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Moraine Lake & Larch Valley- Banff NP, AB
Moraine Lake is impossibly beautiful. It is exactly what you would imagine when picturing an idyllic alpine lake; brilliantly blue-green from glacial rock flower, surrounded on all sides by towering snow capped mountains. It is so impressive, it has been featured twice on the Canadian twenty dollar bill. It is also one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada, which means you will be sharing the experience with a crowd of others. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to escape the crush. Much like Lake Louise, the parking lot at Moraine Lake fills up early; when it is filled, the road is closed. So, either show up before dawn, or…
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Lake Louise & Lake Agnes- Banff NP, AB
Lake Louise, with its grand hotel, towering snow capped mountains peaks, and impossibly emerald water is perhaps the most popular destination in the Canadian Rockies. Or maybe it just feels that way, due to the crazy crowds. Arriving early is key here, if you are not staying at the Chateau. Just after dawn the parking lots are full, and by mid-morning, the area trails are packed. That said, it is worth any inconvenience to visit this spectacular glacial lake. The sad, but fortunate truth is that many Lake Louise visitors just snap a quick picture before heading off to their next destination; this means it isn’t as crowded as it…
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Bow Valley Parkway & Johnston Canyon- Banff NP, AB
Although there are faster ways to get from Banff to Lake Louise than the Bow Valley Parkway, its not always about the destination. This short scenic drive offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, views of the surrounding mountains, and access to the Johnston Canyon trailhead, one of the most popular hikes in the park. In fact, you may never even make it to Lake Louise. Although there are several stops along the parkway, the 8000 year old Johnston Canyon is perhaps the most popular. Here, a cantilevered trail winds through a lush limestone canyon, past several stunning waterfalls. An extension of the trail ascends to a serene alpine meadow studded with…
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Multnomah Falls- Bridal Veil, OR
Multnomah Falls may just be the second most iconic waterfall in the United States, behind only Niagara. It’s dramatic drop, lush landscape, and delicate arch bridge certainly make for an impressive photo. Unbelievably beautiful, it is no wonder it is the most popular natural attraction in Oregon. Which also means it is unbelievably crowded. However, if you visit very early, you will miss most of the madness. Also, a significant number of visitors just jump out to snap a stunning shot, so the actual hike to the upper falls overlook was downright peaceful in the early morning. Along the way, the views of the Columbia River rival those of the…
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Diamond Head Summit Trail- Oahu, HI
Diamond Head is without a doubt one of the most recognizable volcanic cones in the world. Visible from any point on Waikiki Beach, it’s profile is the very image of paradise. As scenic as it is from the beach, it only gets better from the summit. You must however get to the trailhead by dawn; any later, the trail transforms into a slow moving mass of humanity, and is just about as fun as a subway at rush hour. The trail to the summit was constructed in 1908, for the practical purpose of coastal defense. Batteries were placed along the summit, some with a 360 degree field of fire, to…
