Where You Should Go As a First Time Visitor: West Coast

PART ONE

This month, Jared, Lassen, and I are staying put to build our new tiny home on wheels, and while I’ll be writing a big post at the end of this giant adventure talking about the whole process, I decided to start a new series while we wait, talking about some of the states I know well, and leading up to a bigger project I’ve been working on in the sidelines. The goal with this series is to talk about the ONE place you should visit if you’ve never been to a state or region. A lot of you are planning road trips, or simply planning domestic travel in general, so if you’re looking for the best place to see what a state has to offer, you’re in the right place. For the first installment of this series, we’re gonna talk about my absolute favorite part of the country: the West Coast, which includes California, Oregon, and Washington.

Olympic National Park, WA

Southern California: Joshua Tree

I decided to split California into two sections because the north and the south are so drastically different from each other. Southern California is known for three things: beaches, cities, and desert. While I could have easily picked a beach for this, I truly think the Southern California desert is one of the most unique places in the country, so, let’s go to one of my favorite National Parks: Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree is located about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, in adjacent to the towns of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. It’s also less than an hour from the Salton Sea and Slab City. This unique National Park is home to the largest population of unique Joshua “trees” in the country. The trees are actually part of the agave family, and the oldest is over 300 years old!

What should I not miss?

·       Hike Ryan Mountain

·       Find the Hall in the Hall of Horrors

·       Walk through the Cholla Cactus Gardens

This unique desert is one of my favorite destinations in Southern California, and because of its proximity to other SoCal hotspots, you’ll be able to make a whole road trip out of it!

Northern California: Yosemite

Seriously, if you thought I’d pick anywhere else in NorCal for a first time visitor… you haven’t been to Yosemite! Yosemite is one of the three most famous National Parks in the country (the others being Grand Canyon and Yellowstone), and it’s a hiking, rock climbing, and sight seeing destination for travelers coming from all over the world.

Yosemite is known for its giant rock formations, or monoliths, including El Capitan (which you might recognize from documentaries like Free Solo and The Dawn Wall), and Half Dome. It’s also known for having the tallest waterfall in the Lower 48, which you can hike to the top of.

What should I not miss?

·       Drive up to Glacier Point

·       Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

·       See Mirror Lake (in the spring and summer only)

·       See Yosemite Falls

·       Watch the sunset from the meadows over Half Dome

Yosemite was the National Park that made me fall in love with National Parks, and I hope it does the same for you, first time visitor. Have fun, and keep an eye out for black bears!

Oregon: Mount Hood

I easily could’ve picked Crater Lake for this spot, but nowhere in Oregon captures the beauty of the Pacific Northwest quite like Mount Hood. Mount Hood is a National Forest (run by the USFS, not the NPS like Joshua Tree and Yosemite), and it’s home to lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and of course, the famous mountain itself.

The Pacific Northwest is the best place to experience wild nature, and Mount Hood definitely has plenty of that. From opportunities to climb the mountain, to places to relax by the water, to more civilized excursions, like visiting the famous Timberline Lodge for some awesome views, this National Forest has a little bit of everything.

What should I not miss?

·       Trillium Lake

·       Tamanawas Falls

·       Timberline Lodge

Mount Hood is truly a Pacific Northwest destination that will give you the best of Oregon and keep you wanting to come back again and again.

Washington: Olympic

Olympic is truly the place that embodies everything Pacific Northwest. Here, you’ve got the coast, the forests, the mountains, the animals… everything you think of when you think of the PNW, Olympic has it somewhere within the Park boundaries.

Olympic is definitely a difficult place to get to, though, especially if you’re flying into Seattle, rather than driving from Oregon. You will have to either cross the Puget Sound by ferry or drive around it, and then you can decide which direction you’d like to loop around the Olympic Peninsula. Olympic is a huge National Park, but most of the park is wilderness and isn’t accessible by car. This makes it one of the best parks for backpacking in the entire country.

What should I not miss?

·       Rialto Beach

·       Hoh Rainforest

·       Hurricane Ridge for sunset

·       Obstruction Point (if you’re not scared of heights)

·       Crescent Lake

Olympic is easily one of the most unique National Parks in the country, and one of the places you’re sure to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest in its rawest form.

If you’re a first time west coast traveler, you have so many amazing landscapes to look forward to. So, why not start with one of these and go from there? If you’re looking to travel soon, but have no idea where to start, check out my new consulting services outside of Patreon for new travelers looking to plan a one time trip.

A Visitor's Guide to Mount Rainier National Park

Home to three National Parks, Washington State is a nature-lover’s dream destination. From the sprawling mountains of the North Cascades to the hidden rainforest of Olympic, there’s something for everyone in this Pacific Northwest state. But there’s one National Park that stands out as a crowd favorite when it comes to Washington, and that’s Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier is the most glaciated mountain in the lower 48. This park stays cold well into the summer months, and attracts visitors of all ages to come and explore its forests, climb to its peak, and discover its secret lakes and waterfalls created by snowmelt. In the summer, you can spot beautiful wildflowers and incredible wildlife as you explore the park, and still experience the same snowy landscapes as winter visitors in some areas of the park.

We recently spent the holiday weekend in Mount Rainier and explored the best areas of the park. Here is my guide to help you plan your visit.

The view from an overlook accessible from a trail near the Sunrise Visitor Center.

First things first…

Mount Rainier is located about 2 hours south of Seattle, WA, and is bordered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Gifford-Pinchot National Forests. These areas are home to animals such as black bears, marmots, elk, and deer, so be on the lookout for any creatures as you drive through the park!

The entry fee for Mount Rainier is $30 per vehicle or the America the Beautiful Pass. During COVID-19, Mount Rainier is doing fee collection.

Pets are allowed to join you during your visit, but they are limited to certain areas of the park, such as parking lots, campgrounds, and picnic areas. There is a dirt road in the Sunrise section of the park where you can walk your dog. Dogs are not permitted on park trails.

There are two campgrounds in the park, White River and Ohanapecosh, but there are also tons of boondocking and dispersed camping spots in the nearby forests.

Mount Rainier National Park

Sections of the park

There are five main sections of the park: Ohanapecosh, Longmire, Paradise, Sunrise, and Carbon River. Each section has something unique to see and do.

In Ohanapecosh, experience old growth forests, deep canyons, and gorgeous views! We didn’t spend too much time in this section because the road was closed ten miles in due to winter damage.

The Longmire area leads into Paradise, which is the subalpine area in the southern end of the park. Longmire is where the park’s founders stayed during their time in the area, so this is an important area to stop and experience on your way up to the subalpine!

On the way from Longmire to Paradise there are plenty of amazing views to see!

In Paradise, you’ll find yourself up next to the mountain. Here, you’ll be able to experience the subalpine in the southern side of the park, much of which stays snowy well into summer. Here, we were able to do the Nisqually Vista Trail, a small snow hike that leads to a glacial view of Nisqually Glacier.

The Carbon River section is located in the Northwest corner of the park, and is known for being the park’s temperate rainforest. This area is generally cool and rainy, and is a great place to experience some of the most unique Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Mount Rainier is perfect for solo travelers looking to get out of their comfort zones!

Sunrise is our personal favorite section of the park. Here, you’ll reach elevations of 6,400 feet and might meet animals like black bears and marmots. Here, there are plenty of hiking trails that are accessible in early summer, despite the snow, just make sure that you know your hiking level! This is one of the best places to see Emmons Glacier.

Sunrise at Sunrise Point is an incredible experience

Best underrated things to do

While Mount Rainier is known for hiking and mountaineering, there are plenty of really underrated things to experience! These are our favorite things we did during our time in the park.

Get up for sunrise… at Sunrise

Sunrise in the PNW is incredibly early, but you’ll never experience a sunrise like the ones from Sunrise Point in the park. Here, you’ll be above the clouds and get incredible and almost private views of Mount Rainier as soon as the sun comes up. In early July, we got up at 4:30 to drive from the park entrance to Sunrise Point for sunrise at 5am.

A secret no-name lake in Mount Rainier National Park with the famous mountain hiding behind some clouds

Search for hidden waterfalls and lakes

While it is still a hike, it’s not a long one to find the best secret lake and waterfall. The Glacier Basin Trail that starts in White River Campground is home to tons of small yet beautiful waterfalls, and if you’re brave enough, a secret glacial lake with no official name that might take a little bit of effort to find!

Drive up to Tipsoo Lake

This part of the park is free to visit and has an beautiful reflective lake perfect for catching views of Mount Rainier, experiencing some July snow, and having a picnic in the picnic area. The drive up here also has views that can’t be beat!

The view of Mount Rainier from Tipsoo Lake in July

Mount Rainier is truly an incredible National Park to visit, and easily the best in the state of Washington. Home to one of the tallest mountains in the country, this is a site that can’t be missed during your time in the Pacific Northwest. From wildflower to wild animals, to awakening your own wild self, Mount Rainier is sure to give you experiences you won’t soon forget.

The Three Best Woodlands to Explore Along the West Coast

The West Coast of the US is full of wonder. There’s no question why this is one of the top road trip destinations for Americans this summer. But the truth is, there’s so much more to the west coast than just the stunning coastline, brilliant rock formations, and potential whale sightings. The West Coast is home to some of the most unique forests and woodlands in the country, with tons of diversity stretching from Central California all the way up to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

(I’m defining these as woodlands to get rid of any confusion with National Forests, which are often just referred to as Forests by campers.)

These are the top three woodlands to explore on your next road trip up (or down) the West Coast!

See the tallest trees in the world at Redwoods National Park in California

Sequoia National Park, CA

Let’s start this journey in Central California, in the Western Sierras. Sequoia National Park is home to the world’s largest trees, including the General Sherman Tree, which is thought to be one of the oldest trees in the world. These trees are known for their wide trunk diameters and towering heights. The National Park is home to stunning wildlife such as black bears and marmots, and on a trip through the General’s Highway, you’ll be introduced to huge trees, hidden waterfalls, and beautiful views to hike to.

Sequoia National Park is connected to its sister park, Kings Canyon via the Sequoia National Forest, so you’ll have plenty of time to see this forest of massive trees between the two parks.

Explore the largest trees in the world at Sequoia National Park in California

Redwoods National Park, CA

High up in Northern California, located along the coastline, is Redwoods National and State Parks. Contrary to what most people think, Sequoia is not home to the world’s tallest trees. Instead, that secret spot is the Redwoods. These trees are skinnier than Sequoias, but don’t let that fool you! The Big Tree, one of the top attractions in the park is 23.7 feet in diameter (and 286 feet tall!).

Redwoods National and State Parks is just that—a mix of National and State Park land, which means there’s plenty to do for any traveler, no matter how long you want to spend there. You’ll likely see some elk in the woods and meadows and some seals in the ocean during your trip.

For a full guide to Redwoods National Park, click the button below!

Redwoods National Park is a hiker’s heaven

Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, WA

Olympic National Park is a unique one all on its own, but did you know it’s also home to the only temperate rainforest in the US that you can drive your car into? The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places in the country, and it is made distinct by the fact that the forest itself creates its own weather system.

While Olympic is known for its unique set of landscapes, the Hoh Rainforest truly stands out as one of the most distinct. It is home to multiple species of moss, banana slugs, and larger animals like bears. It is one of the only places in the country where you can experience a landscape as unique as this one.

For a full guide to Olympic National Park, click the button below!

Explore the only temperate rainforest you can drive to in Olympic National Park, WA

Trees are something that really define the West Coast, almost as much as the ocean does. With so many unique species of trees along these states, you truly can’t go wrong with a road trip to any of these destinations. You’ll be guaranteed to not only see Sequoias and Redwoods, but also Ponderosas, Spruces, and more. So keep your head high and your views higher—I’ll see you in the trees!

Interested in living on the road full time but don’t know where to start? Check out my ebook: A Beginner’s Guide To Living As A Nomad by clicking on the button below!

What I Packed for One Week in The Cascades

This past week, I went on a far different trip than what I’d normally plan for myself. I’d been thinking about getting my Wilderness First Aid certification for a while, and when I got an opportunity to do so with my favorite volunteer group, GIVE Volunteers, I jumped at the chance. This wasn’t just going to be a two-day, 16-hour WFA course, we’d also be learning outdoor leadership, international guide skills, and risk management. The entire program lasted one week and took place in the North Cascades of Washington during the last months of the Pacific North West’s deep winter. Since it was such a unique program, I figured it would be most useful to you, as readers, to know what I packed for this environment.

(This post may contain affiliate links)

Cascade backcountry

Outdoor Essentials

As this was a wilderness education course, we were required to bring a sleeping bag and other types of outdoor gear, as well as the expected gear. Half of my big 65L bag was taken up by my favorite zero degree sleeping bag from Madera Outdoor. As we didn’t know how effective the heat in our lodging would be, it was essential to pack for the worst, just in case.

Other outdoor gear that I’m so glad I brought along included my Merrell Moab hiking shoes, since they’re already broken in and fully waterproof. The best socks for this excursion actually ended up being my hiking socks, so make sure you bring a few pairs of those as well if you’re heading to Washington’s mountains in the snow season. A day pack is also essential for staying outside for long periods of time! Other than that, most of our outdoor gear was provided. If you’re not going to the Cascades with a tour group, though, I’d suggest investing in either microspikes or snowshoes for hiking, as well as trekking poles—I wouldn’t have made it through the week without them!

The woods by our lodge in the Cascade Mountains

Cold Weather Essentials

It was between 20 and 40 degrees pretty much the entire week, so layers were key. As we learned in our WFA course, “be bold, start cold!” which means starting with a base layer and adding layers as you get colder from being outside, since exertion will warm you up quick! I brought a few base layer shirts, one fleece, one sweatshirt, and my ski coat. As for bottoms, I had leggings as a base layer, and then on really cold days, added (second hand) wool ski pants. My outer layer for snow was always a goretex shield. It’s also important to always carry extra socks in case yours get wet! It’s also essential to make sure you have waterproof gloves (for making snowballs, obviously). Two other things I wouldn’t have done this week without were my Buff and a warm beanie.

In terms of non-clothes, bringing an extra blanket was a great decision for sleeping in a cabin in the woods in the middle of the Cascades in winter!

Waterfall in Cascade backcountry

Overall, I was able to fit all of this gear and a few more non-essentials (laptop, book, snacks, etc…) in one 65L backpacking bag and one 22L daypack. The truth is, the cold allows you to re-wear so many of your clothes, so you don’t need to worry about packing an entirely fresh outfit for everyday, especially if you’re visiting the Cascades to spend time outside. The Cascades are absolutely beautiful, yet might feel a bit overwhelming to visit in the winter. But don’t avoid it, embrace the cold—you’ll be met with some of the most beautiful and authentic nature you’ve ever seen.

If you are interested in doing a program with GIVE Volunteers, make sure you put me (Halle Homel) down as a reference, and email or message me via my contact page with any questions you may have!