Lost Palms Oasis Trail, desert hike in Joshua Tree National Park
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10 Unforgettable Desert Hikes in the National Parks

ByBram Reusen

From old-growth forests to towering mountains, from rocky coasts to shimmering lakes, America’s national parks preserve all kinds of landscapes. One of the landscapes least suitable to humans, however, are the American deserts. And this is exactly why the following desert hikes in the national parks are so unforgettable. Hiking across shadeless desert flats, navigating…

Day hiker on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the White Mountains, New Hampshire, New England
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12 Must-Visit National Park Service Sites in New England

ByBram Reusen

Although there is only one “true” national park in New England, there are also lots of other National Park Service sites in the Northeast. The Park Service itself regularly refers to its 420+ units as “national parks”, which is why I’ll also use that term broadly throughout this post. Besides Acadia National Park, one of…

Kilauea Overlook view of the crater, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
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15 Amazing Things to Do in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

ByBram Reusen

Its designations as both an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site indicate how extraordinary Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is on a global scale. It’s truly one of the most remarkable national parks in the United States, if not the world. Home to the most active and the largest active volcanoes on the planet,…

Many Glacier Hotel at Swiftcurrent Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana
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A Guide to Accommodation in Glacier National Park

ByBram Reusen

One of the most visited national parks in America, Glacier National Park receives the vast majority of its visitors just in the short summer season alone. Therefore, I recommend booking your Glacier National Park accommodation well in advance—several months to over a year in advance. From June through August, which coincidences with the opening of…

Petroglyphs, Mesa Verde National Park
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7 Fascinating Pictograph, Petroglyph and Rock Art Sites in the National Parks

ByBram Reusen

Nearly all U.S. national parks encompass the ancestral homelands of Native American Tribes. Having lived in, or at least traveled through, these areas, they left behind plenty of archaeological artifacts and other cultural heritage. Particularly the rock art sites in national parks, created by Indigenous peoples many centuries ago, are fascinating places to visit. Today,…

Going-to-the-Sun Road viewpoint in Glacier National Park, Montana
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Awe-Inspiring Overlooks and Viewpoints in the National Parks

ByBram Reusen

Besides wildlife and outdoor adventures, many people visit America’s national parks to see some of the country’s greatest landscapes. While some views require several miles of hiking, there are also many spectacular, easily accessible overlooks and viewpoints in the national parks.

Rim Trail, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Big Island of Hawaii
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10 Best Day Hikes in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

ByBram Reusen

Some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes are found on the Big Island of Hawaii. You can explore them on a number of awesome day hikes in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The only Hawaiian island that’s still volcanically active, the Big Island is home to two of the most active volcanoes on Earth: Mauna Loa…

Black bear in the woods of Shenandoah National Park
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Where to See Black Bears in Shenandoah National Park

ByBram Reusen

No matter how many times you’ve seen them, seeing black bears in the wild is always an exciting experience. For some of America’s best black bear viewing, spend a few days in Shenandoah National Park, exploring its woodlands, meadows and waterfalls. This mountainous park stretches along the crest of central Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, characterized…

Paradise Inn in Mount Rainier National Park in Fall
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A Guide to Accommodation in Mount Rainier National Park

ByBram Reusen

Offering epic day hiking opportunities, great wildlife viewing and stunning scenery, Mount Rainier National Park requires at least two or three days. Luckily, there are a number of frontcountry campgrounds and a couple of excellent accommodation options in Mount Rainier National Park! This post is not about camping in the park, but discusses the two…

Hiker on Boundary Trail to Harry's Ridge, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington
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Unforgettable Hikes in Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

ByBram Reusen

One of the most iconic mountains in the Pacific Northwest, Washington’s Mount St. Helens is famous for its 1980 eruption, which is still the most devastating and deadliest volcanic eruption in the history of the United States. Nowadays, however, it’s a fantastic place to witness the resilience of nature up close. More than 200 miles…

Bison crossing the Lamar River in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
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Where to See Bison in Yellowstone National Park

ByBram Reusen

The fact that American bison aren’t extinct in the United States is largely thanks to Yellowstone National Park. These extraordinary animals, a very symbol of American wilderness, came perilously close to extermination in the 19th century, but were able to find a safe haven in national parks like Yellowstone. Particularly the Lamar Buffalo Ranch, established…

Watchman Peak Crater Lake panorama, Oregon
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5 Stunning Scenic Views of Crater Lake, Oregon

ByBram Reusen

The perfect blueness, stillness, clarity and magnificence of Crater Lake must be seen to be believed. And luckily, there are many overlooks and summits that offer scenic views in Crater Lake National Park! For the best views of Crater Lake, Oregon‘s most famous lake, you can drive the famous Rim Drive, stopping at overlooks as…

Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
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A Guide to Accommodation in Shenandoah National Park

ByBram Reusen

Alongside the meandering 105 miles of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, you’ll find a number of accommodation options. From campgrounds—which we won’t discuss in this particular post—to rustic cabins and historic lodges, these Shenandoah National Park lodging facilities cater to all kinds of different tastes, needs and wishes. If you’re looking for a place to…