dinosaur tracksite in southeastern to minimize the impact our recreational responsible recreation Colorado and a living history farm in activities have, while still enjoying the Tennessee, to North America’s largest great outdoors. The educational materials For more information and to ask coastal sand dunes in Oregon and a are geared to different uses, such as four for the Tread Lightly packet for voyageur canoe on Lake Superior. wheeling, mountain biking, snowmobil- tourism providers, contact the I invite you to enjoy the many Special ing, and boating. Tread Lightly! office in Ogden, Places on our national forests and grass- Travel and tourism industries perform UT, at 1-800-966-9900, or visit lands. However, I know that—by inviting an important public service by delivering their Web site: you—we must also ensure that the price the right information to visitors at the www.treadlightly.org. of popularity does not impact the very right time for proper trip planning. By values that make these places special in encouraging responsible tourism, our the first place. That is why I am proud the Special Places will be available to outdoor USDA Forest Service is a partner with the enthusiasts for years to come. A Note About Tread Lightly! organization. Tread Lightly! was launched in Accessing Our Special Places Recreation Fees 1985 by the Forest Service and has since By inviting you to our Special Places, I must also ensure that our services and You will notice that many of the Special facilities are accessible to people of all Places in this publication charge fees. abilities. Accessibility is an issue that Most of these sites are under the does—or will—affect each of us, either Recreation Fee Demonstration program, directly or through family or friends. Since authorized by Congress in 1996. Under the early 1990s, the Forest Service has this program, fees collected at a particular worked to integrate accessibility into our site are reinvested at that site to improve services and facilities. Today, we are facilities, services, and resources. Since rededicating ourselves to this effort. 1996, more than $123 million has been Come on out and enjoy the great out- collected and reinvested in campgrounds, doors. These are your Special Places! trails, public safety, parking areas, and restrooms. The U.S. Department of Dale N. Bosworth Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service has found that, in general, the public accepts and even supports recreation fees when they see direct benefits to the site where Outdoor Recreation Links to the World Wide Web they’ve paid the fees. By maintaining our www.fs.fed.us/recreation (recreation information on all national forests and grasslands) recreation attractions we are also helping www.recreation.gov (interagency recreation activities information for Federal land) gateway communities sustain and www.reserveusa.com (National Recreation Reservation Service) improve their tourism industries. www.scenicbyways.org (information on Scenic Byways throughout the Nation) 1 Special Places The Way the West Was

A drive along the 44-mile Pioneer A stop at Crystal Park will yield one Mountains National Forest Scenic of the most unique experiences in the Byway in southwest Montana is like National Forest System. Here you can looking through a window into the dig for lovely quartz and amethyst crys- past, the way the west was. Follow the tals, most of them around 2 inches long. Pioneer Mountains Byway to ghost The area is open during daylight hours towns, silver mills, historic railroads, from about May 15 to October 15 and ranches. (depending on the snow), and all facili- For the first European settlers of this ties are accessible. Bring your shovel area, survival meant battling drought, and a sense of discovery. floods, insects, and blizzards. It meant After spending a morning digging for riding horseback 60 miles to summon crystals, you may need a soak at the Elk the doctor, returning home only to find Horn Hot Springs Resort, about 6 miles For more information, contact: loved ones already dead. Thanks to down the road. You’ll find a small pool, Wise River Ranger District their perseverance, early homesteaders lodging in rustic cabins, and a café. P.O. Box 100 left a legacy of courage, adaptability, At Grasshopper Overlook, you can Wise River, MT 59762 and faith, and paved the way for those gaze over country that has been tra- (406) 832-3178 to come. versed by Indians, picked over by gold Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest At Mono Campground, turn off prospectors, tamed by generations of 420 Barrett St. onto a side road to the Coolidge Ghost ranchers, and cherished by modern Dillon, MT 59725-3572 Town, and Elkhorn Mine and Mill. recreationists. Montana’s first great gold (406) 683-3900 or There, you’ll be standing on the bed of rush in 1862 near Bannack brought (406) 683-3913 (recorded the old Montana Southern Railway, over 5,000 people to this valley in less information line) built to transport silver ore. Believed to than a year. Those who stayed after the www.fs.fed.us/r1/b-d be the last narrow-gauge railroad con- rush found cattle ranching a more Or take a virtual tour of the byway structed in the lower 48, the railroad secure venture than gold mining. Today, by visiting: operated for only 8 short years before ranching remains much the same in www.fs.fed.us/r1/b- the Pettengill Dam ruptured, washing Grasshopper Valley as it was more than d/virtualtours/byway/virtual-byway- out major sections of the railroad. 100 years ago. tour.html

Earthquake Lake Visitor Center

On August 17, 1959, the earth moved the narrow canyon, blocking the and a mountain fell in southwestern Madison River and forming Montana. The Hebgen Lake Earthquake Lake. Twenty-eight people Earthquake triggered a massive land- lost their lives. slide that roared down the mountain at Today, the Earthquake Lake Visitor 100 mph. In less than 1 minute, over Center provides a panoramic view of 80 million tons of rock crashed into the mountain and lake that formed from the slide. The center features September. Visitors are charged $3 per exhibits on seismographs, earthquakes, car, $15 per tour bus, or $1 per hiker or the phenomenon of Earthquake Lake, biker. a video, and interpretive talks. Outside, For more information, contact: numerous interpretive displays line an Gallatin National Forest accessible walkway. Honoring those Hebgen Lake Ranger District who died in the earthquake, a short, P.O. Box 520, Highway 191 but steep, trail leads to Memorial West Yellowstone, MT 59758 Boulder above the center. An auto tour Ranger District: (406) 823-6961 in the area expands the experience (Voice/TTY) even more. Visitor Center: (406) 682-7620 The majority of the center is acces- (Memorial Day to mid-September) sible and open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin/recre- p.m. from Memorial Day to mid- ation/visitor_center

2 Special Places

ished in the open range of the canyon- Footprints in the Sands of Time lands. The Rourke Ranch, one of the most successful in the southwest, still remains. The high-quality workman- In the Purgatoire River valley in south- ship and architecture of the buildings eastern Colorado lies an area that is (mostly adobe and jacal style) earned it uniquely rich—in dinosaur tracks. a place on the National Register of Over 1,300 footprints from as many as Historic Places. The remains of the 100 different animals have been dis- Dolores Mission and Cemetery may covered along a 1/2-mile stretch of also be viewed, giving visitors a sense of river, making it the largest tracksite in the rough, but peaceful life in the North America. canyonlands. During the Jurassic period, 150 mil- In order to provide access into this lion years ago, this part of Colorado rugged country, the Comanche had a tropical climate, sprouting forests National Grassland offers guided auto of tree ferns, gingkos, and sequoia trees. tours for up to 25 people at a time into An enormous shallow lake with a The tracksite lies within the flood- Picketwire Canyonlands. Visitors must muddy shoreline provided the perfect plain of a wide canyon, with stunning provide their own four-wheel-drive, place for dinosaurs, such as apatosaurs scenery all around. According to leg- high-clearance vehicle. Tours may be and allosaurs, to leave testimony of end, a group of Spanish soldiers died in taken on Saturdays in May, June, their existence. One can easily see the the Purgatoire River valley while look- September, and October for $15 per tracks of brontosaurs walking side by ing for lost treasures in the 17th centu- adult. In addition to sharing the phe- side along the ancient lakeshore, mak- ry. Without the benefits of clergy to nomenon of the dinosaur legacy, tour ing this one of the few places in the perform their last rites, these men guides help visitors understand how to world where evidence of herding became lost souls, banished to Tread Lightly! in this special area. For behavior in dinosaurs is preserved. Purgatory. By the 18th century, French the hardy, hiking trails offer foot access Little did these creatures know the sen- hunters and trappers began settling the as well. sation their muddy footprints would area, and the French pronunciation For more information about the create 150 million years later! was corrupted into Picketwire. area or specific accessibility needs, call: The Picketwire Canyonlands are Comanche National Grassland also rich in historic resources. Native 1420 E. 3rd Street Americans thrived here for thousands La Junta, CO 81050 of years, leaving behind a remarkable (719) 384-2181 legacy of petroglyphs (rock art). www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/coma/palo/index. Hundreds of years later, ranching flour- htm Shell Falls Interpretive Site

Shell Falls is the thundering heartbeat trail to the falls—all fully accessible. of Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, The dynamic force of water against the site is staffed daily, and numerous rock has resulted in a roaring waterfall interpretive programs are offered. (The that gushes over some of the oldest staff even provides a unique singing rocks on Earth. Over a billion years of entertainment that has become a high- geologic history are exposed at Shell light for many tour bus companies!) Falls, where water has incised a deep For the remainder of the year, visitors chasm in the land. The thudding sen- may walk to the falls and enjoy the sation of falling water can be felt outdoor exhibits, but the other facili- through the soles of your feet, but the ties are closed. water’s voice has a way of soothing the For more information, contact the traveler. Bighorn National Forest at: The Shell Falls Interpretive Site is Medicine Wheel/Paintrock on the Big Horn Scenic Byway, one of Ranger District three scenic byways in the Bighorn 604 East Main Street National Forest. The site includes a Lovell, WY 82431 cliff-side waterfall viewing bridge, an (307) 548-6541 outdoor interpretive plaza, restrooms, a www.fs.fed.us/r2/bighorn (for general bookstore, and a 1/8-mile self-guided forest information)

3 Special Places Santa Catalina Mountains—An Island in the Sky

Southeastern Arizona is a land of strik- Canada in a mere 25 miles. Every turn ing contrasts and stunning scenery. reveals something new. At the top, Massive, pine-clad mountains rise visitors can enjoy Mt. Lemmon Ski abruptly from an ocean of desert, creat- Valley, where you can ski in the winter ing an “Island in the Sky”—the Santa and take a skyride the remainder of the Catalina Mountains. Temperatures here year. The village of Summerhaven also are often 30 degrees cooler than the rests at the summit. deserts below. And, there is more natu- Accessible facilities on Mt. ral diversity in these mountains than in Lemmon include Palisades Visitor any area of comparable size in the con- Center, Rose Canyon Lake, most vista tinental United States. Over 600 ani- points, many restrooms and picnic mal species make their home here, areas, and the General Hitchcock from black bears and gila monsters to Campground. Descriptive audiocas- peregrine falcons and ringtail cats. settes of the byway are available at the Just north of Tucson, the Santa Tucson-Pima libraries. Catalina Mountains rise from the Parking fees for Sabino Canyon and Sonoran Desert to an elevation of Mt. Lemmon are $5 per day or $10 per 9,157 feet, offering a wide variety of week per vehicle. An annual pass valid year-round recreation opportunities. at both sites is $20. There is an addi- The two most popular areas are Sabino tional fee to ride the Sabino Canyon Canyon and Mt. Lemmon. Both of shuttle ($6 per adult and $2.50 per these special places offer many recre- child), and reservations are recom- ational opportunities, for people of all mended for groups and people with dis- abilities. The Sky Island Scenic Byway, one abilities. In Sabino Canyon, visitors will find of the most scenic highways in the For additional information, contact: beautiful views of the mountains, tow- Southwest, accesses Mt. Lemmon. The Coronado National Forest ering rocky cliffs, and lush ribbons of byway winds through a land of breath- Santa Catalina Ranger District green along the creek. Sabino Canyon taking vistas, outlandish rockscapes, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road is closed to private vehicles, so visitors cool mountain forests, and deep Tucson, AZ 85750 park at the visitor center and walk, or canyons spilling out onto broad deserts. (520) 749-8700 (voice and TTY) ride an accessible shuttle, 3.7 miles into Driving the byway is the biological (520) 749-2327 (reservations for the canyon. equivalent of a trip from Mexico to groups, or people with disabilities) www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado

Sabino Canyon Visitor Center

Start your visit to the Sabino Canyon a tree slice from a Douglas fir that was Recreation Area with a stop at the 300 years old when it died. fully accessible Sabino Canyon Visitor Outside the center, you can take a Center. Although open year round, vis- stroll along the accessible 1/2-mile itors are encouraged to plan their trip Bajada Loop Trail. From the trail you in the summer months, when the area can view magnificent mountains and is less crowded and the canyon pro- unique desert plants. A self-guiding vides a cool respite from the desert trail brochure is available at the visitor floor. center. The center houses new exhibits, The Sabino Canyon shuttle starts including a floor model of Sabino from the visitor center and runs from Creek. Hands-on exhibits give visitors 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the chance to closely examine a For more information, contact the saguaro boot, a cactus wren nest, sand Coronado National Forest at the rubies, and more. Visitors can learn address shown in the accompanying about the six seasons of Sabino article. Or visit its Web site at: Canyon, as well as “alien invaders.” www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/scrd/rec/vc/ One of the more fascinating exhibits is sabcanyvc. 4 Special Places

hunters visited the Redfish Lake area 9,500 years ago, using the Redfish Rock Shelter as cover while they searched for elk, deer, antelope, and salmon. As European settlers entered the area, they built mines, homesteads, and cabins for ranching operations. Several of these structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Access to this extraordinary area is by way of three scenic byways (Sawtooth, Ponderosa Pine, and Salmon River). A series of auto tape tours has been developed for all three of the byways. Along these roads, there are numerous scenic overlooks that can accommodate large RVs and buses. A Land Above the Ordinary Two national recreation trails offer short, self-guided interpretive experi- ences for users of all abilities: the It’s hard not to speak in superlatives values, as well as to provide for the Fishhook Creek Boardwalk at Redfish when referring to the Sawtooth enhancement of the recreation values Lake and the Wood River Nature Trail National Recreation Area (NRA)— associated therewith. located in Wood River Campground. located in the heart of Idaho. At The fish and wildlife values are Because of the Sawtooth NRA’s 750,000 acres, the Sawtooth NRA is indeed rich. Over 1,000 miles of popularity, visitors are encouraged to the largest national recreation area in streams and more than 1,100 lakes pro- Tread Lightly! in this special area. the National Forest System. Four vide habitat for native fish populations, When you visit the Sawtooth, remem- mountain ranges offer scenic vistas some of which have migrated more ber to “leave it better than you found every way you look. The Ice Age archi- than 900 miles from the Pacific Ocean it.” tecture of stiletto peaks, steep-walled to spawn here. The area’s forests, val- The best place to start your visit is cirques, and tree-carpeted moraines leys, and alpine ridges are also home to at one of the USDA Forest Service vis- delight both the photographer and the 300 species of wildlife, such as moun- itor centers (see accompanying article). geologist. tain goats, elk, moose, wolves, bears, You may also contact the Sawtooth Although it is a recreation area by and sandhill cranes. The presence of NRA at: name, it offers much more than just a eight threatened or endangered species HC 64, Box 8291 place to play. The Sawtooth NRA was attests to the important role the area Ketchum, ID 83340 established to assure the preservation plays in conservation efforts. (208) 727-5000 or 1-800-260-5970 and protection of the natural, scenic, Humans have a long history in the www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth/recreation. historic, pastoral, fish and wildlife Sawtooth area. Native American htm

Sawtooth NRA North Fork Visitor Center

Individuals and groups will find the evening campfire programs offered North Fork Visitor Center to be a good throughout the year. starting point to plan their exploration For more information, or to arrange of the Sawtooth NRA. Located 8 miles a presentation for your group, contact north of Ketchum, the visitor center the visitor center at the address or houses interpretive exhibits and offers phone number located at the bottom of trip planning assistance. There is also a the accompanying article. small theater where visitors can select In addition to the North Fork from a wide variety of videos about the Visitor Center, the Redfish Lake Visitor natural and cultural history of the area. Center is open during the summer The North Fork Visitor Center is open months. year round, with daily activities and 5 Special Places The Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway—On the Edge

When you visit the Eastern Sierra 3 The Ancient Bristlecone Scenic fall when canyons and mountainsides Scenic Byway, you will find yourself Byway and Schulman Grove Visitor explode in shades of orange, yellow, “on the edge” in more ways than one! Center that showcase the phenome- and crimson, and the summer traffic The sheer rise of the Sierra Nevada non of the world’s oldest living has subsided. creates a sharp edge thousands of feet trees, 4,000- to 5,000-year-old Great For more information, contact: above the basins below. This crest Basin Bristlecone Pines. Interagency Visitor Center – Lone Pine catches moisture-laden clouds from the 3 Access to Tioga Pass Scenic Byway, (open all year) Pacific Ocean, casting a rain shadow which leads up a spectacular canyon Intersection of Highway 395 and 136 on the land to the east, creating dra- to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada in P.O. Box R matic contrasts. As you travel the Yosemite National Park. Lone Pine, CA 93545-2017 byway, you’ll be on the geological edge Many of the facilities along the (760) 876-6222 of the eastern sierra escarpment, the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway are acces- (760) 876-6223 (TTY) ecological edge of the Great Basin and sible. A visit to www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo Sierra Nevada, and the cultural edge of www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo/vvc/access.htm For maps and books about the area, survival of both historic and contempo- will give you site-by-site information go to www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo/esia rary cultures and communities. on accessible features. Or visit the Eastern Sierra Scenic This region is home to both the An excellent time to visit the Byway Web site at: lowest and highest points in the con- Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway is in the www.395.com/scenicbyway terminous United States. Only 80 miles separate the lowest point in Death Valley National Park from the highest, Mt. Whitney. The 250-mile-long byway provides access to nine different visitor centers and museums, and numerous special areas. Highlights include: 3 The majestic Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area—with unearthly limestone tufa spires—and thou- sands of migratory birds. 3 Devil’s Postpile National Monument—with volcanic “post- piles” of columnar basalt and Rainbow Falls on the beautiful San Joaquin River. Big Bear Discovery Center

Located on the north shore of Big Bear explore by canoe, you’ll get the chance Lake in southern California, the Big to discover waterfowl, beavers, and Bear Discovery Center is your starting other aquatic life. point for information and adventures on A full menu of special events the San Bernardino National Forest. includes everything from western music Guests may visit the accessible discov- festivals to historical tours of the Big ery center for interpretive programs, Bear Valley. Staff is available to tour evening nature lectures, or just to linger with large groups that provide their over the constantly changing exhibits. own bus. Smaller groups (less than 15) The more adventurous can join a can board the discovery center van for discovery tour on foot, in a van, or by a personalized tour. canoe. Regularly scheduled tours The Big Bear Discovery Center is include the “Mountain Mining Tour,” open daily (hours are extended from where visitors tour a historical gold mid-May to September 30). mine site and a modern limestone mine. For more information, contact the Or join in the “Flowers and Flames center at: Tour” in the ashen remains of the 1999 P.O. Box 66 Willow Fire to see a remarkable display Fawnksin, CA 92333 of regeneration. With some special pro- (909) 866-3437 grams, you can even pan for gold! If you www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com 6 Special Places North America’s Largest Coastal Sand Dunes

You won’t want to miss the view from the Oregon Dunes Overlook. This site has three accessible viewing platforms that gaze out over the dunes and the Pacific Ocean. Easy, self-guided loop hikes will give you a taste of this remarkable landscape. Some of the best times to visit the dunes are in the spring or fall (April/May and September/October). The weather is outstanding, and you’ll find plenty of space in which to lose yourself. There is a $5 per vehicle day-use fee at the Oregon Dunes NRA, but a visit to the visitor center is free. The visitor center is open daily from mid-May to mid-September, and 6 days a week the rest of the year. For more information, call the visitor center at: Oregon Dunes National Recreation ly. Spend some time in the dunes and 855 Highway 101 Area (NRA) invites you to explore the you are sure to see geology in action! Reedsport, Oregon 97467 largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in Picture yourself hiking through (541) 271-3611 North America. Wind-sculpted dunes forests and dunes, riding an off-highway (541) 271-6014 (TTY) tower almost 500 feet above sea level vehicle through a landscape of sand, or www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/oregondunes and blend with lakes, forests, and the watching a sunset from a scenic beach? For information on guided tours and ocean to create a remarkably diverse How about camping in a cozy camp- locations to rent dune buggies and ecosystem. The dunes extend for 40 ground, boating or fishing in one of the ATVs, contact the miles along the Oregon coast from 30 lakes and streams? Or maybe you’re Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Florence to Coos Bay. Formed by the an avid birder, beachcomber, or berry Commerce at www.reedsportcc.org, the ancient forces of wind, water, and time, picker? It’s easy to leave an impact on Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at these dunes are like no others in the the dunes, so you’ll want to plan your www.florencechamber.com, or the world. Day to day and season to season, trip to Tread Lightly! in this environ- Florence Chamber of Commerce at this ecosystem can change dramatical- ment. 1-800-524-4864. Cape Perpetua Visitor Center

The stunning panoramic view is one of make their annual 10,000-mile the finest attractions at the Cape roundtrip. Perpetua Visitor Center. At the center, The accessible visitor center is open learn about the cultural and natural daily from mid-May through Labor history of the central Oregon coast. Day. Limited hours are available during Interactive exhibits share information the fall, winter, and spring months (call about coastal Indians, tide pools, and ahead for specifics). There is a $5 per coastal rain forests. Special events are vehicle fee for the scenic area, but a also a part of the center’s interpretive visit to the visitor center is free. venue. For more information, contact them The visitor center is the jumping-off at: point for the 2,700-acre Cape Perpetua Cape Perpetua Visitor Center Scenic Area. Join one of the guided P.O. Box 274 tide pool or forest interpretive walks or 2400 Highway 101 explore any of the numerous hiking Yachats, OR 97498 trails on your own. During the winter (541) 547-3289 and spring, migrating gray whales can (541) 547-3251 (TTY) be spotted from the center as they www.newportnet.com/capeperpetua 7 Special Places Memories Are Made at Land Between The Lakes

along a 3.5-mile road that features three interpretive stops. The Golden Pond Planetarium is located inside the Golden Pond Visitor Center. The planetarium houses an 81-seat theater and offers planetarium shows several times daily during the operating season. The Homeplace and Woodlands Nature Station are open March 1 to November 30. The Elk and Bison Prairie is open year round, dawn to dusk. The planetarium is open March 1 to December 21, including a special Nestled in western Kentucky and Pond Visitor Center—to make it a holiday show in December. Tennessee, Land Between The Lakes is place well worth visiting. Prescheduled organized groups of 10 or the largest human-created inland The Woodlands Nature Station more receive a $2 discount admission peninsula in the United States. The serves as a starting point for guided price per person and motor coach driv- region is rich with a vibrant history, hikes along trails, streams, and lakes, as ers are admitted free. All sites listed are native wildlife, and natural beauty. well as canoe trips that explore Land accessible. And, with more than 170,000 acres Between The Lakes’ wildlife. In addi- For more information, contact Land and 300 miles of undeveloped shore- tion to the regular calendar of pro- Between The Lakes at: line, you’ll discover a wide range of grams, the nature station offers special 100 Van Morgan Drive opportunities at Land Between The events throughout the year. Among Golden Pond, KY 42211 Lakes for solitude and exploration. the most popular events are guided (270) 924-2000 or 1-800-LBL-7077 Attractions include The Homeplace bald eagle excursions that take visitors www.lbl.org living history farm, Woodlands Nature to see the migratory eagles wintering in For reservations, or for special pro- Station environmental education cen- Land Between The Lakes each year. grams and inquiries about group oppor- ter, the Elk and Bison Prairie habitat The Elk and Bison Prairie is a tunities, call (270) 924-2020. restoration, and the Golden Pond restoration of the native prairie habitat Planetarium and Observatory. These that thrived in western Kentucky and four facilities join Land Between The upper Tennessee over 200 years ago. Lakes’ other fascinating attractions— Native wildlife such as elk and bison including the ruins of the Great thrive on the 700-acre prairie. Visitors Western Iron Furnace and the Golden can take a self-guided driving tour The Homeplace Living History Farm

The Homeplace Living History Homeplace also spotlights social events Farm allows visitors to experience life of the period. Special events include a much as it was in mid-19th century traditional music Pickin’ Party, a tradi- rural America. The farm consists of 16 tional July Fourth celebration, an 1850s original and restored log structures, Wedding, and the Fall Harvest with interpreters in period dress leading Celebration. demonstrations. At Land Between The The Homeplace is accessible and Lakes they say, “The homeplace does- open daily from April to October. It is n't just bring history to life, it brings it also open for limited hours throughout into the here and now.” the winter. Fees are $3.50 per adult and In addition to re-creating such daily $2 per child. For more information, activities as cultivating and harvesting contact the Homeplace at (931) 232- tobacco, working farm animals, and 6457. Or, visit the Land Between The performing household chores, the Lakes’ Web site at www.lbl.org 8 Special Places Tune Up Your Wheels for an Ozark Adventure

More than 100 miles of mountain bike, ring on spring and fall weekends. There all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and motor- are both single and double camp units cycle trails wind in and out of deep, at the newly renovated Cobb Ridge forested hollows and down long ridge Campground. Many of the units are tops in the rough Ozark country south- pull-through for easier handling of west of Chadwick, MO. This is the trailers, and half offer electrical hook- Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Area! ups. Water and accessible vault toilets Chadwick is cloaked in oak, hicko- are provided; some of the campsites are ry, and pine, with rock ledges and steep accessible as well. ridges that open into small forest Fees are required to use the glades. Most trails stay on ridge tops or Chadwick area and go toward improve- hollow bottoms, with connecting trails ments in trails, campground facilities, crossing side slopes. Some trail sections and visitor information. Fees are: offer greater challenges than others and 3 ATVs and motorcycles—$35 per are indicated by a black diamond year or $5 per day marker where the trail begins. Off-trail 3 Mountain bikes—$20 per year or $3 travel is allowed at two locations—the per day. 2-acre family play area and the 5-acre For further information, contact: trail bike area. Mark Twain National Forest The Tread Lightly! message res- Ava-Cassville-Willow Springs Ranger onates loud and clear at Chadwick. District Here, users have the perfect opportuni- P.O. Box 188 ty to practice their minimum-impact 1103 S. Jefferson riding techniques, ensuring that future Ava, MO 65608 use of this special area continues. (417) 683-4428 Camping and riding occurs year- (417) 683-4464 (TTY) round, with the majority of use occur- www.fs.fed.us/r9/marktwain/recreation

A Superior Experience

A “Superior” experience awaits you at plunger, and feel the rumbling explo- the Northern Great Lakes Visitor sion. Step back in time and listen to Center near Ashland, WI. The 37,000- voyageurs singing as they paddle their square-foot accessible visitor center is fur-laden, 35-foot birch bark canoe located on the Bayfield Peninsula and across Lake Superior. features a 5-story observation tower While at the center, don’t miss the overlooking Lake Superior and the 11-minute multimedia show, Apostle Islands. It is a four-season facil- “Northern Voices.” Special lighting, ity, capturing the unique qualities of music, sound effects, and unique this multi-state region. objects are woven into an engaging Everyone likes a good story and the story about the regional immigrants, center’s interactive exhibits make the Native Americans, and the land of the stories of the region come alive. Spend Northern Great Lakes region. an hour or a day in the main exhibit Then, grab a trail guide and take a hall discovering the cultural and natu- stroll through a cedar and black ash ral forces that helped shape the region’s wetland on the accessible Wetlands lighthouses, commercial fishing, ship- Boardwalk. A unique design allows the ping, Native American culture, fur 3/4-mile boardwalk to “float” over the The Northern Great Lakes Visitor trade, Lake Superior, mining, glaciers, swamp. Exhibits describe the sedge Center is open daily, year round. For forests, and farming. meadow, tamarack, and other wetland more information, contact them at: Take a few moments to peek inside habitats that you pass along the way. 29270 County Highway G an 18th century fur trade post. Wander Guided hikes are offered in the sum- Ashland, WI 54806 into the head frame of a deep-shaft, mer, and special events are hosted (715) 685-9983 iron mine; push down on the dynamite throughout the year. www.northerngreatlakescenter.org 9 Special Places Portage Valley—Sculpted by Ice

Portage Valley has glaciers. There are viewing platform at the Williwaw glaciers advancing and retreating, Salmon Viewing Site. There are also glaciers calving into a lake or perched several ponds with fishing platforms in high on a mountain, and glaciers the valley. gleaming blue in the distance or icy Camping is available at Williwaw cold at your fingertips. and Black Bear Campgrounds. And A drive through Portage Valley should you get chilled from your gives visitors the chance to explore adventures, you can warm up with a how glaciers sculpted the landscape. hot meal at the Portage Glacier Lodge, Interpretive trails, scenic overlooks, near the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. picnic areas, and campgrounds invite Moose Flats, Alder Pond, Williwaw you to spend some time soaking in the Salmon Viewing Site and Williwaw surrounding mountains, spotting a Campground are all accessible. mountain goat or moose, or listening Located on the Chugach National to the music of the summer songbirds. Forest, Portage Valley is only an hour’s Walk the Moraine Trail to learn drive from Anchorage. For more infor- more about what glaciers leave behind. mation, contact: Stroll along the Moose Flats boardwalk Chugach National Forest for a chance to see waterfowl and Girdwood Ranger District other wetland wildlife. Or fish the P.O. Box 129 streams of Portage Valley for five differ- Girdwood, AK 99587 ent species of Pacific salmon. A good (907) 783-3242 place to view red and chum salmon www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/pages_ during the spawning season is the district/glacier

Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

Aide Russell Brown, and their pilot, Portage Lake as it retreated. Today, it Don Jonz, disappeared while flying forms a magnificent vertical face on across Portage Pass in 1972. the edge of the lake, and is still calving. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center Although the glacier is no longer visi- recently underwent a massive renova- ble from the visitor center, visitors can tion, using a state-of-the-art approach still experience the glacier up close to exhibits and audio productions. from the deck of the MV Ptarmigan Everything is designed to be touched, tour boat (accessible). USDA Forest and many exhibits are interactive. Service interpreters are on board to There are Nature Pianos that allow the help visitors better understand these visitor to listen to everything from rivers of ice. Hour-long tours run daily sandhill cranes to ice bergs calving. from Memorial Day to mid-September Step into the Alaskan’s and Their and cost $25 per adult and $12.50 per Stories room, where you can listen to child. One of the most popular attractions in stories of adventurers in the area. The The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is all of Alaska is the Begich, Boggs Wild Side includes a life-sized cow free, fully accessible, and open daily Visitor Center, located 55 miles south moose and calf, and an ice worm from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and of Anchorage. It sits at the head of the couch! Scheduled interpretive walks on weekends from Labor Day to Portage Valley and on the edge of and presentations abound, including Memorial Day (with an additional Portage Lake, where you can come face the famed Ice Worm Safari. (Yes, ice week open over Christmas). to face with a living glacier that con- worms really do exist!) For more information, contact the tinues to carve the landscape on the The award-winning film “Voices Girdwood Ranger District at the Chugach National Forest. From the Ice” is shown hourly (for a $1 address shown in the accompanying The visitor center is dedicated to per person fee) and provides a spectac- article. Or go to the visitor center Web the memory of Congressmen Nick ular view of glaciers on the move. page at: Begich of Alaska and Hale Boggs of During the last 80 years, Portage www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/chugach_ Louisiana. The men, Congressional Glacier calved large icebergs into pages/bbvc.html 10 Special Places Fire Lookouts—Sentries of the Forest

“We live in the sky. It forms three- fourths of what we can see. A lookout lives with weather, not land, not fire. The sky moves and changes; the land doesn't unless there’s something like shadows of clouds passing over.” (Donna Ashworth, Woody Mountain Lookout, Coconino National Forest) Fire lookout towers have had a proud and prominent history in forestry, often perceived as a symbol of forest conservation. Although their role in fire detection has changed, lookouts—even abandoned ones— remain popular with visitors. Over 400 lookouts have been listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. Seven of those are on the San Bernardino National Forest in southern California, and each one has its own unique qualities. They operate from approximately Memorial Day through late fall, depending on weather. Volunteers staff the lookouts, and enthusiastically share their knowledge of fire suppression tools and techniques, Starting the summer of 2002, the For more information on fire look- prescribed fire programs, and the cul- Morton Peak Tower will be available outs from the Forest Fire Lookout tural history of fire lookouts. for overnight rental. Association, visit their Web site at: Most lookouts are accessible by For more information, contact: www.firelookout.org vehicle, and can accommodate about San Bernardino National Forest Fore more information on the five people at a time in the tower itself. Mountaintop Ranger District USDA Forest Service lookout and If you are not able or inclined to climb P.O. Box 350 cabin rental program, go to: the stairs, hosts will also meet you at Sky Forest, CA 92835 www.fs.fed.us/recreation/permits/cabin the base of the tower to provide their (909) 337-2444 rentals interpretive programs. www.sbnfa.org/fire_lookout.htm

Northern California Guide to Backcountry Roads

The Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association recently completed an award winning 44-page travel guide about some of the most spectacular backcountry roads in the northern Marketing Excellence Award. Free California Shasta Cascade region. The copies are available from: guide was developed for sport-utility Shasta Cascade Wonderland vehicle owners who are yearning for a Association family adventure off the beaten path. Karen Whitaker, Tourism The guide includes location maps, Development Manager route descriptions, time and distances, 1699 Hwy. 273 and visitor information services. In Anderson, CA 96007 2002, the Backcountry Roads Guide (530) 365-7500 received a California Tourism [email protected] 11 Special Places

Hidden Gems: Scenic Wonders–Smaller Crowds

Use of this area requires a recently added to the Florida National Sub-Alpine Northwest Forest Pass ($5 per day per Scenic Trail, passing through the pine vehicle or $30 per year per vehicle). flatwoods that harbor echoes of the Splendor For more information, contact: Battle of Olustee. The events of this Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest battle are reenacted every year during The magnificent views of sculpted Mt. Baker Ranger District President’s Day weekend. peaks, active glaciers, flowering mead- 810 State Route 20 Adjacent to the Battlefield and trail- ows, and sub-alpine forests of Heather Sedro Woolley, WA 98284 head is the Olustee Depot, which now Meadows makes it one of the most (360) 856-5700 serves as the visitor information center spectacular attractions in western www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/ for the Osceola National Forest. Washington. Interpretive displays explore the impor- In the summer, the USDA Forest tant roles that the railroad and timber Service operates the Heather Meadows industry played in the development of Visitor Center in a renovated building Florida National north Florida. The visitor center is open listed on the National Register of daily, except for Tuesdays. Historic Places. The visitor center and Scenic Trail For further information, contact: several self-guided interpretive trails are Osceola National Forest all accessible. Meandering through one of the largest P.O. Box 70 Heather Meadows Visitor Center is subtropical regions in the United States, Olustee, FL 32072 located along the upper reaches of the the Florida National Scenic Trail is one (386) 752-2577 Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, a 24-mile sce- of the Nation’s premier long-distance www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/florida/ nic trip from Glacier, WA. The road is hiking trails. Over 1,300 miles long, it recreation typically snow-free between mid-July passes through all three national forests You may also want to visit the and late September, during which time in Florida, and features many of Florida’s Florida National Scenic Trail the visitor center is open daily. outstanding scenic areas. Association at www.florida-trail.org/ Another highlight of the Heather From this trail, imagine visiting the (1-877-HIKE-FLA), or the Olustee Meadows area is Artist Point. You’re site of Florida’s largest Civil War battle. Battlefield Historic Site at well above timberline here, with Located on the Osceola National Forest, www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district2/ several trails to choose from. an accessible 1-mile loop trail has been olustee/ (386-758-0400).

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service FIRST-CLASS MAIL Yates Federal Building USDA FOREST SERVICE 201 14th Street, SW PERMIT NO. 40 Washington, DC 20024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimi- nation in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexu- al orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal oppor- tunity provider and employer.