Though the United States has a vast array of landscapes to be appreciated, one is often forgotten: its rainforests. While the term “rainforest” is not entirely defined, they are known to be densely vegetated areas that usually receive at least 75 inches of rain per year. It is easy to think that all rainforests are like the Amazon and the Congo since they are the most well-known, but the United States also boasts several unique rainforests that travelers definitely should not miss.
Tongass National Forest - Alaska
The largest temperate rainforest in the United States is the Tongass as it reaches over the majority of southeast Alaska. This region is home to many Alaska Natives, with groups represented including the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. The name of the forest comes from the Tlingit people, who lived in the southernmost portions of the region. Now, the area is known as Alaska’s “Inside Passage,” and it is ideal for travelers who want to experience Alaska in its fullness. Skilled hikers can traverse high snowy peaks while other travelers can catch a wildlife tour or ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Even without travel plans, the grand fjords and glaciers are sure to stun.
Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park - Washington
Large hemlock trees in the Hoh Rainforest, Washington. Nathan Dumlao. Unsplash.
Washington state is notorious for its rain, but its particularly rainy winters result in an incredible sight. The Hoh Rainforest bursts with wildlife in the warmer months, with mosses and ferns covering the forest floor adding to its allure. This temperate rainforest is home to an ecosystem that has been unchanged for thousands of years, and it is now the most carefully preserved rainforest in the Northern Hemisphere.
Banana slug on a tree. John Loo. CC 2.0.
While most travel is best on a sunny day, hikers should experience the Hoh while it’s raining. Not only will the moss radiate like emeralds against the dirt beneath it, but you also have a chance of seeing a bright yellow banana slug, the second largest land slug in the world.
Hamakua Coast - Big Island of Hawaii
Akaka Falls in the Hamakua forests. Seth Cottle. Unsplash.
On the northeastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island, the Hamakua Coast is a stretch of lush rainforests home to roaring waterfalls and rich green valleys. Flanked by the Mauna Kea and Kohala volcanoes, this region is home to three of Hawaii’s most famous waterfalls–Akaka Falls, Umauma Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Flowing water in the rainforest near Hilo, Hawaii. Pascal Debrunner. Unsplash.
Outdoor adventure is abundant, though the area’s scenic driving tours are just as likely to impress. The rainforest also has a large abundance of eucalyptus in certain areas that can be explored on fast-paced tours by all-terrain vehicle.
Appalachian Rainforest - Southeastern United States
Black Balsam Knob in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest. Darrell Moore. Unsplash.
The Appalachian Mountains are stunning by themselves, being some of the oldest mountains in the world. The southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains is home to a particularly breathtaking temperate rainforest noted for its vibrant colors in the fall and gentle mist. Many travelers are familiar with the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, which get their name from the blue mist that rises up from the mountains after they receive heavy rainfall. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most biodiverse national park in the country, making it perfect for wildlife lovers. In addition, the Pisgah, Nantahala and Chattahoochee-Oconee national forests are also temperate rainforests in the region ripe for exploration.
Renee Richardson
is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.