If you want to escape crowds and get close to wildlife this summer, U.S. national forests offer the peace and adventure you’re looking for. Unlike busy national parks, these forests have fewer visitors and larger areas of untouched nature. Whether you’re hoping to spot elk in the mountains or hike for hours without meeting another person, there are forests across the country that deliver quiet and natural beauty.

You’ll find these wild places from the deep pines of the Pacific Northwest to the high peaks of the Rockies, each with their own charm and animals to see. Many national forests are easy to reach by car, cost little more than a small entrance or parking fee, and have visitor centers that can help you make the most out of your trip. Summer is an ideal time, with longer days and good weather, but some spots are more secluded and less touristy so you can enjoy unaffected scenery.

This blog will show you which national forests are best for summer solitude and wildlife, where each one is located, and the best ways to get there. You’ll also learn about how affordable each visit can be and how busy to expect each spot to be. Your peaceful outdoor adventure starts here.

Criteria for Solitude and Wildlife in National Forests

Remote national forests offer peace and the chance to see wildlife up close. Good summer forests have cooler weather, fewer crowds, and healthy habitats for animals.

Key Features of Remote National Forests

Remote national forests have less human traffic, which means you are more likely to find quiet spaces. These forests often have large, protected areas without many roads or developed facilities. Look for forests with multiple wilderness zones or restricted vehicle access.

Wildlife thrives in these less-disturbed places. You may spot deer, elk, bears, or rare birds if you hike in the early morning or late afternoon. Since cell service is often weak or missing, make sure you bring a map, compass, and enough supplies.

In these forests, you’ll find longer hiking trails, backcountry campsites, and limited visitor centers. The lack of nearby towns means fewer services, but it also keeps crowds away, letting you hear nothing but the sounds of nature.

What Makes a Forest Ideal for Summer Exploration

A good national forest for a summer visit should have cooler temperatures, plenty of shade, and safe, marked trails. Higher elevations or northern locations help you escape hot weather. Summer is also a time when many animals are active and the landscape is full of wildflowers.

Choose forests with a variety of habitats, such as meadows, streams, and dense woods. This supports more wildlife, so you get a better chance to spot different species. Facilities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and well-kept campgrounds can also improve your trip, but make sure these perks do not mean big crowds.

Look for trails and areas marked as “lightly used” or “primitive.” These spots give you more privacy, and you can enjoy the forest without the noise of popular tourist spots.

Balancing Seclusion and Accessibility

Finding a balance between seclusion and easy access is important for most travelers. Very remote forests might require a long drive or even special permits. However, some forests have hidden gems just off the main roads that remain peaceful even in peak season.

Check local travel alerts and road conditions before you go. Good access roads make a big difference, especially if you don’t have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Entry fees for most national forests are low, but special areas or campsites may charge extra. Plan ahead and reserve campsites when you can.

Review trail maps, visitor guides, and park websites to decide which sections offer the privacy you want without being too far from help if you need it. This way, you can explore deep into nature while still feeling confident about your safety and comfort.

1. Olympic National Forest: Pacific Northwest Wilderness

Olympic National Forest spans rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and a wild coastline. You’ll find secluded hikes, a range of wildlife, and budget-friendly entry fees during summer.

Location and Directions

Olympic National Forest is on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It surrounds the more famous Olympic National Park but is usually less crowded. Major towns nearby include Port Angeles, Forks, and Aberdeen.

You can reach the forest by car from Seattle in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island or drive south on Interstate 5, then follow U.S. Highway 101. Several access points and trailheads ring the forest, making trip planning flexible.

Important highways include U.S. 101, which loops around the peninsula, and State Route 8 if you’re coming from Olympia. Most forest roads are paved, but expect narrow, winding sections. Cell service is limited in remote areas; download maps before you go.

Summer Wildlife and Hidden Trails

In summer, the forest is green and full of life. Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and black bears can be spotted, especially in quieter valleys and meadows. Birdwatchers may see bald eagles, northern spotted owls, and woodpeckers.

Hidden trails wind through old-growth rainforests, mountain passes, and along rivers. Notable hikes include the Lower South Fork Skokomish Trail, Mount Ellinor for sweeping views, and the Enchanted Valley for wildlife sightings. Most trails are shaded, which is helpful on hot days.

Summer weather is mild, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. Bring layers, as mornings and evenings can be chilly. Wildflowers peak in early July, adding color to meadows and trail edges.

Fees and Visitor Costs

Entry to Olympic National Forest is usually free unless you park at designated trailheads that require a pass. The Northwest Forest Pass covers parking at most day-use areas and trailheads, and costs around $5 per day or $30 for an annual pass. Some campgrounds may charge separate fees.

Camping ranges from $15 to $25 per night for standard sites, with some more remote or primitive areas at lower cost. Dispersed camping is allowed in many locations for free, but you’ll need to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Other expenses depend on your chosen activities. Guided tours, if available, have extra costs, but most hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing is free. Gas, groceries, and gear are available in nearby towns.

Seasonal Crowds and Best Times to Visit

Summer is high season, but Olympic National Forest remains quieter than national parks. Main trailheads fill up on weekends, particularly near popular routes like Mount Ellinor, but less-used trails provide solitude.

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer hikers. The forest’s large size means you can often find private spaces, especially if you hike 2-3 miles from the road.

Mosquitoes can be an issue in wetter lowland areas until early July, so pack repellent. Late June through August offers the sunniest weather, with minimal rain and long daylight hours. If you value quiet, midweek visits in July are ideal.

2. White Mountain National Forest: New England’s Quiet Retreat

White Mountain National Forest offers sweeping mountain views, peaceful forests, and excellent wildlife spotting. You can visit secluded lakes, alpine meadows, and scenic trails, all within easy reach of small towns in New Hampshire and western Maine.

Where to Find White Mountain National Forest

You’ll find White Mountain National Forest in northern New Hampshire, with a small part stretching into western Maine. The forest covers over 750,000 acres and includes rugged peaks, deep woods, and beautiful rivers.

Major towns near the forest are Conway, Lincoln, and Gorham, New Hampshire. The famous Kancamagus Highway runs through the heart of the park, offering one of the most scenic drives in New England. Most visitors enter from these towns or along Route 112.

If you want to avoid crowds, look for trailheads away from popular routes like Franconia Notch or Mount Washington. The western and northern sections are often quieter, especially on weekdays.

Getting There by Car and Public Transit

Driving is the easiest way to get to the forest. From Boston, you can reach the southern entrances in about 2.5 hours by car via I-93 North. If you arrive from Portland, Maine, expect a 2-hour drive on I-95 and Route 302.

Public transportation options are limited, but possible. Concord Coach Lines runs buses from Boston and Portland to towns like Lincoln and Conway. From there, you may need to use a local taxi or shuttle service, as in-forest transit is rare. Larger trailheads often have small parking lots, but they can fill quickly on busy summer weekends.

If you don’t have a car, plan your arrival and departure carefully. Rideshares are rare, especially on the less-traveled forest roads.

Camping, Permits, and Fees

White Mountain National Forest has both developed campgrounds and backcountry options. Most developed campgrounds charge from $20 to $28 per night for a standard site. Some, like Wildwood and Hancock, are quieter and feature basic amenities such as toilets and fire rings.

Backcountry camping is free in designated areas, but you should follow Leave No Trace rules and camp at least 200 feet from trails and water. No wilderness permit is needed for most areas, but parking at certain trailheads may require a $5/day or $30/season recreation pass.

Plan ahead, as popular campgrounds fill up quickly during summer. You can make reservations for some sites, while others are first-come, first-served.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities in Summer

Summer is the best season to see wildlife in White Mountain National Forest. Early mornings and dusk are ideal times for spotting moose along quiet roads, especially near wetlands and lakes. You may also see black bears, white-tailed deer, and red foxes throughout the forest.

Birdwatchers enjoy frequent sightings of hawks, warblers, and woodpeckers. The high mountain areas have unique alpine plants and occasional glimpses of the rare boreal chickadee.

If you stay quiet while hiking or camping, your chances of seeing wildlife increase. Always keep food stored securely at campsites, since bears can be active in summer.

3. Gila National Forest: Southwest Serenity

Set in southwestern New Mexico, Gila National Forest covers 3.3 million acres of mountains, canyons, meadows, and desert. Its remote setting, rich wildlife, and lack of crowds make it ideal for those seeking peace, nature, and summer adventure.

How to Reach Gila National Forest

Gila National Forest is located in southwestern New Mexico, mostly in Catron and Grant counties. The nearest airports are in Silver City (small regional) and El Paso, Texas, which is about 160 miles away. From El Paso, you can rent a car and take highways US-180 or NM-152 toward Silver City, then follow signs to forest entry points.

Main towns for entering the forest include Silver City (to the south) and Reserve (to the north). Highway conditions can be winding and steep in places, especially on NM-15 and NM-35. Make sure your car is in good condition and fill up on gas before entering more remote areas. Cell service is limited once you’re deep inside.

Public transport options are limited, so driving is the best way to reach trailheads, campgrounds, and scenic spots. Allow extra travel time for mountain roads and possible summer thunderstorms.

Solitude on High Desert Trails

Gila National Forest is known for its sense of seclusion and variety of trails. The Gila Wilderness, part of the forest, was the first designated wilderness area in the U.S. It is vast and mostly roadless, so you can hike for miles without seeing another group. If you like backcountry hiking, you’ll find true solitude here.

Wildlife is abundant. You may see mule deer, elk, javelina, wild turkeys, and sometimes black bears or mountain lions. Birdwatchers enjoy spotting hawks, golden eagles, and hummingbirds, especially near water. Trails vary from difficult mountain climbs in the Mogollon Mountains to easy creekside paths along the Gila River.

Summer brings warm days, cooler nights, and occasional rain. Wear sun protection, carry plenty of water, and start early if you want to see animals before the heat of the day. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing from a safe distance.

Cost of Entry and Camping

There is no entrance fee to visit Gila National Forest itself. Day use is free in most areas, including trails and scenic lookouts. Some developed campgrounds do have fees, which usually range from $8 to $15 per site each night. Primitive or dispersed camping away from campgrounds is permitted for free, but no services or amenities are provided.

If you plan to soak in the popular Gila Hot Springs (nearby but not inside the forest), there may be a separate fee charged by local businesses. For longer stays, there are discounts with federal recreation passes like the America the Beautiful Pass.

No permit is needed for day hikes or regular camping, but special activities like group trips or extended stays of over 16 days in one spot may require special permission. Always pack out your trash and follow forest rules to minimize your impact.

Avoiding Crowds in Prime Season

Compared to many national forests, Gila remains quiet—even in summer. Most visitors stick near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, especially on weekends and holidays. Hiking a mile or two beyond popular sites drastically reduces the number of people you’ll see.

If you want to avoid other campers, pick one of the many undeveloped or high-elevation campgrounds. Early morning and weekdays are sometimes busy at trailheads, but trails empty out quickly as you get farther from the parking lot. Remote trails in the Aldo Leopold and Blue Range Wildernesses are even quieter.

Summer is the best time for solitude, but be prepared for sudden rainstorms in July and August. Carry rain gear and check weather forecasts, since muddy roads or flash floods are sometimes a risk in remote canyons. If you value privacy, choose less developed areas and plan to be self-sufficient.

4. Cherokee National Forest: Appalachian Solace

Located in eastern Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest is known for its peaceful mountain scenery, large wooded areas, and rich wildlife. Its wide trail network, hidden rivers, and high-elevation vistas give you space to disconnect and spot animals in their natural habitats.

Getting to Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest stretches across more than 650,000 acres along the border with North Carolina and Virginia. The closest major cities for access are Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Both cities are about an hour’s drive from different park entrances.

If you plan to drive, Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 are the main highways that lead to the forest’s northern and southern sections. There are several main entry points, including near Tellico Plains, Ocoee, and Johnson City. Public transportation is limited, so it’s best to have your own car or rent one.

Parking is available at popular trailheads and recreation areas. During the summer, it is still possible to find quiet parking spots, especially on weekdays or early in the morning.

Wildlife Habitat and Viewing Spots

Cherokee National Forest is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and over 260 bird species. If you are patient and quiet, you may spot rare animals along shaded trails or near streams.

The best places for wildlife observation are at higher elevations such as Unaka Mountain and the open areas known as “balds,” like Roan Mountain. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals, as many are most active during these hours.

You’ll also notice a wide variety of wildflowers, butterflies, and native trout in the rivers. For birdwatchers, the forest is a top spot for spotting migratory warblers, hawks, and even the occasional bald eagle.

Affordability and Access Passes

Visiting Cherokee National Forest is very affordable. Entry into the forest itself is free for most activities, such as hiking or wildlife viewing. However, some developed sites—like campgrounds or lakes with boat ramps—charge small day-use or overnight fees. These usually range from $3 to $10 per vehicle.

If you plan to visit several national forests, the America the Beautiful Pass covers day-use fees at many sites across the U.S., including Cherokee. The pass costs about $80 per year.

Picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks do not usually require any special permit or extra payment. You do not need to pay for parking at most trailheads outside developed recreation areas.

Summer Months and Tourist Flow

The forest is lush and full of life from June to August. Summer temperatures are warm but not extreme, especially at higher elevations where daytime highs are in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit.

Even in summer, Cherokee National Forest stays less crowded than nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Weekends bring more visitors to popular spots like the Ocoee River, but most hiking trails and backcountry areas remain peaceful.

The best time to visit for solitude is on weekdays or during the early morning hours. Late summer brings more foggy mornings in the mountains, which adds quiet and makes wildlife easier to spot. Few places offer the same level of calm and variety of nature in the southern Appalachians.

Tips for a Secluded and Responsible Summer Visit

Staying safe, managing money, and reducing your impact are all important while exploring less-traveled national forests. Making careful choices can help you see more wildlife, avoid crowds, and protect fragile habitats.

Planning and Logistics for Less-Traveled Paths

Start by researching which trailheads, roads, and campsites see the fewest visitors. Arrive early in the morning or visit on weekdays to avoid the busiest times.

Download offline maps since cell service is often unreliable in remote areas. Pack extra water, snacks, sun protection, and layers for changing weather. The more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll need help in secluded areas.

Use detailed trail maps and check weather and fire conditions before leaving. Consider high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles for rougher forest roads. Make a trip plan and let someone know your route and dates. In areas with bears or mountain lions, carry bear spray and keep food sealed.

Wildlife Safety and Conservation Practices

Stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife. Use binoculars or a camera zoom to avoid disturbing animals. Keep food in airtight containers and use bear-proof boxes where available.

Don’t feed wildlife or leave any food scraps. This prevents animals from becoming dependent on humans. Dispose of waste properly — pack out all trash, even biodegradable items like food and paper.

Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging habitats. Respect quiet areas, especially during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. If you bring pets, keep them leashed and away from wildlife to protect both your pet and the animals.

Managing Costs While Exploring

Most national forests offer free entry, but you may encounter fees for parking, camping, or permits. Check the forest website or visitor center to see current prices.

Use dispersed camping zones if you want a more affordable and secluded experience. These sites are usually free but offer no services, so be ready to pack everything out.

Carpooling with friends or using public transportation to trailheads can lower costs. Bring a water filter instead of buying bottled water, and plan meals to avoid spending money on restaurants nearby. If you visit several forests, look for annual passes that cover entry or parking at multiple locations.