National forests are an integral part of America’s great outdoors. They protect everything from temperate rain forests to spectacular mountains, lakes, and coastlines.
Oregon is known far and wide for its lush forests filled with moss-covered rocks and trees, many volcanoes and hundreds of photogenic waterfalls. Especially the Columbia River Gorge, which forms much of the border between Oregon and Washington State, is famous for being a waterfall hotspot.
Situated in the far northwestern corner of the contiguous United States, Mount Baker has some of the greatest (sub)alpine trails in the nation. Rising 10,781 feet to the heavens, Mount …
One of the most famous natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon. A dormant stratovolcano rising up to 11,239 feet above sea level, …
One of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations near Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest is only about an hour’s drive east from Oregon’s largest city. If you don’t have time …
From fascinating historic sites, including both Native American sites and pioneer trails, to sprawling volcanic landscapes, caves, badlands and rain forests, the sheer diversity of the national forests, monuments and national parks in Oregon is amazing. These are the best federal parks to visit in the Beaver State.
Home to giant glaciers, countless cascades, stunning lakes, jagged peaks and lots of wildlife, the North Cascades are a camper’s, hiker’s, backpacker’s and kayaker’s dream destination. These are the best things to do in this magnificent mountain wilderness in northern Washington State.
One of America’s most diverse regions, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is home to massive volcanoes, pristine temperate rain forests, high desert plains, sea stack-lined coasts and spectacular mountain ranges. In this post, I talk about the many must-visit Pacific Northwest national parks and offer a couple of suggested road trip itineraries.
A sprawling area of forests, volcanoes, mountains and lakes south(west) of Bend, Oregon, Deschutes National Forest is a dream destination for hikers, kayakers, rock climbers, campers and other adventurists. Check out the top attractions in this spectacular national forest here.
On a scenic road trip from Seattle to Sacramento, you can see, explore—and even climb—more than a dozen mighty Cascade Range Volcanoes in nine separate parks, from Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens to Mount Hood, Newberry Volcano, Crater Lake and Lassen Peak.
Featuring various lake activities, such as boating and fishing, as well as fantastic wildlife viewing, great hiking, breathtaking Quinault Rain Forest scenery, and some beautiful waterfalls, the many things to do in the Quinault Valley will keep you busy for a day or two. This is easily one of my favorite places in Olympic National Park.