183 Best Words to Describe a Forest (Curated & Ranked)

Forests are not only beautiful but an essential part of life on Earth. They serve as home to more than 80% of land animals^[1] and cover nearly a third of the world.^[2]

Trees can reduce air pollution, cool the air, and provide renewable energy.^[3]^[4]

Many life-saving medications even come from rainforest trees and plants.^[5]

Finding the right words to describe a forest can really bring your story to life, whether you’re writing a novel or sharing an anecdote about a recent hiking trip.

We have the list of words to describe the forest below, plus an activity to help you discover more about the forest.

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Words to Describe a Forest

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Overgrown
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Lively
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Dense
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Flourishing
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Moonlit
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Untrodden
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Gorgeous
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Ethereal
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Blossoming
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Picturesque
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Lush
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Beautiful
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Magnificent
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Foreboding
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Fragrant
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Diverse
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Calm
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Damp
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Evergreen
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Majestic
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Hushed
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Vivid
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Sun-dappled
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Mysterious
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Tropical
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Boreal
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Peaceful
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Enchanted
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Misty
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Ominous
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Colorful
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Noble
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Pure
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Shadowy
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Dusky
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Uninterrupted
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Stunning
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Wild
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Grand
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Isolated
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Shady
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Captivating
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Pathless
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Quiet
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Silent
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Enormous
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Wooded
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Open
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Dynamic
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Earthy
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Breathtaking
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Devastated
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Mystical
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Verdant
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Green
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Secluded
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Ancient
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Romantic
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Mangrove
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Temperate
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Enchanting
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Primitive
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Snow-covered
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Nocturnal
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Desolate
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Dark
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Primeval
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Daunting
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Hostile
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Sprawling
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Tangled
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Bewildering
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Formidable
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Giant
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Dazzling
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Sodden
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Northern
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Dewed
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Vegetated
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Shaded
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Huge
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Dormant
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Undisturbed
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Vast
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Solemn
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Moist
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Spooky
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Eerie
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Thick
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Heavenly
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Pristine
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Dry
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Pristine
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Stately
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Humid
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Remarkable
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Old-growth
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Lonely
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Distant
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Untouched
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Bustling
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Luxuriant
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Coniferous
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Lofty
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Mighty
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Primal
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Leafy
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Sacred
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Abundant
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Foggy
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Terrible
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Equatorial
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Wind-blown
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Decayed
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Bleak
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Glorious
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Amazonian
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Wondrous
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Celestial
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Splendid
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Murky
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Dreary
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Gloomy
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Leafless
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Cold
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Humming
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Haunted
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Scary
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Coastal
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Willowy
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Solitary
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Immense
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Prehistoric
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Grassy
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Warm
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Strange
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Shaggy
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Sturdy
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Inland
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Chilly
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Somber
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Large
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Barren
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Alpine
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Autumnal
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Jagged
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Idyllic
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Bushy
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Crowded
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Western
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Eastern
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Brown
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Grim
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Rolling
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Wide
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Alive
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Brittle
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Sweltering
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Deserted
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Native
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Powerful
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Wildlife-filled
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Deep
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Rough
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Swampy
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Deciduous
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Unending
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Spectacular
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Arboraceous
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Southern
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Undeveloped
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Cool
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Petrified
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Inaccessible
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Bare
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Wet
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Unspoiled
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Natural
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Mature
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Young
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Subtropical
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Valuable
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Inhospitable

Activity: Forest Discovery Scavenger Hunt

Knowing how to describe a forest is great, but genuinely discovering and understanding the forest is even better!

You can visit a local wooded park or nearby national forest to complete this activity.

Look for and take photos of the following things:

A fallen leaf
A fallen branch
The bark of a tree
Three plants other than trees
A bird that lives in the forest
A mammal that lives in the forest
A bug that lives in the forest

After finding and collecting photos of all of the items on the list, research them. Write captions for your photos that explain the plant or animal species and how/why it thrives in a forest environment.

You can use simple identification if completing this activity with children or create in-depth captions explaining the forest ecosystem.

Be sure to bring water and snacks, choose a trail suitable to your fitness and experience levels, and wear appropriate clothes when visiting the woods!