A Journey Through the World’s Oldest Forests
Forests have stood the test of time, witnessing millennia of change, evolution, and human history. Some of the world’s oldest forests date back millions—even hundreds of millions—of years, preserving an incredible glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric past. These ancient woodlands are home to towering trees, rare wildlife, and ecosystems that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
From the towering redwoods of California to the misty, primeval jungles of Malaysia, here’s a journey through the world’s oldest forests, where nature tells the story of time itself.
1. Daintree Rainforest, Australia (180 Million Years Old)
The Daintree Rainforest in Australia is the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on Earth, dating back 180 million years. Predating even the Amazon, this lush, mist-covered forest is home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the world. Visitors can hike through thick jungle, cruise down the Daintree River spotting crocodiles, or walk along Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef in a stunning natural fusion.
2. Taman Negara, Malaysia (130 Million Years Old)
This ancient forest in Malaysia has remained unchanged for 130 million years, making it one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. Taman Negara is a paradise for wildlife lovers, home to tigers, elephants, tapirs, and some of the world’s rarest birds. Visitors can explore canopy walkways suspended high above the jungle, take river safaris, and trek deep into the forest to discover hidden waterfalls and caves.
3. Yakushima Forest, Japan (Over 2,000 Years Old)
A misty, moss-covered wonderland, Yakushima Forest is home to Japan’s oldest living trees, some over 7,000 years old. This UNESCO-listed forest inspired the landscapes of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke with its ancient cedar trees, lush greenery, and magical atmosphere. Visitors can wander through endless trails, admire the mystical Jomon Sugi tree, and experience one of the most enchanting forests in the world.
4. Tongass National Forest, USA (70 Million Years Old)
The largest temperate rainforest in the world, Alaska’s Tongass National Forest has been standing for around 70 million years. This breathtaking wilderness is home to towering Sitka spruce trees, massive glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles, bears, and humpback whales. Visitors can explore the forest by kayaking through fjords, hiking among ancient trees, or spotting wildlife from scenic viewpoints.
5. Waipoua Forest, New Zealand (2,500 Years Old)
Home to the largest and oldest kauri trees in the world, New Zealand’s Waipoua Forest is a sacred place filled with giant, centuries-old trees. The most famous, Tāne Mahuta (The Lord of the Forest), is over 2,500 years old and stands as a living monument to New Zealand’s indigenous Māori heritage. Walking through this ancient forest feels like stepping into a world untouched by time.
6. Congo Basin, Central Africa (Over 100 Million Years Old)
The Congo Basin Rainforest is one of the Earth’s oldest and most vital ecosystems, dating back over 100 million years. Spanning six countries, this vast forest is home to gorillas, elephants, and some of the rarest primates on the planet. Visitors can explore dense jungle, meet indigenous communities, and witness one of the most important lungs of the planet.
7. Białowieża Forest, Poland & Belarus (Over 10,000 Years Old)
Białowieża Forest is Europe’s last primeval forest, a place where nature has remained virtually untouched for over 10,000 years. It is home to the largest population of European bison, towering ancient oaks, and a rich ecosystem that has survived since the last Ice Age. Walking through its deep, mossy woods feels like stepping back in time to a Europe before human intervention.
8. Amazon Rainforest, South America (55 Million Years Old)
The Amazon is often called the “Lungs of the Earth,” and for good reason. This massive rainforest, dating back 55 million years, is the largest tropical forest in the world, covering nine countries. Home to one in ten known species on Earth, the Amazon offers a glimpse into some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Visitors can canoe through flooded forests, spot exotic wildlife, and meet indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the jungle for thousands of years.
9. Caledonian Forest, Scotland (Over 8,000 Years Old)
Scotland’s Caledonian Forest is a rare remnant of the ancient woodlands that once covered much of the British Isles. These twisted, gnarled pines and mossy landscapes have been growing for over 8,000 years and are home to red deer, golden eagles, and the elusive Scottish wildcat. Hiking through these woods feels like stepping into a Celtic legend.
10. Jomon Sugi Forest, Japan (7,000 Years Old)
On the island of Yakushima, Japan, the Jomon Sugi tree is one of the oldest and most mysterious in the world, estimated to be over 7,000 years old. The surrounding dense, misty forests have inspired legends, myths, and even animated films. A journey through this forest is one of the most spiritual and awe-inspiring experiences in Japan.
