Sitting amid the deserted hills of the Black Mountains, practically in the middle of nowhere, is a town famous not for its size or amenities, but for its four-legged, hee-hawing mascots that roam freely. With only about 89 permanent residents, and dozens of donkeys to fill the gaps, Oatman, Arizona, draws visitors from all over …
As the third tallest waterfall in “Waterfall Alley”, Latourell Falls is a stunning 224-foot waterfall that plunges directly down from Latourell Creek. What sets this waterfall apart from many of its peers in the Columbia River Gorge is its straight drop (while the others are tiered). Located about 35-40 minutes outside of Portland, Oregon, it …
Continue reading Latourell Falls: Unique Among Waterfall Alley.
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.