These Are the 10 Oldest National Forests in America

America’s national forests are publicly owned woodlands managed by the United States Forest Service. The U.S. Forest Service manages 154 national forests covering 188,336,179 acres (294,275 square miles) of land. America already had 38 national forests when the U.S. Forest Service was formed in 1905. Some of these national forests are over a decade older than the U.S. Forest Service. This article explores the 10 oldest national forests in America, including their rich histories and the incredible wildlife living in them.

10. Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest

The Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest is the 10th-oldest national forest in America. Its history as a national forest began with the creation of the Ashland Forest Reserve on September 28, 1893. The Ashland Forest Reserve went through several additions and name changes before ultimately becoming the Rogue River National Forest on July 9, 1932. Finally, in 2004, the Rogue River National Forest was combined with the Siskiyou National Forest, established in 1906, to become the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest.

The Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the Pacific fisher, northern spotted owl, and marbled murrelet. The forest also contains over 100 species of butterflies! In addition to its exciting wildlife, the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest is also home to the tallest pine tree in the world, a 268-foot-tall ponderosa pine.

9. San Bernardino National Forest

Established on February 25, 1893, the San Bernardino National Forest is tied with the Cleveland National Forest as the eighth and ninth-oldest national forest in America. It began as the San Bernardino Forest Reserve and became the San Bernardino National Forest in 1907 after the U.S. Forest Service was formed.

The San Bernardino National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, coyote, and mountain lion.

8. Cleveland National Forest

Established on February 25, 1893, the Cleveland National Forest is tied with the San Bernardino National Forest as the eighth and ninth-oldest national forest in America. It began as the Trabuco Cañon Forest Reserve and became the Trabuco Cañon National Forest in 1907 after the U.S. Forest Service was formed. Finally, the Trabuco Cañon National Forest and the San Jacinto National Reserve were combined to form the Cleveland National Forest on July 1, 1908.

The Cleveland National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the ringtail, black-tailed jackrabbit, and golden eagle.

7. Sierra National Forest

Established on February 14, 1893, the Sierra National Forest is the seventh-oldest national forest in America. It began as the Sierra Forest Reserve and became the Sierra National Forest in 1907 after the U.S. Forest Service was formed. The Sierra National Forest was originally much larger, but in 1908, land was carved away from it to form the Sequoia National Forest, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park.

The Sierra National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the American black bear, bobcat, and bald eagle.

6. Angeles National Forest

Established on December 20, 1892, the Angeles National Forest is the sixth-oldest national forest in America. It began as the San Gabriel Forest Reserve and was later combined with the San Bernardino National Forest and Santa Barbara National Forest to form the Angeles National Forest in 1908. The Angeles National Forest is a California Historic Landmark, recognized for being the state’s first national forest.

The Angeles National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the Pacific rattlesnake, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, and gray fox.

5. Mount Hood National Forest

Established on June 17, 1892, the Mount Hood National Forest is the fifth-oldest national forest in America. It began as the Bullet Run Forest Reserve, which became the Bullet Run National Forest in 1907 after the U.S. Forest Service was formed. In 1908, the Bullet Run and Cascade National Forests were combined to form the Oregon National Forest. Finally, in 1924, the Oregon National Forest was renamed Mount Hood National Forest.

The Mount Hood National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the elk, mountain beaver, and northern flicker.

4. Pike National Forest

Established on February 11, 1892, the Pike National Forest is the fourth-oldest national forest in America. It began as the Pikes Peak Timberland Reserve, the Plum Creek Timberland Reserve, and the South Platte Forest Reserve, all of which were established in 1892. These three reserves were combined in 1905 and named the Pike National Forest. Today, it is managed together with the San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron National Grassland, and Comanche National Grassland.

The Pike National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the American black bear, snowshoe hare, and yellow-bellied marmot.

3. Santa Fe National Forest

Established on January 11, 1892, the Santa Fe National Forest is the third-oldest national forest in America. It began as the Pecos River Forest Reserve, which was combined with the Jemez and Pecos National Forests to form the Santa Fe National Forest in 1915. The next year, a portion of the Santa Fe National Forest was carved out to create Bandelier National Monument, which contains the historic homes of the Ancestral Puebloans.

The Santa Fe National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the greater roadrunner, mountain lion, and elk.

2. White River National Forest

Established on October 16, 1891, the White River National Forest is the second-oldest national forest in America. It is also the most visited national forest in America, primarily due to the popularity of its 12 ski areas. The White River National Forest began as the White River Plateau Timberland Reserve, the second timber reserve ever named in the United States. It became White River National Forest in 1902.

The White River National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the mountain goat, bobcat, moose, and wild turkey.

1. Shoshone National Forest

Established on March 30, 1891, the Shoshone National Forest is the oldest national forest in America. It is also one of the largest national forests in America, with an area of 2,439,093 acres (3811 square miles). The Shoshone National Forest began as part of the Yellowstone Park Timber Land Reserve, the first timber reserve in the United States. This became the Yellowstone Forest Reserve in 1902, and finally the Shoshone National Forest in 1907 after the U.S. Forest Service was formed. The Shoshone National Forest contains the oldest U.S. Forest Service ranger station, the Wapiti Ranger Station. It was built in 1903 and has been used continually since.

The Shoshone National Forest is home to some amazing wildlife species including the gray wolf, grizzly bear, and bighorn sheep.

Summary Table of the 10 Oldest National Forests in America

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