Want a forest experience?
That’s what we were asked by a Forest Service employee the other day. You see, we generally call about a week head to make our appointment with the District folks. Even though we have selected a campground to stay at, Fred or I will ask if there is a campground they would suggest. Generally, the answer is vague but this Forest Service person responding with, “Do you want a forest experience?”
Fred grinned and said, “That’s what we prefer.”
To which, she suggested not a Forest Service campground but a State Park near the District office!
Okay, that State Park is more convenient to the Forest’s district office but . . .
Deciduous trees
Well, the whole thing got me thinking about what exactly is a “forest experience”? Are trees required? Can you have a “forest experience” in a grassland or in a place with no tree? Are smelling vaults (pit toilets) required? Must you be in a tent or is it possible to have a “forest experience” in a motorhome? Is a “forest experience” only achieved in a wilderness area or can you have one in an urban forest setting with little or no privacy between campsites?
I think the answer to all these questions is yes, except for the smelling vault. In my opinion, smelling vaults are not a requirement thanks to the installations of SST (Sweet Smelling Toilets) and compositing vaults.
Sunrise at Black Oak cg in Stanislaus NF
For me, a “forest experience” can be enjoyed in a tent in the backyard or in a motorhome far from everything. Electric power is not required but there should be a star-studded night sky, a natural quiet that comes from inside you as well as from all around, and pleasure in the simplest of things like a perfectly roasted marshmallow or a visit from a furry woodland critter.
Yep, IMHO you can have a “forest experience” in your backyard, in a city park, county park, state park, national park, maybe even in a private campground (but none I can think of) and certainly in any national forest. You don’t need any fancy equipment, multi-room tent, expensive cook stove, or special gourmet food. You just need to get out where things grow and critters walk, crawl, flutter, and fly. Your stay doesn’t have to be long. A two mile hike is a good introduction for a “forest experience.”
But be warned – it is a good thing that can be habit forming.
Do I want a “forest experience”? After years of researching, visiting , surveying, camping, and spending upwards of 180 days each year eating, sleeping, and thinking about national forests, that answer is a definite YES! The more important question is, “Do you want to join me in a forest experience?”
