RV rental Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

Over 1.3 million acres of Gifford Pinchot National Forest sprawls across the southern Cascades Mountain range, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and a large swath of forest. Adventurers have a choice of exploring old-growth forests, mountaintop tundra meadows, glaciers, or volcanoes - or all of the above, time permitting. Second, to Hawaii, the volcanoes in this region are among the most active volcanoes in the United States. Some of their lava tubes can be explored, too. Gifford Pinchot National Forest boasts several hundred miles of established hiking trails, some of which are shared with horseback riders. There are several hundred more miles of unofficial trails that an experienced hiker may venture out upon, though it’s not generally recommended because it’s very easy to get turned around in deep woods without landmarks. Mountaineering - sometimes referred to as rock climbing - is extremely popular, especially on Mt. Adams, which is the second-highest mountain in Washington (Mt. Rainier being the first-highest peak), and Mt. St. Helens. All three are active volcanoes, which may bear some inherent thrill for adventurers. The vast, dense woods is a habitat for a few hundred species, a few of which are endangered or threatened, including the spotted owl, bull trout, and chinook salmon. Hundreds of mammals, birds, and reptiles make their home in these old-growth woods, and a shortlist includes elk, mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, and deer. Overhead, bald eagles, hawks, and other raptors share the sky in their endless pursuit of prey. Open fields covered by berry bushes and shrubberies are interspersed in between thick groves of trees. The Sawtooth Berry Fields is especially prized for its robust huckleberry crops, which are usually at their peak in early falls. This field is one of the few that bans commercial operations, and it’s rare that the bushes are picked clean. Harvest fresh huckleberries to use in pancakes, pies, or dipped in cream for a savory snack.