Outdoor Science and Learning
Please practice Outdoor Ethics while in the forest:
- Admire, touch, and enjoy all that is around you, if possible, leaving everything you find along the way in its place.
- Protect wildlife by keeping your distance.
Viewing Wildlife
Mongoose Safety: Mongooses can be infected with rabies. Do not approach them at any time. If you observe an animal acting strangely, please report its location and behavior as quickly as possible to the nearest U.S. Forest Service employee.
Stray Dogs and Cats: Do not attempt to feed stray dogs or cats, or drop food scraps on the trail for them to find. They represent a potential hazard, both to humans and the native animal population. They may be infected with diseases such as rabies. If you encounter a stray dog or cat, do not approach it. Please report its location and behavior as quickly as possible to the nearest U.S. Forest Service employee.
Viewing Plants
Important Preparation for El Yunque:
- Wear good shoes with traction: it is a rainforest and it is wet and mossy. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Swimming: There are several locations for water play. Always be aware, alert and cautious for signs of flash flooding.
- Plan your time: Estimate time for walking a trail against the gate closure at 6pm.
- Stay Hydrated: When it's hot and humid, your risk of dehydration and heat illness increases. That's because when the air is humid, sweat can't evaporate and cool you as quickly as it normally does, and this can lead to an increased body temperature and the need for more fluids.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed in the National Forest, but they must be leashed at all times.
The Forest is a Trash-Free Zone – Take your Garbage with you please. If you pack it in, pack it out.
Outdoor Ethics
- Manage your trash responsibly: carry it in your backpack until you find a trash can or recycling container outside of the forest.
- Admire, touch, and enjoy but leave everything you find along the way in its place.
- Walk and/or camp only in designated areas.
- Protect wildlife by keeping your distance.
Viewing Scenery
Admire, touch, and enjoy all that is around you, if possible, leaving everything you find along the way in its place.
Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities
Angelito Trail
Baño de Oro
Baño de Oro Trail
Baño Grande
Big Tree Trail
Caimitillo Recreation Area
Caimitillo Trail
El Portal de El Yunque Rainforest Center
El Portal Trail
El Toro Trail