North America Rainforests Map

Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves

Mist, Wildlife and Cloudy Magic

8.4

Clouds drift through the trees of Monteverde every afternoon. Moss, orchids and ferns cover each branch. Hanging bridges and zip lines cross the canopy. Trails lead through the Santa Elena reserve. Hummingbirds visit feeders near the cafes. The cloud forest sits around 1,500 metres above sea level.

Highlights:

🦜 Spot rare resplendent quetzals among misty trees
🌉 Walk the hanging bridges for canopy views
🥾 Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest's biodiversity-rich trails

Corcovado National Park

Costa Rica’s Wildest Rainforest Frontier

8.2

Scarlet macaws screech over the Sirena ranger station in Corcovado. The trails here lead through lowland rainforest where tapirs and white lipped peccaries walk. A licensed guide is required inside the park. Most visitors arrive by boat from Drake Bay or on foot from La Leona.

Highlights:

🐢 Watch endangered sea turtles nesting on remote beaches
🌌 Camp under the stars at La Sirena Ranger Station
🥾 Hike Corcovado’s diverse trails through rainforest and coastline

Redwood National Park

Home of the World’s Tallest Trees

8.3

Fern Canyon has walls covered in ferns, with a creek running along the floor. The trail goes through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove loop walks beneath old growth coast redwoods. Roosevelt elk graze in the meadows near the visitor centre at Orick.

Highlights:

🥾 Walk the scenic Karl Knapp Trail near Big Tree Wayside
🍃 Explore Fern Canyon’s prehistoric fern-covered walls
🌲 Hike the Tall Trees Grove, home to towering redwoods

El Yunque National Forest

Tropical rainforest paradise in Caribbean

7.7

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. A paved trail leads to La Mina Falls, where visitors swim in the pool below. Coqui frogs call all night from the trees. The Yokahu Tower looks over the canopy towards the coast.

Highlights:

🥾 Explore El Yunque Peak trail, a challenging rainforest hike
🌄 Climb Mt. Britton Tower for panoramic rainforest views
🌊 Hike to the stunning La Mina Falls and swim

Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Volcanic wonders in pristine rainforest

8.0

The Boiling Lake trail in Morne Trois Pitons National Park crosses the Valley of Desolation, where steam rises from vents. The hike ends at a flooded fumarole. Trafalgar Falls and Emerald Pool are shorter walks. Titou Gorge is a narrow canyon where visitors swim to a waterfall.

Highlights:

💦 Explore the twin Trafalgar Falls and natural hot springs
🏞️ Swim beneath the 50-foot cascading Emerald Pool waterfall
🌋 Hike the challenging trail to the Boiling Lake

Olympic National Park

Untamed Wilderness, All in One

8.5

The Hall of Mosses Trail at the Hoh Rain Forest is a short loop beneath bigleaf maples draped in moss. The Hoh gets about 12 feet of rain a year. Sitka spruce here grow past 250 feet. Roosevelt elk walk through the clearings. The visitor centre sits at the trailhead.

Highlights:

💧 Visit Sol Duc Falls and enjoy the tranquil waterfall
🌲 Explore the lush trails of the Hoh Rainforest
🏞️ Hike to Hurricane Hill for breathtaking panoramic views

Tikal National Park

Lost Mayan City in the Jungle

7.8

Howler monkeys roar across the plaza at dawn in Tikal. Temple IV rises 70 metres and has a view above the canopy. Trails link the Great Plaza, the Temple of the Great Jaguar and smaller groups of ruins. Toucans and spider monkeys live in the trees around the ruins.

Highlights:

🐒 Discover wildlife including monkeys and colorful toucans
🏛️ Explore the Great Plaza surrounded by towering pyramids
🌳 Climb Temple IV for a breathtaking jungle canopy view

Tortuguero National Park

Wildlife and Waterways Adventure

7.8

Boats and kayaks glide through the canals of Tortuguero National Park at dawn. Caimans, spider monkeys and green iguanas sit along the banks. A trail climbs Cerro Tortuguero, a 119 metre volcanic cone with a view over the forest and the Caribbean. Strawberry poison dart frogs hide in leaf litter.

Highlights:

🦜 Spot monkeys and toucans in the dense jungle canopy
🛶 Glide through rainforest canals on a guided canoe tour
🐢 Watch green sea turtles nest on the beach at night

Tofino

Wild Pacific, Rainforest, Endless Waves

8.1

The Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim National Park has two boardwalk loops through cedar and hemlock. Long Beach is a few minutes away, with surfers and storm watchers. Clayoquot Sound has more old growth forest. Boats run from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove, where warm pools flow into the ocean.

Highlights:

🐋 Go whale watching in Clayoquot Sound waters
🥾 Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve trails
🏄‍♂️ Surf the waves at famous Chesterman Beach

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Ancient Maya Ruins in Pristine Jungle

7.7

Calakmul is the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico. Howler monkeys roar at dawn over the temples of the ancient Maya city. Structure 2 is a pyramid that visitors can climb for a view across the treetops. Jaguars and ocelots live in the surrounding reserve.

Highlights:

🐦 Join birdwatching tours for over 300 species
🌳 Explore dense jungle trails with diverse wildlife sightings
🗿 Climb ancient Mayan pyramids in Calakmul ruins

Kauai

Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches

8.9

Mount Waialeale in the centre of Kauai is one of the wettest places on earth. Kayakers paddle the Wailua River through jungle to the trail for Secret Falls. Wailua Falls drops from a cliff beside the road. Wild chickens and ferns line the lower trails.

Highlights:

🤿 Snorkel at Poipu Beach with vibrant marine life
🚤 Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast
🌄 Hike the breathtaking trails of Waimea Canyon

Mount Rainier National Park

A Majestic Volcano and Wild Beauty

8.2

The Carbon River area in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park has a temperate rainforest. Moss hangs from bigleaf maples. Western redcedars grow beside the glacial river. Salmon spawn in the side channels in autumn. The Carbon River Rainforest Trail follows the old road. Trails here are quieter than at Paradise.

Highlights:

🌼 Explore Spray Park’s wildflower meadows and Spray Falls
🌊 Visit scenic Reflection Lakes and admire Rainier’s reflection
🌄 Hike the Skyline Trail for iconic Mount Rainier views

Arenal Volcano National Park

Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views

8.4

Arenal volcano erupted for 42 years before it went quiet in 2010. Trails in the national park cross old lava flows from the 1968 eruption. Forest paths lead to viewpoints over Lake Arenal. Coatis search the leaf litter near the trailheads. Clouds cover the cone on many mornings.

Highlights:

🌄 Enjoy spectacular volcano views from multiple lookout points
🌿 Explore rainforest biodiversity on the El Ceibo circuit
🌋 Hike the Las Coladas trail over old lava flows

Juneau

Glaciers, whales and wild Alaska

8.3

Mendenhall Glacier sits beside a rainforest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock just outside Juneau. The visitor centre has a deck with a view over the lake. Short trails lead to Nugget Falls. Rain falls on most days. The moss on the trees stays green.

Highlights:

🐋 Go whale watching to see humpbacks in natural habitat
🚠 Take the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway for views
🧊 Visit the stunning Mendenhall Glacier and Visitor Center

Alaska

Land of superlatives and adventure

8.9

The Tongass National Forest covers 16.7 million acres of Southeast Alaska. It is the largest national forest in the United States. Sitka spruce and western hemlock grow beside salmon streams. Floatplanes from Ketchikan fly into Misty Fjords, where cliffs rise straight from narrow inlets. Rain falls on most days.

Highlights:

🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks

Hawaii

Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders

8.8

Akaka Falls drops 442 feet into a gorge on the rainy Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. A short loop trail passes ferns, orchids and bamboo. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden sits at Onomea Bay near Hilo. Hilo is among the wettest cities in the United States.

Highlights:

🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano

La Fortuna

Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure

7.5

Hanging bridges near La Fortuna cross the canopy above the rainforest. A staircase of about 500 steps drops to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall, which falls 70 metres. Hot springs flow from the slopes of Arenal volcano. Toucans and howler monkeys appear in the trees near the road.

Highlights:

🌉 Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
♨️ Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
🌊 Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall

Manuel Antonio National Park

Jungle, Wildlife and Stunning Beaches

7.2

White faced capuchin monkeys and sloths live in the rainforest that meets the beach in Manuel Antonio. Short trails lead to Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. Guides carry spotting scopes to show birds and iguanas. Pacific sunsets show from the beach. Hotels and cafes line the road from Quepos.

Highlights:

🦜 Spot toucans, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds
🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Playa Manuel Antonio
🐒 Hike jungle trails filled with monkeys and sloths

Palenque (city)

Lively Jungle Gateway Town

7.2

The Temple of the Inscriptions rises out of the jungle at Palenque. A stair inside leads to the tomb of King Pakal. Howler monkeys call from the trees above the ruins. Nearby, Misol Ha waterfall drops 35 metres into a pool. Agua Azul has turquoise cascades.

Highlights:

🌊 Walk behind the spectacular Misol-Ha waterfall
💧 Visit stunning turquoise Cascadas de Agua Azul
🏛️ Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque

Bocas del Toro

Tropical Bliss in Panama

7.7

Water taxis hop between the islands of Bocas del Toro. On Isla Bastimentos a muddy trail leads through rainforest to Red Frog Beach. Tiny strawberry poison dart frogs sit on the leaves there. The national marine park has mangroves and reefs. Sloths hang in the cecropia trees near the docks.

Highlights:

🐸 Spot elusive red frogs in their rainforest habitat
🌟 Relax on the pristine sands of Starfish Beach
🤿 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Isla Bastimentos Marine Park

Revelstoke

Big Mountain Adventure, Small Town Soul

8.0

The Giant Cedars Boardwalk loops through an inland temperate rainforest on Highway 1 east of Revelstoke. Some of the western redcedars are over 500 years old. A creek runs beside the boards. The air smells of damp wood. The Skunk Cabbage trail in the same area passes boggy ground.

Highlights:

🥾 Hike the alpine trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park
🚠 Ride the gondola for sweeping Columbia Valley views
🎿 Ski deep powder slopes at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Cayo District

Jungle adventures and ancient Maya ruins

7.0

Caracol, a Maya city, rises out of the Chiquibul Forest in western Belize. Climb the Caana pyramid for a view over the canopy. Mountain Pine Ridge nearby has pools at Rio On. Guides lead trips to Actun Tunichil Muknal, a cave reached by wading through a stream.

Highlights:

🌳 Visit the lush Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
🛶 Tube through the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal
🏛️ Explore the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich

Maui

Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity

8.8

The Road to Hana follows the rainy east coast of Maui and crosses 59 bridges. Stops include Twin Falls and the black sand beach at Waianapanapa. At Haleakala National Park, the Pipiwai Trail runs through a bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls, which drops about 400 feet.

Highlights:

🐢 Snorkel with turtles at Molokini Crater reef
🚗 Drive the scenic and winding Road to Hana
🌄 Watch sunrise atop Haleakalā volcano summit

Glacier Bay National Park

Majestic glaciers and pristine wilderness

9.3

Boats leave Bartlett Cove for the tidewater glaciers at the head of Glacier Bay. At the cove, the Forest Loop Trail winds through spruce and hemlock with moss on every branch. This is the edge of the Southeast Alaska rainforest. Humpback whales and sea otters feed in the fjord.

Highlights:

🚣‍♂️ Kayak among tidewater glaciers in coves
🏔️ Hike to Columbia Glacier viewpoint
🐋 Cruise Inside Passage, spot humpback whales

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Caribbean Vibes and Pristine Beaches

7.0

Rainforest runs down to the Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo. Trails in Cahuita National Park follow the beach where capuchins and raccoons cross the sand. The Jaguar Rescue Center cares for sloths and monkeys. Bribri guides lead tours of cacao farms in the hills. Bikes are the easiest way to reach Punta Uva.

Highlights:

🍛 Taste authentic Caribbean cuisine at a local soda
🌴 Explore the lush trails of Cahuita National Park
🏄‍♂️ Surf the legendary waves at Salsa Brava

Great Bear Rainforest

Whispers of ancient pines and mist

This rainforest covers about 6.4 million hectares of the British Columbia coast. It is part of the Pacific temperate rainforest ecoregion, the largest coastal temperate rainforest in the world. A 2016 agreement gave 26 First Nations a share in decisions about the land. Some of the Kermode bears here have white coats.

Highlights:

🛶 Explore ancient cedar tree groves on a canoe trip
🐻‍❄️ Spot endangered Kermode bears during guided tour
🏞️ Hike to the waterfall viewpoint in Great Bear Rainforest

Best rainforest destinations in North America