Category: National Parks

Categories
National Parks

Glacier National Park, Montana

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The Glacier National Park in Montana encompasses more than one million acres of landscapes ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains. The park showcases its many snow-capped glacier-carved peaks, valleys, lakes, cascading waterfalls, and alpine hiking trails, along with its glorious, iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.

These photos are from our trip to Glacier National Park in late August 2013.

Views of St. Mary Lake and it’s surrounding peaks, Sun Point Nature Trail
View from Going-to-the-Sun Road
View from Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Weeping Wall and Haystack Falls
Going to the Sun Road
View from Big Bend, Going-to-the-Sun Road
Logan Pass
Logan Pass parking lot
Logan Pass Visitor Center
View from Logan Pass
View from Hidden Lake Trail, Logan Pass
Hidden Lake Trail at Logan Pass under Clements Mountain
Hidden lake trail, View from Logan Pass
Hidden Lake Trail
Mountain Goat Near Logan Pass
View of Clements Mountain from Hidden Lake Trail
Hidden Lake Trail at Logan Pass under Clements Mountain
Marmot Enjoying The View
Mountain Goats Near Logan Pass
Blackfoot and Jackson glacier, View from Jackson overlook
View from Jackson overlook on Going-to-the-Sun Road
View from the Sun Point Nature Trail parking lot
Panoramic views of St. Mary Lake and it’s surrounding peaks, Sun Point Nature Trail
St. Mary Lake from Sun Point Nature Trail
The Sun Point Nature Trail
View from the Sun Point Nature Trail parking lot
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Cedars Nature Trail
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Mid June to mid September
    • Busiest months and warm weather: July to August
    • Less crowd and cooler weather: June and September are pleasant, but Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass may be closed.
  • Fly into
    • Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell: 30 mins drive to West Glacier Entrance.
    • Missoula International Airport: 2 and 1/2 hour drive to West Glacier Entrance.
    • Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport: 6 hours drive to Glacier West entrance. There are more frequent flights from West-Coast cities of US and more expensive and fewer flights from East-Coast cities of US. This airport is convenient if you are planning to visit Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton national parks.
    • Consider Yellowstone Airport or Jackson Hole Airport if you are planning to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks along with Glacier National Park. These airports give you good access to Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
  • Clothing
    • Plan to dress in layers. Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, comfortable walking/hiking shoes and warm jackets, scarfs, caps, gloves for chilly evenings and nights
  • How Many Days: At least 2 days
  • What to Expect
    • Glaciers, Iceberg Lakes, Snow-capped Mountains, Waterfalls, Valleys, Wildflowers, Wildlife
  • Be sure to check the Park Website for alerts on road closure and current trails conditions.
  • Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or from $20 to $30 per person/motorcycle, good for seven days.
  • Start early in the morning or use the free park shuttle service as the parking lots fill up quickly by late morning in summer. Expect road delays and difficulty in finding parking.
  • Starting early is the best way not only to beat the traffic, but also for the best lighting, more elbow room, and increase chance of seeing wildlife.
  • There are plenty of pull-outs or overlooks along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Keep some extra time for stopping for photos, wildlife, sights and for unplanned delays.
  • No gas stations are within Glacier Park boundaries, have the gas tank filled before you hit the road.
  • Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
  • Roads are very narrow, winding with many hairpin turns, and limited parking. Be patient, drive slowly, be prepared to stop and park only the designated area.
  • Take extra caution when you pull over to capture pictures.
  • Prepare yourself if you have motion sickness.
  • Hike with a group to avoid a bear encounter. Do not forget to carry bear spray and secure your food while going for a hike.
  • Take food and water so you can spend the day touring.
  • There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that camera is fully charged and also keep backup battery and memory cards.
  • Best Things to Do
    • Lake McDonald: Enjoy the beauty of Lake McDonald valley filled with spectacular u-shaped glacier carved mountain peaks, hiking trails, diverse species of plants and animals. You can rent kayaks/paddle boards or book a scenic lake cruise for another perspective of the lake views.
    • Going-to-the-Sun Road: Drive the most scenic winding mountain road the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This iconic 50 miles road between West Entrance (Apgar Visitor Center) and East Entrance (St Mary Visitor Center) takes you through the stunning views of the most grand vistas in all of the northern Rocky Mountains. Going-to-the-Sun Road offers every beauty of nature. From snow-capped mountains to glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls, from vast mountain vistas to cedar forests, from verdant lush valleys to windswept alpine meadows filled with wildflowers… and the list goes on. It takes at least 2 hours to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road with NO stops. But it is irresistible not to stop with so many breathtaking views along the way. Stop and enjoy the spectacular views at popular attractions like Lake McDonald, McDonald Falls, Avalanche Falls, Trail of the Cedars, the Loop, Haystack Falls and Weeping Wall, Logan Pass, Jackson Glacier Overlook, and Sun Point.
    • Logan Pass: Visit Logan Pass and relish the breathtaking views of Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain that sit on the carpets of wildflowers. Logan pass is the highest elevation point on the park and is located along the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park. Hike the Hidden Lake Trail from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. This 5.3 mile uphill hike offers gorgeous Hidden Lake, colorful wildflowers blanket, stunning views of Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain and Wildlife.
    • Sun Point: Visit Sun Point, a small peninsula on St Mary Lake. Just a short walk from the Sun Point parking lot that opens up to a breathtaking panoramic view of the St Mary Lake and the snow capped mountain peaks in the distance. Trail can be expanded to further 1.2 mile to see Barring Falls and Saint Mary Falls.
    • Many Glacier: Drive to Many Glacier region, almost 40 miles (1 and 1/2 hour drive) from Logan Pass. The Many Glacier region is located north of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, on the east side of the park. The rough and bumpy ride to Many Glaciers is forgettable once you view the gorgeous glaciers, blue water lakes, and mountains. The Many Glacier region offers many wonderful hikes like Apakuni Falls Trail, Swiftcurrent Lake, Fishercap Lake Trail, Iceberg Trail. Go hiking to experience the real beauty of the Many Glacier region.
    • Two Medicine: Visit the Two Medicine region located in the southeastern part of Glacier National Park. Even though the Two Medicine offers dramatic views of vast snow-capped mountains, rushing waterfalls, and reflective pristine lakes, it is less visited than other parts of the park. Take an easy 0.6 mile loop walk to Running Eagle Falls. You can rent a rowboat, kayak, or canoe or book a Two Medicine boat tour to explore Two Medicine Lake even more
    • Take a guided Boat/Bus tour. More info here.
  • Nearby Attraction
    • Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (you may need Canadian Visa).
Categories
National Parks

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona
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Glen Canyon National Recreation Area which is in Utah and Arizona is a must visit place if you are around Page. The area is a recreation and conservation unit of the National Park Service that includes the Lake Powell surrounding area and lower Cataract Canyon area in Utah and Arizona. The incredible view of an iconic Horseshoe Bend is just 5 miles away. If you have plans to visit Zion, Bryce, or Grand Canyon National Park, do not forget to include Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in your itinerary.

These photos are from our visit to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on our way to Grand Canyon National Park during the last week of September 2014.

Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend Hike, Page
Read this before you go!
Horseshoe Bend
Glen Canyon Dam Bridge
Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell
Wahweap Marina and Lake Powell, View from Glen Canyon Dam
Navajo Mountain Viewpoint, Page
Navajo Mountain Viewpoint, Page
Castle Rock, Wahweap Marina and Lake Powell, Page
Wahweap Viewpoint, Page
Wahweap Viewpoint, Page
Wahweap Viewpoint, Page
Wahweap Viewpoint, Page
Lake Shore Drive to Wahweap Marina
Castle Rock, Wahweap Marina
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to visit: Mid March to Mid October
  • Fly into
    • Phoenix and Las Vegas: Good deals and major international airports, five hours drive to Page
    • Flagstaff and Page: Closest, small airports and limited flights
  • Clothing
    • Comfortable pants, t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, jackets, hats, sunscreens, comfortable boots or other sturdy closed-toed shoes. It is cool in the winter months, so plan to dress in layers
  • What to Expect
    • The Canyons, Colorful bluffs-mesas-buttes, Horseshoe shaped engraved ramble,  Man-made reservoir, Marinas, Dam
  • For the current road conditions/closures and opening hours check the Park Website
  • Places to go
    • Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell Marinas, Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon Dam
  • Best things to do
    • Visit Horseshoe bend and enjoy the breathtaking view of the horseshoe-shaped engraved curve of the Colorado River. This place is located near the town Page, Arizona, and 5 miles from the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The hike to the Horseshoe bend is about a 1.5 mile round trip. The trail is short but challenging during the day because of the direct sunlight. There is no shade through the hike and take extra caution as there are no barriers at the edge. Carry enough water. There will be an entry fee of $10 per vehicle. More info here
    • Enjoy a joyful boat ride on the long and winding Lake Powell
    • Enjoy a water float trip on the Colorado River for an inside view of the canyon
    • Book a tour and visit Glen Canyon Dam
  • Nearby Attractions
Categories
National Parks

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Wildflowers Blanket at Alta Vista Trail
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Mt Rainier National Park in Washington state, USA is known for its iconic glacier-capped Mt Rainier. Mt Rainier also known as Tahoma/Tacoma is a large active stratovolcano and is the tallest mountain range in the Cascade Range. The park mesmerizes with its beautiful landscape, breathtaking views of valleys, scenic lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, as well as marked hiking trails. Really a Paradise!!!

These photos are from a day trip to Mt Rainier National park in late August 2013.

View from Paradise Parking Lot
Paradise Valley Road
Ricksecker Point, Ricksecker Point Road
View from Paradise Parking Lot
Picturesque Myrtle Falls with Mt Rainier backdrop
Skyline Trail, Paradise
Skyline Trail, Paradise
Skyline Trail, Paradise
Wildflowers Blanket at Alta Vista Trail
Wildflowers blanket at Alts Vista Trail
Nisqually Vista Trail, Paradise
Wildflowers at Nisqually Vista Trail, Paradise
Nisqually Vista Trail, Paradise
Paradise Valley Road
Inspiration Point, Stevens Canyon Road
Reflection Lake, Stevens Canyon Road
Tipsoo Lake Trail
Sunrise Lake, Sunrise Point Lookout
View from Sunrise Nature Trail
View from Sunrise Nature Trail
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best Time to Visit
    • Summer Months: July to August when wildflowers blooming
    • Spring and Fall Months: Pleasant, but most park roads will be closed
  • Fly into
    • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington USA
  • Clothing
    • Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, Capri, sweatshirts, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. It will be cooler in Spring and Fall, so dress in layers
  • How Many Days
    • Main Attractions: 1-2 days
    • Hiking/Camping: 3-5 Days
  • What to expect
    • The iconic glacier-capped Mt Rainier, Mountain Ridges, Glacier, Wildflower, Waterfalls, Green Valleys, Clear Lakes, Wildlife
  • Be sure to check the Park Website for alters on road closure and current trail conditions.
  • Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or from $15 to $25 per person/motorcycle, good for seven days.
  • Try to be there early in the morning for best lighting and more elbow room so that you can cover most of the park’s attractions.
  • Start early in the morning as the parking lots fill up quickly by late morning during summer in Paradise and Sunrise area.
  • Stay on marked trails and use only open trails to preserve the meadows ecosystem.
  • Take food and water so you can spend the day touring with the few restaurants within the park.
  • Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
  • There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that camera is fully charged and also keep backup battery and memory cards
  • Places to Visit
    • Longmire Area (Christine Falls, Glacier Bridge, Ricksecker Point, Narada Falls)
    • Paradise Area (Myrte Falls, Skyline Trail, Alta Vista Trail, Nisqually Trail, Reflection Lake, Inspiration Point)
    • Sunrise Area (Tipsoo Lake, Sunrise Point, Sunrise)
  • Best things to do
    • Longmire Area: Longmire area is home for historic buildings and many scenic hiking trails. Relish driving east of Longmire through the Paradise Valley Road that opens up to excellent views of Nisqually Valley. Make sure to stop at the roadside attractions Christine Falls, Glacier Bridge, Ricksecker Point, and Narada Falls. Drive 4 miles east of Longmire to reach Christine Falls pullout. A short stroll from the pullout offers the classic views of the 69 feet high Christine Falls and rustic stone Christine Falls Bridge. Parking is limited and park only in the designated area. One mile east of Christine Falls pullout heading towards Paradise, there is a tall bridge known as Glacier Bridge. The view from the bridge is phenomenal. Do not stop your car on the bridge, rather park your car before entering the bridge or after crossing the bridge. Take a short walk on the bridge and enjoy the magnificent views of Nisqually Valley, Nisqually Glacier, and Nisqually River. Watch out for the ongoing traffic and take extra caution while taking pictures and walking on the bridge. Drive 1.5 miles east of the Glacier Bridge and take a right to Ricksecker Point road. This one-way road is open only in summer and offers remarkable views of Mount Rainier, Nisqually Valley, and the Tatoosh Range. The magical Narada Falls is located 2.5 mile east of Ricksecker Point (around 8 miles east of Longmire). You can view the falls from the large parking area or you can take a short but steep trail down for a better view of the 159 feet high falls. There are a bunch of picnic tables where you can relax and catch your breath after the uphill hike.
    • Paradise Area: Visit Paradise and enjoy hiking to picturesque Myrtle Falls. This place is a paradise with spectacular views of Mt Rainier, colorful wildflowers, beautiful valleys, and waterfalls. The Paradise area offers many easy and great trails with stunning views. You can experience the real beauty of Paradise by hiking many trails located in the area. Many trails intersect each other so that you can make your hike short or long based on your preference, but either way you will be amazed by the gorgeous views. Enjoy Paradise Valley Road from Paradise parking lot to Steven Canyon Road. This 2 mile one-way road takes you through the beautiful meadows with Paradise valleys and Paradise river. There are couple of designated parking spots along the drive. Take caution while parking on the shoulder
    • Stevens Canyon Road: Drive the winding, scenic Stevens Canyon Road and stop at the road side attractions Inspiration Point and Refection Lake. Inspiration Point Lookout is located 3 miles south of Paradise and offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Tatoosh Range. One mile south of Inspiration Point Lookout is the Reflection Lake. Sunrise views at Reflection Lake are stunning. As the name suggests, on a calm and clear day the mirror image of picturesque Mt Rainier can be seen on tranquil Reflection Lake. Easy to access, few steps from the parking lot (parking is limited) offers stunning postcard views
    • Sunrise Area: Drive to Sunrise Park Road (via Steven Canyon Road, then WA-123 N, and WA-410 E) and enjoy the popular attractions along the way. Take an easy stroll around the beautiful subalpine Tipsoo lake surrounded by gorgeous wildflower meadows. Stop at Sunrise Point Lookout for a gorgeous view of Sunrise Lake to the north, sweeping views of the Cascade Range to the east, and Mount Rainier to the southwest. The last stop on Sunrise Park Road area offers breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding valleys, Mt Rainier and other volcanoes in the cascade ranges
  • Popular and easy hikes
  • Nearby Attractions
Categories
National Parks

Best Trails in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

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Popular and easy hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

  • Alta Vista Trial: This 1.8 mile steep uphill loop hike from Paradise is considered as moderate. It is worth even hiking half way. During summer, the trail offers fantastic displays of wildflowers, dramatic panoramic views of Mount Rainier, and the surrounding foothills. The hike is mostly paved with some rough spots and narrow path. Please stay on the path to preserve the meadow ecosystem. The trails is best used from June until October. Pictures and more info here.
  • Nisqually Vista Trail: This easy, paved 1 mile loop trail located near Paradise winds through the wildflowers meadows. This trail has several beautiful viewpoints which offer panoramic view of Nisqually Glacier and Mt Rainier. The trail is best used from June until October. Pictures and more info here.

  • Tipsoo Lake Trail: Short and easy 0.8 mile loop trail offers great views of the snow-capped peak of Mt Rainier, lush valleys, wildflowers, and clear water perfect for the reflection. Walk clockwise for better view and stay on trails to protect the delicate meadows. Pictures and more info here.
  • Sunrise Nature Trail : The Sunrise Nature Trail is an easy 1.5 mile loop hike near Sunrise parking area. There are several trails sharing the same trailhead at the north end of the Sunrise parking lot. This hike offers stunning panoramic views of Mt Rainier and surrounding peaks over the wildflowers blanket. Pictures and more info here.

  • Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake: 3 mile loop trail from the Sunrise Visitor Center Parking lot. The Sourdough Ridge Trail and Sunrise Nature Trail share the same first half mile starting from the north end of the Sunrise parking area. Follow the nature trail, then at the fork, (you can see the Sourdough Ridge Trail sign) turn left and head west on the Sourdough Ridge Trail to reach Frozen lake. This trail is open from June to October and offers incredible views of Mount Rainier, the north side of Sourdough Ridge and the icebergs floated greenish blue colored Frozen Lake at the end. Pictures and more info here.
Categories
National Parks

North Cascades National Park, Washington

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North Cascades National Park is in Washington State, USA and is well known for its North American Alps, conifer-clad mountain ranges, picturesque lakes, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers. This park is usually overshadowed by other two national parks, Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park, but North Cascades park is really a hidden treasure of Washington state.

These photos are from a two day trip to North Cascades National park in late August 2013.

Mount Shuksan Reflection on Picture Lake, Mt Baker Highway
Heather Meadows, Picture Lake, and Mt Shuksan, Mt Baker Highway
Picture Lake with Mt Shuksan in the background
Mt Shuksan, Mt Baker Highway
Hanging Glacier on the north slopes of Mount Shuksan, Mt Baker Highway
Mt Shuksan, Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Chain Lakes Loop Trail, Artist Point
Mt Baker, Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Mt Baker, Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Mt Baker, Chain Lakes Loop Trail
View of Mt Shuksan, Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Nooksack Falls Trail, Mt Baker Highway
Nooksack Falls, Mt Baker Highway
North Cascades Highway
North Cascades Highway
Skagit River, Gorge Creek Falls Trail
Pyramid Peak and Diablo Lake Dam
Pyramid Peak, View from the Diablo Lake Dam
Diablo Lake Dam, Diablo Dam Road
Diablo Lake Lookout, North Cascade Highway
Rainy Lake, North Cascades Highway
Rainy Lake Trail
Rainy Lake Trail
View of Liberty Bell Mountain at Washington Pass
Washington Pass, North Cascades Highway
Ross Lake, North Cascades Highway
North Cascades Highway
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best Time to Visit
    • Summer Months: July to August when wildflowers are blooming.
    • Spring and Fall Months: Pleasant, but most park roads will be closed.
  • Fly into: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington USA
  • Clothing
    • Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, capri, sweatshirts, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. Spring and fall will be cool, so dress in layers.
  • How Many Days
    • Main Attractions: 1-2 days
    • Doing Hiking/Camping: 3-5 Days
  • What to Expect
    • Vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, Glaciers, Mountain Ridges, Wildflower, Clear Lakes, Waterfalls, Green Valleys, Wildlife
  • Be sure to check the Park Website for alerts on road closures and current trail conditions.
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Take food, water, and start early in the morning, so you can spend the day touring, as there are only few restaurants throughout the park.
  • Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
  • There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that the camera is fully charged and also keep backup batteries and memory cards.
  • Places to Visit
    • North Cascade Highway: Diablo Lake, Rainy Lake, Liberty Bell, Washington Pass, Ross Lake
    • Mt Baker Highway: Nooksack Falls, Picture Lake, Artist Point, Mt Baker Wilderness Area
  • Best things to do
    • Drive the scenic North Cascade Highway. Stop at all the lookouts to enjoy and capture the beauty of nature.
    • Enjoy the beauty of the unique and intense turquoise color of Diablo Lake at Diablo Lake overlook. Astonishing views are easy to access, right at the parking lot. There are some picnic tables, so that you can relax and relish the gorgeous Diablo lake views.
    • Enjoy hiking to the beautiful Rainy lake. The hike is in the lush green woods and winds through wildflowers, waterfalls, and streams.
    • Visit Washington Pass Overlook, the last point of interest on the eastbound of North Cascade Highway, which offers a stunning view of Liberty Bell Mountain.
    • Enjoy the drive through the scenic Mt Baker Highway and visit Picture Lake and Artist point. Artist point is the starting point for many great trails in the Mt. Baker area.
  • Popular Hikes on North Cascade Highway
  • Popular Hikes on Mt Baker Highway
  • Nearby Attractions
Categories
National Parks

Best Trails in North Cascades National Park, Washington

Mt Shuksan, Chain Lakes Loop Trail
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Popular Hikes on North Cascade National Park, Washington

  • Rainy Lake Trail: Easy and paved 2 miles round trip that offers gorgeous views of the lake with snow capped mountains and waterfalls in the backdrop. Trail is best used from July to October. Picture and more info here.
  • Washington Pass Trail: An easy paved 0.2 mile trail from the parking lot leads to an observation deck overlooking the highway below, Liberty Bell Mountain, and many of the surrounding ridges and peaks. Picture and more info here.
  • Nooksack Falls Trail: A short and marked trail that offers 88 feet glacial falls in two segments down the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Picture and more info here.
  • Picture Lake Trail: A short and sweet paved 0.4 mile loop trail that features an awesome reflection of Mount Shuksan on the Picture lake. As the name suggests, Picture Lake is truly picture perfect. Try to get there early to catch sunrise at Picture Lake. Picture and more info here.
  • Chain Lakes Loop Trail: Trail begins at the Artist Point where Mount Baker Highway ends. This trail offers stunning views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and Iceberg Lake. This spectacular day hike is a 6.5 mile loop trail considered moderate and leads through sweeping views of mountain vistas and waterfalls along the lake shores and heather meadows. The trail is very narrow and is very high up so keep your eyes on the trail. Picture and more info here.
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National Parks

Olympic National Park, Washington

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Olympic National Park is in Washington state, USA and spreads across the Pacific northwest of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The park’s beauty lies in its different landscapes from the roaring ocean and dramatic peaks of mountains, to lush green old-growth rainforest. The Olympic National Park is well known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the diverse widely spread ecosystems within its borders.

These photos are from a day trip to Olympic National Park in late August 2013.

View from Hurricane Ridge Visitors center
Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus
Hurricane Ridge
Mount Olympus
Hurricane Hill Trail
Views of Hurricane Ridge from Meadow Trail
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
View from Meadow Trails
Spotted a herd in a meadow near Hurricane Ridge
Spotted a black tail deer on Hurricane Ridge Road
Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach
Abbey Island, Ruby Beach
Kalaloch Beach 6 Overlook
Kalaloch Beach 4 Overlook
Kalaloch Beach 4
Kalaloch Beach 3 Overlook
Hall of Mosses Trail at Hoh Rain Forest
Spruce Nature Trail at Hoh Rain Forest
Hall of Mosses Trail at Hoh Rain Forest
Spruce Nature Trail at Hoh Rain Forest
Spruce Nature Trail at Hoh Rain Forest
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best Time to Visit
    • Summer Months: July to August when wildflowers are blooming.
    • Spring and Fall Months: Pleasant, but most park roads will be closed.
  • Fly into: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington USA
  • Clothing
    • Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, Capri, sweatshirts, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. Spring and fall months will be cool, so dress in layers
  • How Many Days
    • Main Attractions: 1-2 days
    • Hiking/Camping: 3-5 Days
  • What to expect
    • Ice-capped Mountain Ridges, Glaciers, Temperate Rainforests, Rugged Coastlines, Wildflowers, Waterfalls, Sand and Sea stacks Beaches, Clear Scenic Lakes, Wildlife
  • Be sure to check the Park Website for alerts on road closure and current trail conditions.
  • Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or from $15 to $25 per person/motorcycle, good for seven days.
  • Start early in the morning for best lighting, more elbow room, and also to cover most of the park’s attractions.
  • Take food and water so you can spend the day touring as there are only few restaurants throughout the park.
  • Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
  • There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that the camera is fully charged and also keep backup battery and memory cards.
  • Weather in the Olympic can be unpredictable. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year in Hurricane Ridge. Be prepared for rain and keep your fingers crossed for a sunny day.
  • Places to Visit
    • Hurricane Mountain Ridge, Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, Hoh Rain Forest, Quinault Rain Forest, Staircase
  • Best things to do
    • Drive to Hurricane Ridge, 17 miles south of Port Angeles. Hurricane Ridge is one of the most visited sites and is the most easily accessed mountain area within the Olympic National Park. Hurricane Ridge is named for its intense gales and winds. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails and offers stunning panoramic views of Olympic mountains and Blue Glacier.
    • Make a trip to Lake Crescent. It is about 18 miles west of Port Angeles and the area features beautiful glacially carved pristine water lake, waterfalls, and lowland forests.
    • Visit Hoh Rain Forest and enjoy hiking under the lush green umbrella forest of coniferous-deciduous species with the blanket of mosses-ferns.
    • Spend some time at Ruby beach and cherish yourself in this gorgeous sand beach with sea stacks, drift logs, and amazing surfs. There are 8 beaches within 8 miles on Highway 101 from South beach to Ruby beach. This makes it the perfect hub to walk on beaches like South Beach, Kalaloch Beach, and Ruby Beach. There are vault toilets at Ruby beach and Beach 4.
    • Visit Quinault Rain Forest. The Quinault Valley is about a three hour drive from Port Angeles and offers pleasant and beautiful views of alpine meadows, jeweled lakes, and ice-carved peaks. Enjoy driving the North and South Shore scenic loop road through temperate rainforest.
    • Explore the diverse landscape of Lake Ozette. The Lake Ozette features the magnificent old growth forests, tall sea stacks that dot the coastlines, and the crystal clear Lake Ozette. Lake Ozette is about a 2 hour drive from Port Angeles and is located on the northwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula on Hoko-Ozette Road off Highway 112.
  • Popular and easy hikes
Categories
National Parks

Best Trails in Olympic National Park, Washington

Hall of Mosses Trail at Hoh Rain Forest
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Popular and easy hikes in Olympic National Park, Washington

  • Hurricane Hill Trail: This trail starts at the end of the Hurricane ridge road and the trailhead is almost 1.3 miles from the visitor center. The hike is about 3 miles out and back, considered as moderate, and features great views of surrounding peaks. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year in Hurricane Ridge. Pictures and more info here.
  • Ruby Beach Trail: A short hike from the parking lot that offers a sweet and nice climb over rocks and driftwood and lands on the stunning, expansive beach with sea stacks all over. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes/sandals as the walk is a little steep and also needs to cross the driftwood to access the beach. Pictures and more info here.
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National Parks

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular attractions on Hawaii Island (the Big Island). The Park has diverse nature that ranges from sea level to the summit of the world’s largest volcano. The park offers unique destinations to witness live lava flows, lava tubes, glowing craters, and the best volcano viewing areas in the world.

These photos are from our 8 day trip to Hawaii during the first week of October, 2016.

View of Kīlauea Caldera with Kīlauea Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes from Jaggar Museum
Halemaumau Crater at dusk
Kīlauea Caldera with Kīlauea Volcano, view from Jaggar Museum
View ofKīlauea Caldera and Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea Overlook-
Steam Vents
Kīlauea Iki Overlook
Kīlauea Iki Overlook
Thurston Lava Tube – This lava tube was discovered in 1913 by Lorrin Thurston
Pu’u Puai Overlook
Puhimau Crater Overlook
Puhimau Crater
Chain of Craters Road
Puʻu Puaʻi Trail to Devastation Trail
Hike to Keanakāko‘i Crater, Crater Rim Drive
Halemaumau Crater, Crater Rim Drive
Flowers of the Ohelo
Lava flow on the Crater Rim Drive.
Halemaumau Volcano Crater – View from Keanakako’i Overlook
Chain of Craters Road
Kilauea Coastal Plain along Chain of Craters Road
Massive black lava flows of Pu’u’oo Volcano which destroyed the town of Kalapana and a section of Chain of Craters Road
Chain of Craters Road
Holei Sea Arch
Upwind of the toxic volcanic gas plume – View from Chain of Craters Road near Holei Sea Arch
Chain of Craters Road
View from Chain of Craters Road near Holei Sea Arch
Holei Sea Arch, Chain of Craters Road – 90 ft, sea arch was cut into the cliff of an ancient lava flow, about 550 years ago
View from Chain of Craters Road near Holei Sea Arch
A long-standing symbol of Hawaii, the Nene or Hawaiian Goose
Chain of Craters Road
Halemaumau Crater at dusk
Halemaumau Crater at dusk
Halemaumau Crater at dusk
Halemaumau Crater at dusk
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to visit
    • Weather and good deals: Apr to May, Sep to Oct. Dec to Mar is better, but could be expensive
  • Fly Into
    • Kona International Airport
    • Hilo International Airport
    • Honolulu International Airport, then take a short, 35-40 minute flight to Kona or Hilo
  • Clothing
    • Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, rain gears and a light jacket for the cool evenings
  • Be sure to check the park’s official website for the current trail conditions and road closures before heading out
  • Volcanic activity can change at any time, so be prepared
  • Stay on marked trails and use only open trails and roads
  • It is recommended to hike with at least one other person
  • Avoid going close to steam vents, cracks and cliffs
  • Carry enough water and wear sunscreen, sturdy shoes, hats, and sunglasses when hiking on the no-shade lave fields
  • Best things to do
  • Other Attractions
Categories
National Parks

Haleakalā National Park, Maui

Haleakalā National Park
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Haleakalā National Park is on the Maui Island of Hawaii, named after Haleakalā (“House of the Sun”), a dormant volcano. It is one of the most popular attractions of Maui. The summit area and the coastal Kipahulu area are two distinct sections of the park. The road leading to the summit is winding with many hairpin turns, but well maintained. The summit area includes the Haleakala Crater, an observatory, and the summit of the volcano. The winding coastal road leads to the Kipahulu section which is entirely different from the Summit area. This section has more than two dozen sacred pools, waterfalls, a bamboo forest, and of course, the coastal beaches.

These photos are from our 8 day trip to Hawaii during the first week of October, 2016.

An extremely winding road leads to the Summit
An extremely winding road leads to the Summit
An extremely winding road leads to the Summit
Looking from the Leleiwi Overlook
Looking from the Leleiwi Overlook
Looking from the Leleiwi Overlook
A road to the clouds
Kalahaku overlook
Pu’u o Maui – Hill of Maui, Kalahaku overlook
Kalahaku overlook
Kalahaku overlook
Haleakala Observatory Summit Area, 10,023 ft above sea level
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Sunset at Pu’u’ula’ula Summit
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Sunset at Pu’u’ula’ula Summit
Sunset at Pu’u’ula’ula Summit
The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools)
The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools)
Makahiku Falls, Pipiwai Trail
The Bamboo Forest on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail
Pipiwai Trail
The Bamboo Forest on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail
Big Banyan Tree, Pipiwai Trail
The Bamboo Forest on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to visit
    • Weather and good deals: Apr to May, Sep to Oct. Dec to Mar is better, but could be expensive
  • Fly into
    • Kahului Airport is the main airport and has direct flights from the U.S. mainland
    • Kapalua Airport (west side) and Hana Airport(east side) are other smaller commuter airports
    • Honolulu International Airport, then take a short, 35-40 minute flight to Kahului or Kapalua Maui Airports
  • Clothing
    • Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, rain gears and a light jacket for the cool evenings
    • Bring warm clothes as the Summit area is cooler than the sea level and it gets colder in the mornings and evenings
    • On the contrast Kīpahulu District is hot and humid, so wear accordingly
  • Be sure to check the Park official website for the current trail conditions and road closures before heading out
  • No gas stations on Haleakala Highway and within the park, have the gas tank filled before you hit the road
  • There will be an entry fee and it is good for both parts of the park – the Summit District and Kīpahulu District
  • No food stations inside the park, so bring food and water
  • Roads are narrow, drive slowly and park only in parking lots
  • Prepare yourself if you have motion sickness
  • Best things to do in the Summit District
    • Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset at the Summit. Since 2017 it is required to get a reservation in advance for sunrise view at the Summit, but no reservation is necessary for viewing sunset at this time. You can make reservations of your sunrise visit online up to 60 days in advance here
    • Although the first glimpse of the Leleiwi Overlook trail might not look impressive, do the full trail to relish the panoramic view of the vast crater of Haleakala
    • Enjoy the picture perfect volcanic panoramic views at Kalahaku Lookout
    • Take the rugged trails with lava flows and cinder cones near Pu’u’ula’ula Summit area
  • Best things to do in the Kīpahulu District
    • Hike a short and easy Kūloa Point Trail for the stunning views of ‘Ohe’o Gulch(Seven Sacred Pools) and the beautiful ocean vistas
    • Take a 4-mile round trip Pīpīwai Trail through a lush green diverse forest, a freshwater stream, a bamboo forest with views of gorgeous waterfalls
  • Other Attractions
Categories
National Parks

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Sunrise Point
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Bryce Canyon National Park is in Utah and is well known for its crimson-colored hoodoos. These red, orange, and pink hoodoos are tapering conical or pyramidal shaped rock formations. The park’s scenic main road leads to many vista points like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.

These photos are from our visit to Bryce National Park during the last week of September 2014.

Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point to Sunset Point Trail
View from the Sunrise Point to Sunset Point Trail
Navajo Loop Trail – View from Sunrise Pont
Navajo Loop Trail
Inspiration Point
View of Sunset Overlook Point from the Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point
Navajo Loop Trail
Navajo Loop Trail
Navajo Loop Trail
Rainbow Point Overlook
Rainbow Point Overlook
Ponderosa Canyon Overlook
Aqua Canyon Overlook
Aqua Canyon Overlook
Natural Bridge
Farview Point Overlook
Bryce Point
Paria Point Overlook
Fairyland loop trail
Fairyland loop trail
Mossy Falls
Mossy falls and cave trail
Mossy Falls
Mossy falls and cave trail
Mossy falls and cave trail
Red Canyon of Dixie National Forest in Utah
Rock Tunnel through the Red Canyon of Dixie National Forest
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to visit
    • April to May and September to October
    • Peak Season: June to August
  • Fly into
    • Las Vegas and Salt Lake City: Good deals and major international airports. McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) and Salt Lake City International Airport both are almost 4 hours drive to the Park entrance
    • Page and Flagstaff: Small airports and limited flights. Page is about 2 and a 1/2 drive and Flagstuff is almost 5 hours drive to the Park entrance
  • Clothing
    • Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, capri, sweatshirts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. It will be cooler in Spring and Fall, so dress in layers
  • How many days: At least one full day
  • For the current trail conditions and road closures, check the Park Website
  • Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or from $20 to $30 per person/motorcycle, good for seven days
  • Try to be there early in the morning for best light and more elbow room so that you can cover most of the attractions
  • Parking is limited during the summer months. The park offers free shuttles and the shuttles run every 15 mins and stops at every attraction point
  • Take food and water so you can spend the day touring
  • Weak/no cell phone signals in some areas of the park, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed
  • There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that your camera is fully charged and also keep backup batteries and memory cards
  • What to expect
    • Crimson-colored hoodoos, Spire-shaped rock formations, Diverse Amphitheater, Red Rocks, Pink Cliffs
  • Places to See
    • Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Paria View, Piracy Point, Farview Point, Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Rainbow Point, Yovimpa Point, Fairyland Canyon
  • Best things to do
    • Drive the Park Scenic Road and enjoy the stunning views at each vista point
    • Get up early and catch the awesome sunrise at Sunrise Point. The hoodoos get an orange color glow from the morning sunlight and look amazing, It is a short walk to the viewpoint from the parking lot
    • Take a diversion to Bryce point road to visit Bryce point during the sunrise for stunning views of hoodoos. The top of the hoodoos look like they catch fire and then slowly orange flames come down to the lower part as the sun rises
    • Get inspired by stopping at Inspiration point. A short walk to Inspiration point offers a panoramic view of the Bryce amphitheater
    • Enjoy hiking the Navajo loop trail. A moderate 3 mile hike begins at Sunset Point and takes you down into the amphitheater and the views are stunning
    • Make a stop at Agua Canyon to view the three layers of elegance, hoodoos in the foreground, Pink Cliffs behind them, and the Navajo Mountain on the backdrop
  • Nearby Attractions
Categories
National Parks

Zion National Park, Utah

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Zion National Park is Utah’s first national park and is one among the most visited national parks in the USA. Zion showcases not just the breathtaking views of its expansive canyons, but also offers plenty of other activities like hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, and more. Hiking through The Narrows and The Subway are extremely challenging.

These photos are from our visit to Zion National Park during the last week of September 2014.

Highway 15 – on the way to Zion National Park
Road Through Zion National Park
Road Through Zion National Park
Road Through Zion National Park
Road Through Zion National Park
Zion Human History Museum
Views of the Towers of the Virgin
View from Zion Human History Museum
Court of the Patriarchs
The Grotto
The Grotto
Views of the Virgin River and Angels Landing, The Grotto area
Weeping Rock
Weeping Rock
Views of Angels Landing and Big Bend from Weeping Rock
Riverside Walk Trail – Starting at the Temple of Sinawava
Riverside Walk Trail – Starting at the Temple of Sinawava
The Narrows
The Narrows
Great White Throne
Road Through Zion National Park
Road Through Zion National Park
Mt. Carmel tunnel, which was completed in 1930
Canyon Overlook Trail
Lower Pine Creek, from the end of the Canyon Overlook Trail
Canyon Overlook Trail
Lower Pine Creek, from the end of the Canyon Overlook Trail
Road through Zion National Park
Red Canyon of Dixie National Forest in Utah
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to visit: April to October
    • Good weather and less crowd: April to May and September to October
    • Peak Season: June to August
  • Fly into
    • Las Vegas and Salt Lake City: Good deals and major international airports. McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) is almost a 3 hour drive to the south entrance of Zion National Park and Salt Lake City International Airport is about 4 and 1/2 drive to the south entrance of Zion National Park 
    • Page and Flagstaff: Small airports and limited flights. Page is about 2 and a 1/2 hours drive and Flagstuff is almost 4 and a 1/2 hours drive to the Park entrance
  • Clothing
    • Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, capri, sweatshirts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreens, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. It will be cooler in Spring and Fall, so dress in layers
  • How many days: At least one full day
  • Before you go, do not forget to check the park website for alerts on flash floods, road closure, and trail/hike conditions
  • Check the weather forecast before you head out. Flash floods can occur at any time in Zion National Park and are unpredictable. Be aware and avoid those areas that are likely to flood
  • Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or from $20 to $30 per person/motorcycle, good for seven days
  • Try to be there early in the morning for best light, more elbow room, and more importantly to get a parking spot. The parking is limited and commonly fill up early in the day
  • The park offers free shuttles during the busiest months (spring, summer and fall). Private vehicles are not allowed when shuttles are running, so taking the park shuttle is mandatory. The shuttle starts at 6 am from Zion Canyon Visitor Center. runs very 8-10 mins and stops at many attraction points
  • Take food and water so you can spend the day touring
  • Weak/no cell phone signals in some areas of the park, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed
  • There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that your camera is fully charged and also keep backup batteries and memory cards
  • What To Expect
    • Canyons, Towering cliff walls, Orange and Cream Colored rolling ridged mountains, Scattering large pine trees valley, Calm Pools, Weeping Rocks, Virgin River, Waterfalls
  • Places to See
    • Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Museum, Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, The Grotto, The Weeping Rock, The Big Bend, Temple Of Sinawava, The Narrows, Canyon Overlook
  • Best Things To Do
    • Enjoy driving the Zion Canyon Scenic Road that takes you to many of the parks’ popular landmarks. Road is open to private vehicles from December to February
    • Take a free shuttle bus and enjoy the Zion canyon along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttle buses take you to several attraction points including the most famous sites in the park, the Angels Landing and The Narrows. The best way to explore Zion is by taking hassle free, hop and hop the park free shuttle bus
    • Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway which is as scenic as Zion Canyon Drive. Go through the famous Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and enjoy the wonderful ride through the Upper East Canyon. Checkerboard Mesa is the first stop from the East Entrance of the park. The landscape here looks different from other parts of Zion and changes to a mix of white and amber colored stone mountain ridges with large pine trees
  • Easy and Popular Hikes
    • Weeping Rock: A half-mile easy round-trip walk from the shuttle stop (stop #7 on the Zion shuttle bus) offers a close up look of the water dripping from a large bowl shaped hallow stone, beautiful view of the lush hanging gardens that attached to sheer cliff wall, and a unique view of the Great White Throne
    • Riverside Walk: An easy paved 2.2 mile round trail runs along the Virgin river and is the last stop on the Zion shuttle bus (stop #9, Temple of Sinawava). This trail offers lush hanging gardens, colored hugging rock wall, great views of the Virgin river and waterfalls. The more rugged Narrow Trail begins at the end of the Riverside walk trail where the canyon becomes so narrow. The Narrow is a gorge with walls a thousand feet tall and the river just 20-30 feet wide
    • Lower and Upper Emerald Pool: A winding 2 mile round-trip paved trail from the shuttle stop (stop #5 Zion Lodge) offers a weeping wall, waterfalls, bridges and calm pools at the base
    • Grotto Trail: A nice and short one mile round trip trail that connects Zion Lodge (shuttle bus stop #5) to the Grotto and offers spectacular views of the canyons
    • Canyon Overlook Trail: This 1 mile short, but little steep round trip trail starts immediately after exiting the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel in the Upper East Canyon of Zion National Park. This trail offers great views of Zion Canyons, Bridge Mountain, Route 9 switchbacks, Pine Creek Stream and east Temple. Take caution while hiking on those slippery loose sand areas
  • Nearby Attractions