Travel & Outdoors
Top Five National Forests Within a Stone’s Throw of Civilization
When you want to be in the woods, but not too far away from the comforts of a finely poured pint and a mattresses, you've got options.By Jill Adler, 7-29-11
The Pearl St. Pub is not exactly roughing it, but it's close.
Not everyone “enjoys” the outdoors and when it comes to pitching a tent, slapping on bug spray and going three days without a shower, even fewer sign on for the adventure of packing into backcountry. Sometimes roughing it simply means a queen instead of a king and no walk-in closet but, that shouldn’t exclude the West’s perhaps less-adventurous from experiencing the outdoors.
Try these five woodsy destinations within reach of a top-tier restaurant and plush (non-inflatable) mattresses.
Albuquerque, N.M.: Cibola National Forest
Hike one of 60 trails that lie on the east side of the Sandia Mountains. The entire forest actually stretches through hundreds of thousands of forested acres in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, but this little piece off Highway 14 on the way to Santa Fe is a cool escape from Albuquerque’s intense summer sun. Rock climbers should traverse over to Big Block, 15 miles east of the city. In the evening, hit Nob Hill for vintage clothing boutiques, galleries, brewpubs and authentic Southwestern dining at places like Zinc. In Santa Fe, book a room at the cozy Inn on the Alameda or the Hotel Santa Fe but dine in the fabulously colorful, flavorful indoor plaza at La Fonda Hotel. FYI- Be careful ordering the margaritas at Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen. You might not make your hike the next day.
Portland, Ore.: Mount Hood National Forest
Located 20 miles east of the city and the northern Willamette River valley, the Mt. Hood National Forest takes in the impressive Columbia River Gorge as well as miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams. Visitors can fish, camp, boat and hike while picking berries and mushrooms (not THOSE kind!). When you’re done, head in to Portland for what those yippies do best- stuff themselves on organic, locally grown cuisine and world-class microbrews like, all available at The Park Kitchen.
Boulder, Colo.: Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Take in views of the Continental Divide on the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, a 55-mile mountain road that winds across rugged mountains and passes through historic mining towns along the way. Hop over to Boulder after your hike to experience life in a college town and one of Outside Magazine’s selections for the “Best Town Ever” contest. Get your carbo load in at Il Pastaio and do the hippie dance at Pearl Street Pub & Cellar. Sign up to couch surf if you don’t mind crashing with strangers. Boulder has a townful of members.
Missoula, Mont.:Lolo National Forest
You can have any kind of adventure in the deeply wooded and lush surroundings of Lolo National Forest. Fish and boat on one of the 100-plus lakes and rivers. Hike the Lolo Trail made famous by Lewis and Clark or take a dip in natural hot spring pools. The Lolo Hot Springs Resort operates a commercial swimming pool if you want a dip close by, although it leans on the rougher side of the amenity meter. It’s enough, though, to work up an appetite for a mouth-watering tenderloin at the Lolo Creek Steakhouse before bedding down at the Hilton Garden Inn or one of the other reasonably priced hotels in Missoula. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir jar of “Cowboy Dust” from the Blue Canyon Restaurant on your way home.
Salt Lake City, Utah: Wasatch Cache National Forest
The Wasatch-Cache may feel remote, but no other national forest lays this close to a major metropolitan city. Due to the four ski resorts located within its boundaries (including Snowbird and Alta), the Wasatch-Cache is one of the most visited sites in the nation. Hike and climb throughout the nearly 2.1 million acres of steep mountains, cross-country trails and rocky crags then head into town for a Broadway show at the Capital Theater or take in a performance by BalletWest. Skip the culture and head straight to one of the many beer joints in Salt Lake City like The Bayou and the Beerhive Pub. With nearly twice as many breweries per capita than New York, Utah has put itself on the map for quirky, quenching pints. Bed down at the Peery Hotel and chance a meeting with one of their resident ghosts.
Jill Adler is a full-time freelancer and broadcaster. To find more of her work, visit her website.
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