The Tree of Life – Resilience Rooted in Nature.

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 …

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Bridal Veil Falls: The “Best Bang for Your Buck”.

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 …

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The Famous Needles Highway of South Dakota.

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 …

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Red Rocks Amphitheatre: A Natural Wonder – One of Just Seven on Earth.

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 …

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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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Custer State Park: South Dakota’s 1st State Park.

As South Dakota’s first and largest state park, Custer State Park is a must-visit when in the state’s Rapid City region. This vast wildlife preserve is home to bison, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, river otters, cougars, feral burros, prairie dogs, and more – offering a refreshing escape from mundane city life. …

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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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Horsetail Falls: An Iconic Photo Spot.

Horsetail Falls, a popular and picturesque waterfall located near Portland, Oregon, offers an iconic photo opportunity with its distinctive, horse-tail-like shape. While smaller than its more famous counterpart, Multnomah Falls (Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s Tallest & most Famous Waterfall.), Horsetail Falls is beautiful and impressive, nonetheless. Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge along the scenic Historic …

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