Big Tree of Redwood National Park:

Officially named Big Tree Wayside, this massive redwood is a sight to behold and impossible to miss. Just a stone's throw from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, this impressive natural wonder makes for a great quick stop on any Redwood National Park itinerary. Estimated to be around 1,500 years …

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Mount Rainier National Park.

One of three national parks in the beautiful state of Washington, Mount Rainier National Park had long been high on my travel to-do list. This was my 4th visit to Washington, and having already explored Olympic National Park 2x before, I was eager to experience something new. Unfortunately, as is often the case when visiting …

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Yosemite National Park.

Half Dome from Glacier Point. World-renowned as one of the best national parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park in central California often tops the list of “must-visit” destinations for national park lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and outdoor connoisseurs. Famous for its iconic rock formations El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking …

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Lanzarote, Canary Islands: “The Island of Eternal Spring”.

Located closer to Africa than mainland Spain, Lanzarote is an interesting place to visit. Its landscape is desert-like, featuring endless volcanic terrain and Greek-style architecture, rather than the tropical look often associated with islands. This unique blend helps create an otherworldly experience. Lanzarote is one of seven islands in the Canary Islands, part of Spain’s …

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Mount Teide National Park: Mars on Earth.

Located at the center of Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, which also doubles as a volcano, is a European national park that could easily cosplay the planet Mars. If someone were transported there while asleep, they’d have little reason to believe they weren’t on the Red Planet, aside from the basic logic that …

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Staircase Rapids Loop: A Washington Dream Hike.

One of the best hikes I’ve experienced in Washington state, Staircase Rapids Loop is a must-do if you’re ever visiting Seattle or exploring the northwestern part of Washington. This lesser-known hiking gem is nestled in the southeastern section of Olympic National Park, only accessible by an old, bumpy gravel road. Although it requires some effort …

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Badlands National Park.

One of two national parks in South Dakota and one of the few located in north-central United States, Badlands National Park is a rugged landscape featuring sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles, alongside the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the country. Known for its vibrant formations that evoke the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted …

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Sol Duc Falls: A Hikers Dream. 🥾

First things first, it's pronounced "Sole Duck", not "Sole Duce" or "Sole Duke". 🦆 Now that that is out of the way, Sol Duc Falls is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite hikes – ever – and a must-do for anyone visiting western Washington State! This trail and its stunning waterfall are incredibly beautiful, making …

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Bryce Canyon National Park.

Easily one of my favorite national parks, Bryce Canyon National Park is must-visit for fans of unique landscapes and epic hiking trails. With its vibrant scenery of oranges, reds, and whites, and its incredible, almost alien-like rock formations, it’s truly a sight to behold. Bryce Canyon National Park feels like a glimpse of what Mars …

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Ah-Pah Interpretative Trail at Redwood National Park: Short but Great.

One of the easiest hikes I've ever done, the Ah-Pah Interpretative Trail offers an enjoyable and accessible hiking experience within Redwood National Park. Originally a 20th-century logging road, it has been transformed into a family-friendly trail, making it perfect for visitors of all ages, including my seven-year-old daughter, who walked it effortlessly. While it may …

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