Straddling the border of Arizona and Nevada, located about 35 minutes outside the culturally enriching city of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a sight to behold and makes for an excellent day or road trip stop. An awe-inspiring feat of engineering, it stands 726 feet (221.4 m) tall and stretches 1,244 feet (379 m) …
Continue reading Standing Between States: A Visit to the Hoover Dam.
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 …
While walking through the streets of downtown Seattle, Washington, you may not realize that you’re actually treading above a hidden city. Beneath your feet lies a secret network of forgotten storefronts – the remnants of old Seattle – now closed off to the public except through private tours or special access. Allegedly haunted, the dark, …
As a state full of special places, Cape Flattery has to be one of the most special places in Washington. As the most northwestern point in the continental United States, it offers a unique and breathtaking experience, as only Alaska and Hawaii are located farther west. Situated at the tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Cape …
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 …
An iconic stop along Washington State’s coastline, The Tree of Life often makes the cut of any “must-see” list featured on various travel blogs and websites (like this one 🤪). While it’s technically just a large tree with massive, exposed roots clinging dramatically to the edge of a small sandy cliff at Kalaloch Beach, it’s …
Continue reading The Tree of Life – Resilience Rooted in Nature.
Holding the unique distinction of being the only waterfall along the Columbia River Gorge Highway located below the highway itself, Bridal Veil Falls is a favorite among waterfall enthusiasts. According to the popular hiking app AllTrails, it’s considered to be one of the best “bang for your buck” spots within the gorge. Named for its …
Continue reading Bridal Veil Falls: The “Best Bang for Your Buck”.
In the small town of Morrison, Colorado, approximately 10 miles west of Denver, lies a stunning natural amphitheater that has graced the landscape for over a century. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is a must-see - renowned as one of only seven natural amphitheaters in the world and one of four within the United States (with …
Continue reading Red Rocks Amphitheatre: A Natural Wonder – One of Just Seven on Earth.
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 …
Continue reading Staircase Rapids Loop: A Washington Dream Hike.
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 …