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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…
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Yellowstone National Park- WY,MT,ID
Older is definitely better when it comes to National Parks. Actually, they’re all amazing; however, the oldest park, Yellowstone, is an absolute wonderland. A vast and varied collection of fascinating geologic features, it is like no other place on Earth. In fact, it resembles an inhospitable and inhabitable planet in places; one with steaming vents and boiling baths. However, it is also a place of great diversity; stark beauty tempered with lush wetlands, raging rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. Add the architecturally outstanding Old Faithful Inn, and it might just be the perfect park. Whatever amount of time you plan to spend at the park will not be enough. To really…
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Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Coast to Coast, America has an incredible number of scenic drives. From dusty desert byways to rugged coastline highways, they make getting to your destination secondary, and certainly a lot more fun. Some drives, such as those located in National Parks, are destinations unto themselves. For those who don’t have the time or energy to actually explore a park, these roads offer an excellent overview of the area. Consisting of sinuous curves and scenic overlooks, the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is without a doubt one of the most stunning park drives in the country. Many of these roads, such as Trail Ridge, have their origins in…
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Big Bend National Park- Big Bend, TX
For all of you National Park junkies that love the isolation and solitude of the desert, head to Big Bend. It is by far one of the least visited National Parks in the United States, so chances are you will practically have the place to yourself. Although some might consider it desolate, the park is far from a barren wasteland; it is home to stunning geology, the Rio Grande, diverse wildlife, and some of the darkest skies in the world. Big Bend is not the easiest place to get to, which probably accounts for the low visitation numbers. Only 300,000 people a year visit this park, which is probably the…
