September 2001 Volume 1 - Issue 1 Special Places

Message from Welcome to Our Special Places– the Chief Sustainable Tourism, the Leave No America’s national forests and grasslands are the “golden Trace Partnership crown” of outdoor settings where Welcome to our Special Places promo­ like to have the travel and tourism national and international visitors tion of great places to “VISIT US” in industry join us in promoting the alike can enjoy a wide variety of national forest and grassland destina­ development of responsible, sustainable premier adventure travel and eco­ tions. We are launching this newsletter recreation on the land. As visitors leave the beaten track and venture off tourism recreation activities. From as a new partnership to share informa­ tion about our little known treasures from our developed facilities, we have Alaska’s forests and glaciers, and build greater awareness among adopted a major tool for educating Idaho’s wild rivers, Utah’s and travel and tourism professionals about tourists and recreational users on ways Colorado’s ski mountains, New what we have to offer and what pro­ to conserve our public lands. This tool Mexico’s Jemez Mountains her­ grams exist to host use of these spectac­ is Leave No Trace, Inc., a nonprofit itage sites, to Caribbean tropical ular public lands. The Forest Service, 501(c)(3) education program that U.S. Department of Agriculture, would unites four Federal land management forests, I invite you to visit your agencies—the Forest Service, National national forests for outdoor fun Park Service, Bureau of Land and experiences of a lifetime. Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—with manufacturers, Dale N. Bosworth outdoor retailers, user groups, educa­ tors, and individuals who share a com­ mitment to maintaining and protecting our public lands for future enjoyment. Sustainable tourism starts with the individual visitor, backpacker, or tour Inside This operator. Issue Leave No Trace, Inc., is a national and international program designed to • Regional "Special Places" assist visitors with their decisions when destinations for tour they travel and camp on America’s groups, including scenic public lands. The program strives to byways and 2002 Winter educate visitors about the nature of Olympics their recreational impacts, as well as • Naturewatch and You! techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best • Hidden Gems: Scenic understood as an educational and ethi­ Wonders, Smaller Crowds • It’s About Time—Heritage continued on page 3 Expeditions and Passport in Time • Grassroots Ecotourism— Outdoor Recreation Links to the World Wide Web Ozark Ecotours http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation (recreation information on all forests and grasslands) http://www.recreation.gov (interagency recreation activities information for Federal land) http://www.reserveusa.com (National Recreation Reservation Service) 1 Special Places The Greatest Snow on Earth!

Skiers find the “greatest snow on offers a number of excellent locations Earth” at the Snowbasin Ski Resort, for ice fishing. which is borne out by its selection as The Snowbasin area is a great place the site for the 2002 Olympic Winter to visit in the summer, with many trails Games signature events—the downhill for hiking, biking, all-terrain vehicle and super g. In addition to an annual riding, motorcycling, and horseback 400 inches of fluffy, powdery snow, the riding. Campgrounds abound, with resort boasts 3,200 acres of skiable ter­ many sites on a first-come, first-serve rain serviced by eight lifts and a 2,900­ basis. Reservations are available for sin­ tive and wildlife viewing sites, 20 trail- foot vertical drop. Snowbasin Ski gle family and group picnic and camp­ heads, fishing sites, 37 nonmotorized Resort is located on the Ogden Ranger ing sites through the toll-free National trails, 3 all-terrain vehicle trail systems, District of the Wasatch-Cache Forest Reservation System at (877) and winter parking areas along this sce­ National Forest. 444-6777. Tourists can also motorboat, nic byway. The byway is groomed for By February 2002, the resort will sail, windsurf, jet-ski, swim, fish, water­ snowmobiling in the winter by the offer two new gondolas and a high- ski, sunbathe, camp, and picnic at the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. speed quad chairlift, a state-of-the-art Pineview Reservoir. Hunting and For more information on the Ogden snowmaking system, and four new day- wildlife viewing are also popular River Scenic Byway, contact the lodges. A new access road to the resort throughout the forest. Ogden Ranger District at (801) 625­ places Snowbasin only 40 miles from Several scenic byways provide out­ 5112. For information on the Mirror Salt Lake City International Airport. standing views in the Wasatch-Cache Lake Scenic Byway, contact the Kamas The Snowbasin area also offers National Forest. The Ogden River Ranger District at (435) 783-4338 or marked and groomed trails and many Scenic Byway follows State Route 39 Evanston Ranger District at (307) 789­ forest roads for cross-country skiing. A from Ogden, UT, to the eastern forest 3194. Or visit the following Web sites: snowmobile parking area on Highway boundary. Visitors journeying up this http://www.snowbasin.com 39 is available during the winter narrow canyon can enjoy alpine beau­ http://www.saltlake2002.com months, and scenic Pineview Reservoir ty, excellent fishing, access to Pineview http://www.fs.fed.us/wcnf/index.html Reservoir, and spectacular fall colors. http://www.publiclands.org Driving the 44-mile byway requires approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Portions of the route are closed in the winter, depending on snowfall. Visitors shouldn’t miss the drive along the popular Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, State Route 150. The byway begins in Kamas, UT, and passes through the national forest for 44 miles, ending in Evanston, WY. The Mirror Lake area offers campgrounds and picnic areas, overlooks, interpre­

continued from page 12 To find out more about the program and projects, check the Web site at al vehicle hookups are provided or at http://www.passportintime.com. local hotels and travel to the site each Projects are also announced in the PIT day. The projects vary in length from 2 Traveler, published in March and days to 2 weeks or even longer. The September. The newsletter is free; just level of accessibility ranges from very contact the PIT Clearinghouse to difficult to easy, depending on the receive a copy or to be added to the activity and location of the project. mailing list. The Passport in Time T I OR NT Clearinghouse can answer questions SP I S M about accessibility or physical require­ A E

P • •

ments for any project. Just call (800) • F 281-9176 (voice, TTY) or (520) 722­ O E R IC 2716 (local Tucson number) or send an E V e-mail to [email protected]. ST SER

2 Special Places

house boating and fishing available in the West. Over 100 miles of the rivers in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest have been designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, providing unique year-around whitewater boating opportunities. Within the boundaries of the national forest, you'll find five wilderness areas. From mountain climbing to whitewater boating, spelunking to gold panning, skiing to just sightseeing, the Shasta- Trinity National Forest has something for everyone. Tour buses are well accommodated throughout Shasta-Trinity, and fee information is available upon request. Special-use fee arrangements for large groups can be made through the Forest Service. For more information on areas within the national forest boundaries, contact the Shasta-Trinity National Shasta Cascade Wonderland Forest Supervisor’s Office at (530) 244­ 2978. For more information on area com­ President Teddy Roosevelt knew what mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mercial guides authorized to provide he was doing when he set aside nation­ and fish. Hundreds of miles of clear, tours and equipment rentals, visit the al forests like the Shasta and Trinity in cold-running streams offer opportuni­ following Web site: the early 1900s. Scenic deep canyons ties to catch native rainbow trout, http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/shastatrinity/nra/ and thrilling river rapids, towering steelhead trout, and silver salmon. links.html. granite peaks and cliffs, and numerous For drivers looking to glimpse the Information for tour planning is lakes provide a wonderland of outdoor area’s grandeur through a windshield, available through the Shasta-Cascade adventure for groups and individual the Trinity Scenic Byway along State Wonderland Association, 1699 Hwy travelers alike. Covering an area rough­ Highway 3 offers one of the most beau­ 273, Anderson, CA 96007. Visit the ly the size of Ohio, the Shasta Cascade tiful drives in northern California. Self- Web site: http://www.shastacascade.org/ region contains seven national forests, guided auto tour information is avail­ or call Karen Whittaker, Tourism numerous national and State parks, the able at the local offices and visitor cen­ Development Manager, at (530) 365­ Trinity Alps Wilderness, and the ter. Bicyclists touring along the 50-mile 7500. California Cascade Range, with its loop circling Mount Shasta can ride huge volcanic peaks—Mts. Shasta and alongside glaciers and lava flows. Lassen. Outdoor recreation facilities range Over 1,400 miles of trails meander from primitive to modern. At Mount through Shasta-Trinity National Forest Shasta Board and Ski Park, snowboard­ under a canopy of cedar trees, pon­ ers and skiers can cascade down sculpt­ derosa pine, Pacific dogwood, black ed terrain like quarter pipes, tabletops, cottonwood, and Pacific yews. The rolls, and jumps. Three triple chair lifts Pacific Crest Trail cuts across the forest take visitors to the top; 31 trails get for 154 miles, with stunning views in them back down. The Shasta and all directions. Shasta-Trinity National Trinity Units of the National Forest is home to over 400 species of Recreation Area offer some of the best

continued from page 1 inspire responsible outdoor recreation ecosystems. The Leave No Trace, Inc., through education, research, and part­ principles have been adapted for desert cal program, not as a set of rules and nerships. It is an educational program ecosystems, tropical rain forests, decid­ regulations. Clearly, all use has impacts. about discovering, enjoying, and main­ uous forests, caves, coastal environ­ The goal is to leave the landscape as taining the great outdoors for ourselves; ments, and other locations. The skills charming and healthy as we found it our children; and the unique commu­ and ethics booklet series is organized by when bringing guests into forest and nities of peoples, plants, and animals regions that cover all of North grassland landscapes. The mission of that inhabit these lands. The message America. Check for your region on the Leave No Trace is to promote and has been tailored for multiple uses and Web site: http://www.lnt.org.

3 Special Places El Yunque–America’s Only Tropical Rainforest

If you’re looking for an exotic tour location, try the Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico. Set aside by the Spanish Crown in 1876 while Puerto Rico was still ruled from Madrid, it is one of the oldest protected areas in the Western Hemisphere. As a result, the forest looks much as it did when Christopher Columbus visited Puerto Rico 500 years ago. Under a damp canopy created by 1,000-year-old trees and in company of giant ferns, bromeli­ ads, and rare orchids, tourists find it dif­ ficult to remember they are still in the United States. With its 200 inches of rain per year and more than 1,000 species of plants, this is as accessible and convenient as tropical rain forests get—no passport, vaccinations, or complex travel plans are required for U.S. citizens to visit. venirs. For more information call (787) http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resource/US The Caribbean National Forest is 888-1810. _National_Forest/pr_carib.HTM located about 25 miles east of San Forest Adventure Tours offer the http://www.solboricua.com/elyunque/ Juan. “El Yunque,” as it is locally called, opportunity to explore El Yunque rain is one of the most popular recreation forest trails with a guide. For informa­ sites in Puerto Rico. Almost a million tion and reservations call (787) 888­ tourists visit this highly accessible trop­ 1880. If visiting the forest during hurri­ ical rain forest each year. El Yunque is cane season (from June 1st to the largest remnant of original forest November 30th), check for local that covered virtually the entire island weather broadcasts: (787) 253-7877. before 85 percent of Puerto Rico was For more information, visit the fol­ cleared for agriculture. lowing Web sites: Islanders typically visit the forest in http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/cari the hot summer months of July and bbean/ August. Most off-island visitors come during the winter and early spring months. Many cruise ship passengers tour into the heart of the forest. Low- NatureWatching on visitation times are mid-April through mid-June and September through National Forests October. Whatever time of year you visit, the scenic roadways, picnic areas, The NatureWatch program provides Web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/out­ trails, and the El Portal Rainforest opportunities for people to experience doors/naturewatch/default.htm or call Center will welcome you. wildlife, fish, and flowers in their natu­ (414) 297-3257. You can learn about the forest and ral settings; promotes recreational its relationship with other tropical rain viewing opportunities; facilitates learn­ forests in the world at the El Portal ing about the environment; and pro­ Rainforest Center. Its unique architec­ motes conservation efforts and wise use ture, spectacular natural setting, of natural resources. The NatureWatch exhibits and interactive displays, and program is administered by the Forest helpful interpretive personnel make it a Service Wildlife, Fish, and Rare Plant favorite starting point for your visit. A Program in cooperation with program new nature trail starts just outside of sponsors and thousands of partnerships the center. The theater’s bilingual film around the country. gives insight into hidden corners of El Incorporate NatureWatch activities Yunque. The gift shop offers a unique into your tours! For more information selection of books, local arts and crafts, on NatureWatch auto tours, site loca­ videos, educational items, and sou­ tions, and accessible sites, check the 4 Special Places The Great Lakes of Colorado

to the scenic lakes of the ANRA. Tour groups will enjoy a wide variety of watersports on these Great Lakes of Colorado. Many of the marinas rent boats of all kinds. Boat-in camping is popular along the northeast shores of Lake Granby. Hiking is also popular, with portions of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in the ANRA. Horseback trips are another option on many trails. Rental stables are available in the town of Grand Lake. Mountain biking for all skill lev­ els is popular around Meadow Creek Reservoir and in areas surrounding the ANRA. Bikes are rented in the towns of Grand Lake, Granby, and Winter Park. Backcountry camping is permit­ ted in the ANRA, with access to the Continental Divide. Cutthroat Bay Group Camp can The Arapaho National Recreation 3 Lake Granby—the second largest accommodate up to 2 groups of 50 peo­ Area (ANRA) is a scenic water won­ body of water in Colorado—offers ple in a rustic setting. Reservations are derland in the upper reaches of the power and sail boating, water skiing, required. Point Park picnic area and Colorado River Valley. Adjacent to wind surfing, and fishing on its fishing pier have facilities that are Rocky Mountain National Park, it is 7,256 acres. accessible to all. Reservations can be about a 2-hour drive from Denver, CO. 3 Monarch Lake supports high-quality made through the National Recreation Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake, nonmotorized recreation experi­ Reservation System at (877) 444-6777. Monarch Lake, Willow Creek ences on its 150 acres. Daily fees are charged for use of the Reservoir, and Meadow Creek 3 Shadow Mountain is a shallow campgrounds. Reservoir are nestled within the reservoir connected by a canal to There is an entrance fee of $5 per ANRA. Adjacent to the ANRA, Grand Lake, allowing boat passage day or $10 per weekend (3 days). Grand Lake, with its deep, clear blue between the two. Golden Eagle, Age, and Access waters, is the largest natural lake in 3 Willow Creek Reservoir—tucked Passports are accepted for admission. Colorado. Together, the lakes and into the Willow Creek Valley—is For information on organizing tours reservoirs are often referred to as the oriented toward fishing and canoe­ in the Arapaho National Recreation Great Lakes of Colorado. ing and allows powerboats restricted Area, contact Bill Dunkelberger, Area At an elevation ranging from 8,200 to a “no wake” speed on its 750 Manager, at (970) 887-4127, or con­ to 11,000 feet, the area offers cool sum­ acres. tact the Sulphur Ranger District, mers and cold, snowy winters. Facilities 3 Meadow Creek Reservoir—located Arapaho National Forest, 9 Ten Mile usually open around May 20 and offer in the most remote part of the Drive, P.O. Box 10, Granby, CO full service until shortly after Labor ANRA—is nearly 10,000 feet in 80446, (970) 887-4100. For trip plan­ Day, subject to the weather. elevation and allows nonmotorized ning on the Web, use Camping, picnic, and boating facili­ watercraft on its 125 acres. http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/srd/vvc/cam ties are available at most of the lakes. Lodging accommodations are avail­ ping/arapaho.htm. Specific lake characteristics include: able at both the recreation lakes and in the nearby towns of Lake Granby and Grand Lake. For more information, contact the Granby Chamber of Commerce at (970) 887-2311 or Grand Lake Chamber at (970) 627­ 3402. The west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park along Highway 34 is located just 1.5 miles north of the ANRA. Those visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park should complete their trip with a visit 5 Special Places America’s Best-Known Volcano

tion to self-guided opportunities, Forest Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center: Service interpreters lead many activi­ (360) 274-2131 ties including guided walks and Johnston Ridge Observatory: amphitheater talks. (360) 274-2140 On State Route 504, Mount St. Monument Headquarters: Helens and Coldwater Ridge Visitor (360) 247-3900 Centers are open year-round and Lodging, food, gas, and other servic­ Johnston Ridge Observatory is open es are located in nearby communities. from spring to fall. Windy Ridge For information on local offerings and Viewpoint and other sites along Forest tour support, contact the following Road 99 are generally open from attractions and Chambers of Memorial Day until snow closes the Commerce, or visit the monument roads. Most trails are accessible from Web site at June through October, although some http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm. lower elevation trails can be hiked all year. Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center Winter at Mount St. Helens is mag­ (Cowlitz County): (360) 274-7750 ical. Many cross-country ski and snow­ Forest Learning Center mobile trails await winter tourists. (Weyerhaeuser Co.): Snow enthusiasts gather at Marble (360) 414-3439 Mountain, Cougar, and Wakepish Sno- Castle Rock: (360) 274-6603 Parks, while those seeking shelter from Kelso/Longview: (360) 577-8058 the winter weather visit Coldwater Centralia/Chehalis: (360) 748-8885 Mount St. Helens rumbled to life in Ridge Visitor Center, lingering to enjoy Woodland: (360) 225-9552 March 1980. For 2 months, earth­ a cup of hot cocoa in the restaurant. Stevenson: (509) 427-8911 quakes and steam explosions rattled the Tour and school groups are wel­ mountain and the nerves of Northwest come at the monument and are residents. Then, on May 18, 1980, encouraged to schedule visits in Mount St. Helens erupted. The entire advance. Fees are charged at the north face of the volcano collapsed in Monument Visitor Centers, Ape Cave, the largest recorded landslide in history. and Windy Ridge, as well as for climb­ A tremendous lateral blast swept over ing the volcano. Golden Eagle, Age, ridges, toppling 230 square miles of for­ and Access Passports are valid. For est like matchsticks. The eruption last­ information on tours and passes, con­ ed 9 hours, turning a lush, forested tact any of the following numbers: landscape into a stark, gray moonscape. Mount St. Helens Visitor Center: Mount St. Helens National (360) 274-2100 Volcanic Monument was created in 1982 for research, recreation, and edu­ cation. Within the monument, the environment is left to respond and recover naturally. Scientists and visitors follow the changes in the landscape and volcano, and watch as vegetation and wildlife return to the blast zone. No where else in the country can you view such comprehensive informa­ tion on volcanic history as at Mount St. Helens. A full master plan of roads, viewpoints, visitor centers, and recre­ ational facilities have been developed in the monument to encourage visitors to explore and learn about this unique volcanic landscape. Mount St. Helens offers picnicking, camping, and trails of all lengths and levels of challenge. Each year thousands of climbers make the journey to the crater rim. In addi­ 6 Special Places Discovery in Southeast Alaska

world-class exhibits await perusal. Interpreters are available to answer questions and offer programs. For many visitors, the first stop after the lobby is to view Mystical Southeast Alaska, an award-winning 14-minute program that combines slides, video, and origi­ nal music in an orientation program on southeast Alaska. From the theater, vis­ itors go to nearby exhibits, which high­ light the ecosystems, natural resources, and people of southeast Alaska. The trip planning room is designed like a wilderness lodge, where visitors can plan travels to any of the six geograph­ ic regions of Alaska. Before going back into the lobby, many people stop at the Alaska Natural History Association (ANHA) Bookstore, which features books, videos, maps, educational resources, and gift items that highlight topics featured in the center. If you are interested in taking groups Every good tour operator knows that southeast Alaska. The Tongass into this remarkable area, contact the Alaska is the land of superlatives— National Forest has interpreters on Southeast Alaska Discovery Center whether it is about size, temperature, board the ships 7 days a week from and start them out right! variety, or uniqueness. The Tongass June 1st through Labor Day to bring National Forest and the Southeast alive the wonders of Alaska. One of Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Alaska Discovery Center give you a four Alaska Public Lands Information 50 Main Street strong sense of this last frontier. Centers located around the State, the Ketchikan, AK 99901 The Tongass is America’s largest Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a E-mail: national forest, with almost 17 million key visitor resource. It is located in [email protected]. acres. It has some of the smallest and downtown Ketchikan, just 2 short us largest critters and plants—from the blocks from the cruise ship dock and Phone: (907) 228-6220 shrew to the brown bear, from tiny bog 2.5 miles from the ferry terminal. TDD: (907) 228-6237 orchids to towering spruce. The As tourists enter the spacious lobby, Fax: (907) 228-6234 national forest encompasses about they’re surrounded by authentic red 2,000 islands, over 5,000 glaciers, and cedar totem poles that represent the Web sites: 33,000 miles of coastline. In short, it’s a three tribes of Southeast Alaska: the http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/dis­ place to inspire the soul! Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. An tricts/discoverycenter/index.html During the summer months, thou­ information desk, center store, trip http://www.nps.gov/aplic/center/index. sands of visitors travel the ferries of planning room, movie, and series of html

7 Special Places Lewis and Clark

If you’re looking for a theme tour of two-story diorama portrays a portage with more than 20 paying adults may westward expansion, Native American around the great falls of the Missouri arrange for a discount. Educational tours history, and the indomitable spirit of River, and two-story windows overlook are also offered during the school year. human discovery, this is the place! The the river. The theater features a 30­ For more information or to make a group Lewis and Clark National Historic minute introductory film. Native plants reservation, call the interpretive center at Trail brings to life the experiences of can be viewed by traveling on an out­ (406) 727-8733. Interpretive tours are the great expedition in the early 19th door trail. At the living history area offered daily during the spring, summer, century to discover a “Northwest along the banks of the Missouri River, and fall. The center is fully accessible to Passage” from the Atlantic to the demonstrations of expedition daily life individuals with disabilities and also offers Pacific Ocean. and native cultures occur during the parking for tour buses. Located on a bluff overlooking the summer. For further information, contact the Missouri River in Montana’s Giant The center is gearing up for the 4­ center at: P.O. Box 1806, Great Falls, Springs Heritage State Park, the year commemoration of the Lewis and MT 59403-1806, or visit the Lewis and 25,000-square-foot interpretive center Clark Bicentennial from 2003 to 2006. Clark Web site at includes a huge exhibit hall, a 158-seat A variety of workshops and classes are http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark.lcic.htm. theater, a hands-on education room, offered, lasting from a 1/2-day to 3-day Other Web sites with information about and a retail store. Easy trails invite visi­ sessions and covering topics from event Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and tors down to the river. planning to the 19th century Indian their expeditions include: Exhibits chronicle the 1804 to 1806 material culture. Each workshop http://bicentennial@lewisandclark200 journey of Meriwether Lewis and requires advance registration and a http://www.lewis-clark.org William Clark, with a focus on their small fee. Attendance is limited. The http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark interactions with the Plains Indians. A interpretive center also offers regularly scheduled interpretive programs on expedition-related topics such as medi­ cine, food, diplomacy, and wildlife, as well as current-interest demonstrations on portaging, pitching a teepee, plant study, and various orientation and out­ door skills. Call for current program listings. Entry prices range from $5 for adults, to $4 for seniors and students, to $2 for youth (6 to 17 years). Children age 5 and under enter free. Groups From Relics to Rentals: Recycled Forest Service Cabins for Rent!

Imagine yourself as the sole smoke close to the heart to destroy, a public spotter for 100,000 acres of land, alone rental program was developed to pro­ on a mountaintop while summer light­ tect and maintain them, and to offer ning flashes in dizzying bolts all about the experience of staying in the wild in you. Or, perhaps you are the Lone the historic cabins and lookouts of Ranger charged with riding and pro­ early rangers. tecting a whole mountain range with There are now over 400 Forest your trusted steed as your only compan­ Service-maintained structures available ion. Relive the drama of our early for­ for daily or weekly rental around the lowing Web sites for phone numbers or est rangers as you enjoy our many country. Most can be reached only by to make online reservations for these restored authentic cabins and lookouts foot, ski, snowmobile, or horseback. one-of-a-kind treasures: on national forests and wilderness “Off the beaten track” definitely applies http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/per­ areas. here! From administrative cabins still mits/cabinrentals.htm In these modern times of plugged-in used today in Alaska, to quasi-luxury http://www.reserveusa.com/cabins/inde communication, these sites are no cabins with private springs in Florida, x.html longer necessary for managing the land. the great outdoors of national forest http://www.camprrm.com/rental_cab­ Because the sites are too valuable and cabins awaits you. Check out the fol­ ins.htm 8 Special Places Grassroots Ecotourism: Ozark Ecotours

the Ozark Mountain culture. Some authentic ecotourism principles set into tours may explore remote natural action. springs and waterfalls, native history To find out more information on sites, or seldom known native plants. prescheduled tours or how to book a Each has a special theme and is tai­ custom tour, contact: lored for high interaction with the group participants. As an expert in Ozark Ecotours, P.O. Box 513, Jasper, birding, history, native lore, or hidden AR 72641-0513 gems of the forest, each local guide is Voice: (870) 446-5898 well versed in interpretation tech­ FAX: (870) 446-2701 If you are planning a trip to the Ozarks niques and how to keep visitors close Toll Free: (877) 622-5901 of Arkansas and are looking for a to the real experience of the land and Web site: unique, locally based, authentic eco­ culture they are traveling through. http://www.ozarkecotours.com tourism experience in the heartland of These tours are very limited and special America, then you must try Ozark opportunities to help support the Ecotours. Located in the landscapes preservation of Ozark culture and to around Jasper, AR, these tours were enjoy a wonderful, intimate experience developed to provide highly interactive in these natural landscapes. educational tours into the natural and Tours can be arranged for groups of cultural history of the Ozark 6 to 12 people as custom tours. They Mountains. Each tour is designed to are ideally suited for small van tours or provide tourists with ecological and individual groups looking for that cultural interpretations that support unique tourism experience. The entire and protect the Newton County natu­ Ozark Ecotours effort is community ral resources and cultural heritage and driven and is a great example of truly

Hidden Gems: Scenic Wonders–Smaller Crowds These “lesser known” national treasures of the National Forest System possess great facilities for both group tours and smaller parties that are looking for true backcountry Americana locations, “far from the madding crowds.”

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

On the Wallowa-Whitman National NRA. Hells Canyon State Scenic Forest, Hells Canyon National Byway (a newly designated All- Recreation Area (NRA) straddles the American Road) passes through part of Snake River as it winds its way down the canyon, offering breathtaking vis­ the boundary between Idaho and tas. Hells Canyon NRA includes a Oregon. In Hells Canyon one can find diversity of plant and animal commu­ some of the most rugged, spectacular nities, over 1 million acres of pristine wildlands on Earth—including, at land, archaeological sites of irreplace­ 7,800 feet (2,800 meters), the deepest able value, scenic beauty, and recre­ gorge in North America and the ational opportunities galore. wildest whitewater stretch of the Snake Drawn by relatively mild winters, River. The Hells Canyon Wilderness lush forage, and plentiful wildlife, Chief encompasses nearly one-third of the Joseph’s band of Nez Perce Indians 9 Special Places lived in Hells Canyon. Today, the walls For group information, visit the Web of the canyon are like a museum, dis­ site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/feedemo/wel­ playing evidence of the Indians’ early come.html or contact the Hells Canyon settlement in pictographs and petro­ NRA. glyphs. Hells Canyon National Recreation Hunters, anglers, and casual Area observers appreciate the variety and 88401 Hwy. 82 abundance of fish and wildlife. Scenic Enterprise, OR 97828 vistas abound; countless undeveloped (541) 426-4978 sites await discovery. If you are seeking Satellite offices are located at a more developed setting, choose from Clarkston, WA: (509) 758-0616, and 900 miles of constructed hiking trails Riggins, ID: (208) 628-3916. and 25 designated camping areas. For additional trip planning informa­ Whether you seek a wilderness hike or tion, contact the Wallowa Mountains a scenic drive, a rafting thrill or tran­ Visitor Center at (541) 426-5546 or quil water, a campsite away from civi­ TDD (541) 426-5609. lization or one in a bustling camp­ The following Web sites offer infor­ ground, Hells Canyon NRA has plenty mation about recreational activities and to discover! at several trailheads serving the Hells outfitter/guide services: This year Hells Canyon NRA cele­ Canyon NRA on the Oregon side. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/rog/recrep/ brates its 25th anniversary, as well as They may be purchased from Forest recrep_hcnra.htm the designation of the Hells Canyon Service offices or local vendors for $5 http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/hcnra.htm State Scenic Byway as an “All per day. Many of the roads leading to http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resource/us_ American Road.” Make your plans Wilderness trailheads and viewpoints wilderness_area/or_hells.htm now to join in the celebrations! are single lane and suitable for low- http://www.tcfn.org/tctour/parks/Hells Please note you will need a speed use only. Call (541) 426-4978 for CanyonNRA.html “Northwest Forest Pass” when parking road conditions before entering. http://www.ohwy.com/id/h/hellcnra.htm Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed and Toadstool Geologic Park

Grasslands. Here you can still imagine longest known mammal trackway of how dinosaurs roamed the land and see the Oligocene epoch. This 1-mile-plus the prairie landscapes that early settlers trackway is featured in a new interpre­ found when they carved pathways to a tive kiosk and a self-guided trail new life in the late 1800s. brochure. A 1-mile-loop trail from the Hours: campground highlights many examples Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m : May 15 ­ of eroded clay/sandstone formations. A September 30 reconstructed sod house provides a Excavation Session Dates: look into the past when homesteaders Session 1: May 29 - June 7 on the prairie used the only abundant Session 2: June 12 - 21 building material available. A $5 Session 3: June 26 - July 5 camping fee or a $3 per vehicle day-use Session 4: July 10 – 19 fee is charged from Memorial Day Fees: through Labor Day. A visit to Hudson-Meng Bison Adult: $3 For information, check Bonebed is perfect for the adventure­ Children 6-12: $1 http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska/hud­ some small group. Here you can Under 6: Free sonmeng.html. glimpse a current archeological excava­ Group rates and tours are available by tion in progress. Interpretive materials calling (308) 432-0300 (off season) and and guided tours explain why this is (308) 665-3900 such an important discovery and when the facility is open. encourage visitors to develop their own Near Crawford, Nebraska, it's only a theories about what happened to the few miles to the moonscape of bison. The site is located in the shadow Toadstool Geologic Park. Toadstool of Nebraska’s picturesque Pine Ridge, Geologic Park is noted for unusual geo­ overlooking this unique site within the logic formations and scientifically valu­ Oglala and Buffalo Gap National able fossil deposits. It also contains the 10 Special Places Sedona’s Red Rock Country

Verde Valley—this splendid and Many driving routes are “must see” unique landscape is a geologic wonder drives, including Highway 89A into and a living crossroads between time Oak Creek Canyon from Flagstaff, and space. The stream is the lifeblood Highway 89A to Sedona from of the area, and the magnet that draws Cottonwood, and Highway 179 to regional visitors from the desert valleys Sedona from I-17. All routes feature to the cooler environment of the Red spectacular views of Red Rock Rocks. People have come to this area Country. Buses are welcome on these for more than 10,000 years. Nestled in scenic routes. Red Rock Canyons are outstanding Offering comprehensive informa­ rock art sites, impressive pueblos, cliff tion and education services, five visitor dwellings, and other remains of prehis­ centers welcome tourists to the Red toric cultures that once inhabited the Rock Country. A Red Rock Pass is area. required for parking in the national Red Rock Country boasts three fed­ forest. erally designated wilderness areas, For more information call the marked by colorful cliffs and soaring ranger station at (520) 282-4119, or pinnacles, dry desert, thick pinyon- contact Coconino National Forest, juniper forests, and lush riparian areas. Sedona Ranger District, P.O. Box 300, The magnificence of Red Rock With nearly 200 miles of trails, camp­ 250 Brewer Road, Sedona, AZ 86339. Country has been 330 million years in ing and hiking is allowed in all wilder­ For complete trip planning assistance, the making. Traveling from the ness areas. Parking is very limited at check the following Web site: Mogollon Rim high on the Colorado most trailheads; buses are not recom­ http://www.redrockcountry.org Plateau to the depths of Oak Creek mended. Canyon, you pass through a rich geo­ Within a short drive of Sedona, AZ, logic record, similar to that of the several Forest Service campgrounds upper Grand Canyon. Like pages in a and picnic areas provide recreational great book, horizontal layers of rock tell opportunities for groups and family stories of ancient oceans and swamps, campers. Most campsites and all picnic floodplains, vast deserts of sand, and sites are available on a “first-come, violent volcanic eruptions. first-served” basis. Campground reser­ The splendor of Red Rock Country vations are accepted at some locations. is obvious even through the windshield Campgrounds fill up early, so calling of a quickly moving vehicle. Unified by ahead is recommended. Dispersed Oak Creek—the vital riparian link camping outside of campgrounds is pro­ between the Mogollon Rim and the hibited in much of Red Rock Country.

tours are available, some with assis­ tance by agency tour staff. Blanchard Springs Caverns The visitor center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is fully accessible. RV campers will enjoy Blanchard Come experience a “living” cave where open for guided tours. Open year- Campground, with 32 sites, and the glistening stalactites, stalagmites, round, the Dripstone Trail Tour travels Gunner Pool Campground, with 27 columns, and flowstones slowly form about a half-mile through huge rooms sites. and change—the result of minerals and sparkling formations. It is accessi­ Blanchard Springs Caverns and deposited by dripping water. Visitors ble to people with strollers and, with recreation areas are located 15 miles can stroll through large, beautifully assistance, individuals in wheelchairs. northwest of Mountain View, AR. lighted rooms with paved trails. For Although rates to tour the cave are For information or tour reservations, over 25 years, spectacular cave forma­ subject to change, they range from $5 contact: tions have drawn visitors to Blanchard to $9 per person, with discounts avail­ USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box Springs Caverns. Located on the able for Golden Age or Golden Access 1279, Mountain View, AR 72560, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, the Passports. Discounts are also available (870) 757-2211, or toll-free (888) 757­ caverns offer a close-up view of a little for groups of 10 or more when reserva­ 2246. known subterranean world. tions are made in advance. Call (888) For Web site information, visit Blanchard is a three-level system, 757-2246 between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 http://www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/recre­ but only two levels of the caverns are p.m. (c.s.t.) for current rates. Guided ation/bsc_main.htm. 11 Special Places Heritage Sites: It’s About Time! National forests are not just about nat­ ural vistas and wonderful recreation Passport in sites, they also shelter the stories of our past. Ancient pueblos, ceremonial Time kivas, totem poles, ancient villages, obsidian quarries, ghost towns, gold Passport in Time is a volunteer pro­ mines, Basque tree carvings, home­ gram that invites the public to work steads, lookouts, and lighthouses are all alongside Forest Service archaeologists part of our historic landscape. and share in the thrill of discovery Uncovering their stories can be quite through archaeological and historical an experience. The Forest Service research. It is better suited to the indi­ offers a number of ways to experience vidual traveler who wants a very this history, from staying in a historic “hands on” educational vacation. lookout or cabin, to volunteering to Adventurous Passport in Time vol­ help agency archaeologists, to visiting unteers have helped stabilize ancient sites and learning preservation skills by prehistoric rock art, stone tool quar­ cliff dwellings in New Mexico, exca­ from the Forest Service staff of heritage ries, Indian battlefields, and Basque vate a 10,000-year-old village site in professionals. Sheepherders’ carved tree art. Minnesota, restore a historic lookout Want to learn how to stabilize his­ tower in Oregon, clean vandalized rock toric buildings? How about cooking in art in Colorado, survey for sites in the Heritage a Dutch oven? Driving a team of rugged Montana wilderness, and exca­ mules? It’s all waiting for you in vate a 19th-century Chinese mining Expeditions Heritage Expeditions! Fees vary accord­ site in Hell’s Canyon, ID. ing to the type and length of the expe­ Because Passport in Time is a volun­ Heritage Expeditions are educational dition. A 1-day course on Dutch Oven teer program, there is no fee to partici­ tour programs about historic and pre­ Cooking is $90, you get to take home pate. The program now includes sites historic sites on national forests. Some the cookbook and 10-inch dutch oven! on 117 national forests in 36 States. even offer training courses designed to The 5-day hiking and camping trek Many projects involve backcountry teach traditional skills. Upcoming along the Santiam Wagon Road is camping where volunteers are responsi­ Heritage Expeditions include a hiking $375. ble for their own food and gear. Others and camping trek along Oregon’s his­ For more information about offer, often for a small fee, meals pre­ toric Santiam Wagon Road; Heritage Expeditions and current offer­ pared by a “camp cook.” Volunteers Horsemanship & Packing clinics in ings, call (530) 233-8730 or visit the may stay at campsites where recreation- Montana; and a bus and hiking tour in Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/recre­ northern California, which takes you ation/heritage/expeditions.shtml. continued on page 2

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Yates Federal Building 201 14th Street, SW Washington, DC 20024

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