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.
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 …
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 …
Have you ever seen the movies The Descent or The Cave? That's precisely what came to mind as we made our way through the pitch-black, wet darkness of the Ape Cave lava tubes at Mount St. Helens. Surrounded by nothing except solidified lava, with rainwater dripping constantly from every angle, being inside the Ape Cave …
Continue reading The Ape Cave Lava Tubes of Mount St. Helen.
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”.
If you ever visit western South Dakota, you must take a drive on the famous Needles Highway. During our travels throughout Deadwood (Deadwood, South Dakota: Entertaining Guests Since 1876.) and Rapid City, several locals highly recommended it. It's part of South Dakota Highway 87, a 38-mile state highway that runs through Custer State Park (Custer …
Continue reading The Famous Needles Highway of South Dakota.