The Big Outside: A Descriptive Inventory of the Big Wilderness Areas of the United States

Previous reviewers have called this volume "thorough", "passonate", "eloquent", "inspiring", "useful", and "comprehensive". It is all those things, but it's also: Funny! For example, the description of Old Dad Mountain area states that "The Barnstow-Vegas dirt-bike race passes through the northern end of the area ... Soda Lake has obligingly swallowed several vehicles whole." There are unexpected one-liners like this throughout... Read Full Review

Foreman and Wolke have compiled a thorough catalogue of big wilderness in the United States. More than just a catalogue, though, with typical passion, the authors state their case for expanding and interconnecting the wilderness we have left.This book is for anyone who loves wilderness and wants not only to preserve what we have, but wants to see the expansion and rewilding of landscapes that can be salvaged.Highly recommended... Read Full Review

I've had this book since 1992. In fact, I'm here browsing because I'm debating whether to get the 1998 edition. It is a very well-written, state-by-state description of the large wildernesses in the U.S. -- and the problems facing each. Excellent and eloquent descriptions of each area's topography, wildlife, flora, etc. provide inspiration and high-level overview for early stages of trip planning. National coverage expands... Read Full Review

I've had this book since 1992. It is a very well-written, state-by-state description of the large wildernesses in the U.S. -- and the problems facing each. Excellent and eloquent descriptions of each area's topography, wildlife, flora, etc. provide inspiration and high-level overview for early stages of trip planning. National coverage expands usefulness as a reference. Get it!

This book provides the reader a glimpse into the remaining wilderness areas in the west over 100,000 acres ( & smaller ones in the east). It is comprehensive and provides details of the history of the US Forest Service's accomplishments and failures to protect wilderness on public land in this great country we call America.