El Yunque National Forest

Today I visited El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rain forest in the United States. I began at the park's visitor center, "El Portal Tropical Forest Center," which was a modern building with several exhibits, great views, and clean restrooms. I was also able to obtain a map of the park's roads and trails.



El Portal Tropical Forest Center

Heading south into the forest by car, the next stop was La Coca Falls, which are visible from the park road.



Cascada La Coca

Headed further south, I took a short hike up Yokahu Tower, a scenic lookout just off the park road. Yokahu Tower offers views of the forest, the mountains and the ocean.



Views from Yokahu Tower

My last order of business in the park was a hike to La Mina Falls, one of the park's major attractions. The hike to the falls was a long, steady downhill slope. Along the way were several rain shelters and picnic pavilions. The trail along La Mina River was extremely crowded. Once I reached the falls, I joined a large number of tourists in swimming in the falls' natural pool. The water was refreshing, and allowed me to cool down before making the long walk back up the trail.