Because everyone has to go number two eventually, you might as well do it with the door open staring out at an incredible view. Here are some backcountry toilets that I have used. I have also rated them on a five star scale. If you have a photo of a great outhouse, or the location of one, please send it my way, and tag it with #2withaview, Cheers!
On the windblown shoulder of baked mountain in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes sits a delightful place to let loose. This wonderful toilet is in Katmai National Park and offers unparalleled views of Mount Griggs. This toilet was much nicer than expected and offered much needed protection from the relentless wind and rain. However it loses points for being so remote and hard to get to. You have to fly to the ends of the earth, take an expensive bus, hike several miles and cross a terrifying chasm. RATING: ★★★★☆, Location: 58.293058,-155.201079
This beauty is at Scalplock lookout in Glacier NP. It’s surrounded by ample huckleberries, which is nice if you need a bump of fiber to help things move. The views are spectacular and its a long but easy hike to get here. RATING: ★★★★★, Location 48.300555,113.575068
Just outside of Monument Valley. This toilet was spicy, it had no door, which was actually kind of nice, but the craftsmanship left something to be desired…also...no toilet paper. RATING: ★★☆☆☆
Not much of a view from this one, in the Manti La Sal National Forest, but the feeling of being surrounded by a beautiful aspen glade was real nice. I am not sure how often this one is used. It loses points for having no TP and likely lead paint, but it was cozy. RATING: ★★★☆☆
This pit toilet near Hamilton Lake in Sequoia NP makes your business, everyone's business. But sometimes it’s good to be vulnerable. I totally appreciate the convertible toilets, but the lack of a third side wall for a bit of privacy was disappointing. However the views were out of control. RATING: ★★★★☆
This outhouse is located on the saddle between Abineau and Freemont in the Kachina Peaks wilderness. This outhouse is out of commission, either someone laid one hell of a crap in there or the deep snow forced it off its foundation. In any case, I do not recommend using this guy, but the views were not bad. RATING: ★★☆☆☆
I guess Sequoia NP has a thing for open air toilet, don't worry...I do too. This one was at Monarch Lake, reached via Mineral King. The most interesting thing about my experience here was the number of marmots who had no qualms about coming right up to me while I was doing my business. At first I was off-put by the marmots, but eventually I welcomed their presence as entertainment. RATING: ★★★☆☆
This backcountry water closet is located in the most remote and least visited unit of the National Park system, Aniakchak National Monument. This outhouse happens to be one of just two pieces of infrastructure in the entire monument. While I was disappointed the outhouse did not face the sea, it did offer a surprisingly comfortable experience. This toilet offers much needed comfort in a harsh, harsh landscape. The toilet itself is surrounded by cowparsnip, a plant which can cause incredibly painful rashes all over the body if you rub up against it and UV light is present. In addition this area has the highest concentration of brown bears in Alaska, I nearly bumped into one while exiting the toilet. Extra points for a sense of adventure! RATING: ★★★★☆