The Pacific Northwest's temperate rainforests hold some of the tallest trees on earth, kept consistently wet by coastal weather systems rather than tropical heat. Central American cloud forests offer a warmer, more biodiverse alternative further south.
The destinations on this list range from cool, towering temperate rainforest dominated by conifers and moss to warmer tropical cloud forest with vastly higher biodiversity. Both require waterproof gear regardless of season.
Visiting during shoulder season tends to mean fewer crowds at the more accessible Pacific Northwest sites without sacrificing much in the way of conditions. Local park rangers can point out specific old-growth groves easy to miss without guidance. Packing waterproof layers also matters considerably given how frequently rain falls in this region.
