228 OUR USE OF THE LAND 



slope of Mount Hood, for example, for nothing. Even the fire 

 wood is supplied free. The camping arrangements would be 

 practically perfect. A recreation area like this, with its well' 

 laid'out grounds that are neither too elaborate nor too 

 rugged, is very suitable for those who have a small income and 

 like to camp. There are swimming pools, wading pools, sand 

 boxes, community kitchens and dining rooms, proper toilet 

 facilities, well'constructed parking spaces, individual camp fire" 

 places, all so arranged that the camper can feel alone and yet 

 close to company if he wants it. This is an ideal recreation area 

 near a large population centered around Portland, Oregon. 

 Unfortunately, there are not many Mount Hoods. 



For those who have more money to spend, there are trails 

 through the forests for pack trips. Special lands are set aside for 

 those who want to build permanent summer camps in the 

 forests. Such buildings can be built only by those who are able 

 to invest several hundred dollars for such a permanent summer 

 house. 



About 60,000,000 people visit the national forests in a year. 

 Most of these just drive through a section. About 17 per cent 

 stop and camp. Practically all of this is in the Far West. The 

 national parks, on the other hand, draw about 15,000,000 peo' 

 pie a year. When people visit forests they are frequently on 

 their way to some other place. The visit to the forest is simply a 

 side trip. When people go to national parks, they go with the 

 express idea of seeing the park. 



Once you are inside the park, you can camp in the public 

 camping ground, stay in a tourist camp, or take a room at a 

 hotel. In the parks, all of the activities except the actual man- 

 agement of the park itself are controlled by private companies. 

 These companies run the hotels, stores, camps, transportation, 

 park trips, and so on. The government requires these companies 

 to meet certain standards. The buildings must be safely con' 



