Beautiful Destinations for Beginner Vanlifers

Vanlife is becoming the newest movement, and with so many people embracing the nomadic lifestyle, there are more visitors than ever to a lot of the most popular places in the US. While places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park, are incredible, when you drive a large vehicle, these places aren’t as accessible as we might like them to be. However, there are lots of places in the country that are super accessible to vanlifers, and are must see’s when it comes to getting out and exploring the country for the first time. These are my favorites for when you first hit the road.

Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a vanlife hotspot that everybody already knows about. It’s not a secret destination, but it is incredibly van friendly, and the locals are welcoming to vanlifers. There’s Forest Road to camp along, free water fillups in town, and three major grocery stores to shop at. Not to mention, the endless hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and good plant based food. This is an area that people travel to every year, whether they live in a van or not, and the accessibility of the things to do, great places to sleep, and easy ways to stock up on supplies makes it a great choice for beginners.

Cons: The trailhead parking lots are super small, so if you live in a big vehicle like me, you might have trouble parking at some of the most popular trails.

Learn more about Sedona in last year’s blog post: A Vanlife Guide to Sedona

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

National Parks are notoriously inaccessible, but Joshua Tree is a small exception. This beautiful National Park has large vehicle accessible parking, lots to see, do, and hike, stunning desert scenery, and nearby BLM land to park on, on both the South and North ends of the park. You can also fill up water in all bathrooms with running water, both on the South side of the park at the Cottonwood Visitor Center, and the North Entrance Station.

Cons: Joshua Tree is not dog friendly. While your dog can accompany you into the park, they are only allowed in the picnic areas, and not on any of the trails.

Bend, OR

Bend is easily one of my favorite places to be in the country. Aside from the adorable downtown, dog friendly trails, and nearby free camping in the Deschutes National Forest, this is truly a vanlife hotspot all year long. It’s even the site of one of the largest annual vanlife meetups, Descend on Bend. This is a super van friendly city where the locals know that vanlifers love to pass through. You’re allowed to park overnight on the streets in the city, too, if you don’t feel like driving out to the National Forest.

Cons: It is a larger city, which makes it a bit harder to navigate in a van. Be prepared for skinny dirt roads to get to camp, and busy highways to get into town for groceries.

The Best Things To Do In Mount Hood, OR

Mount Hood is easily the most prominent and famous mountain in the state of Oregon. It stands tall, and is visible from even areas south of Portland. It is an active volcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc, and it is home to glaciers such as Elliot Glacier, meaning there is snow on the mountain year round.

I first laid eyes on Mount Hood in 2017, when I made my first visit to Oregon for the solar eclipse. If you are in Portland, one of the best places to see Mount Hood is from Pittock Mansion, which has an overlook that allows you to see the entire city and this giant mountain. But, you can actually get very close to Mount Hood itself, by visiting the National Forest, and surrounding areas. Mount Hood National Forest is public land, run by the USDA. For more information on what this means, click HERE.

I absolutely loved my time in Mount Hood National Forest. The views are spectacular, and there’s definitely more to do in Mount Hood than just look at this stunning mountain. Here are my top 4 things to do in Mount Hood, Oregon.

1: Chase Waterfalls

Because of all the snow runoff from the mountain, there are actually quite a few absolutely stunning waterfalls to view in the area. While they do often require a short hike, all of them are family friendly and dog friendly. My favorites were Umbrella Falls and Tamanawas Falls.

Tamanawas Falls is incredibly impressive, and the entire hike is only about 4 miles out and back. But be prepared for crowds, and bring something waterproof—you can walk behind the falls but you might get a little wet!

Tamanawas Falls, Mount Hood, OR

2: Visit Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake is famous for a reason—it’s home to some of the best views of Mount Hood. This popular spot is home to a hiking trail, campground, and plenty of space for swimming, floating, and enjoying the lake. Trillium Lake quickly became a favorite of mine—the views are unrivaled, and we found ourselves wishing we had a paddleboard so we could head out onto the water ourselves.

There is a day use fee of $5 per vehicle at Trillium Lake, and it is cash only.

The view of Mount Hood from Trillium Lake is one that can’t be beat!

3: Visit the Historic Timberline Lodge

I know what you’re thinking: what’s so special about a lodge you aren’t staying at? The Timberline Lodge is actually where Stephen King got the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in The Shining, making this one of the most popular things to do in Mount Hood. The architecture of the lodge is also stunning to look at, and in the winter, it is home to one of the most popular ski slopes in the state.

Outside of the Historic Timberline Lodge! Go inside for some spooky Stephen King vibes!

4: Hike!

It’s almost impossible to visit a mountain and not hike at least a little bit. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Mount Hood mostly because of its stunning landscape and diverse trails. There were two trails we did in the area that were definitely on the harder side, but bring you closer to the mountain than ever.

The first one we did starts at the White River Sno Park and goes to the base of Mount Hood. You can even drop down toward the river at the end and dip your toes in its ice cold water! We decided to walk along the river for most of this journey, which is not part of the official trail, but there is a more solid trail that starts from the parking area right behind a gate on what appears to be an unmaintained dirt road.

The other hike we did is one that I wouldn’t even rate difficult—it is for advanced hikers (and dogs) only! Cooper Spur is essentially the side of Mount Hood itself, and currently the only way to access it is by hiking 5.15 miles to the top, climbing over 4,600 feet of elevation. The entire hike is 10.3 miles, and the last section involves snowy passes, high winds, and scrambling over volcanic sand and rocks. This is easily one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done, but one of the most rewarding. Do not underestimate it, though—this hike is not something to mess with! But, if you aren’t quite there yet in your hiking level, don’t fret! You can get amazing views from only doing the first half of the hike too. The trail is marked by an A Frame shelter, which serves as the halfway point on the trail at about 2.7 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain. You will still get to see Mount Hood on your way up, and on a clear day, views of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens in the distance. If you do make it to the alpine section on the second half of the hike, though, you will get close up views of Elliot glacier.

On the way to Cooper Spur, the smaller mountain-shape on the left!

Mount Hood is one of my favorite places in Oregon by far. From the mountain’s stunning beauty to endless waterfalls to chase, this is a spot you absolutely can’t miss during your next trip to Oregon. Even just a drive through the Forest will give you beautiful views of the mountain you won’t find anywhere else!

If you have any questions about visiting Mount Hood or planning a PNW or West Coast road trip, head on over to my Patreon, where you’ll get access to resources that will help you plan your ultimate road trip!

Where to Explore in (and around) Bend, OR

If you’re at all familiar with the Pacific Northwest, you’ve probably heard of Bend. To me, it’s the mountain version of Sedona. It’s surrounded by National Forest Land, and everyone here recreates outdoors, from river surfing to climbing. It’s a city that welcomes vanlifers, and has some of the best nature in Central Oregon right on its doorstep.

We had the chance to spend about a week in Bend while we waited for our new dog, Lassen to be able to get his shots, so we took advantage of our time there, and explored every corner. These are the top 3 things to do in and near Bend, OR.

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is located closest to the downtown area of all the spots on this list. It is part of a busy recreation area in the Deschutes National Forest that follows a stream of waterfall runoff. When we were there, the road to the actual parking area was closed, but it was a short and easy 2.5 miles of road hiking to the falls. Once you get there, there are three viewpoints, a mid-height one that you’ll see first, an easily accessible top of the falls view, and a more hidden trail to beneath the falls (where you might get a bit wet!).

Tumalo Falls is dog and family friendly and welcomes people recreating as hikers and mountain bikers. There is a $5 fee to park in the main parking lot if the road is open (but I believe they accept the America The Beautiful Pass as well).

On the way to Tumalo Falls

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is easily one of the most popular things to do in Bend, OR for hikers and climbers. When I asked what people suggested in Bend, this was the first thing to come up. I’d been here once last summer as well when I was driving the Lower 48, but because we had the new dog with us, I knew it would be a good choice, since the park is dog friendly. At Smith Rock, there is a $5 day use fee (and they do not accept Interagency Passes like America The Beautiful as they are a state park).

Smith Rock is known for its towering rock spires, winding Crooked River, and its over 1000 sport climbing routes. Needless to say, as a hiking/climbing couple, we had to at least check it out. Smith Rock is a desert, though, and currently, due to a public health safety law, all water fountains in the park are turned off. Please make sure you prepare for hot weather and bring more water than you think you need.

Smith Rock State Park

Crater Lake National Park

While Crater Lake isn’t specifically in Bend, Bend is the closest big city north of the park. The National Park officially reopened on June 6, 2020, and currently, the only parts of the park that remain closed are due to weather. Crater Lake is the ninth deepest lake in the world, and the deepest in the United States, so even if the trails are closed due to snow, it’s not impossible to get a grand view worthy of the photo albums during your trip to Crater Lake.

Until the snow melts, only Crater Lake’s West Rim Drive will be open, as well as the Rim Village gift shop. Even though this is only 13 miles of road, it will give you the best and closest views of Wizard Island and the nearby mountains in the distance.

Read more about Crater Lake in my full guide to the park. Click the button below to read!

Crater Lake National Park at the end of its winter season

Bend, OR is one of the most outdoorsy towns in the Pacific Northwest. It’s known for its outdoor sports, rivers, and nearby parks. And on top of that, it’s incredibly dog and van friendly! So next time you’re passing through Oregon, make sure you stop and take a hike—the view is worth it.

Your Guide to Crater Lake National Park

When I was traveling through the continental 48 during the summer of 2019, Crater Lake was the last stop before I touched ground back in my home state of California. Now, I’ve mentioned Crater Lake in plenty of blog posts so far (here, here, and here), but I’ve also gotten a couple questions asking for more information about actually visiting the park.

Note: this post may contain affiliate links

Now, Crater Lake is the only National Park in Oregon, and it’s one of the smallest big parks in the country. I tend to categorize the parks into “small” and “big” parks, the big parks being the ones with an entry gate, possible campgrounds, and use the America the Beautiful Pass. Crater Lake, while it is smaller in acreage, contains about 30 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, a dormant volcano, and the deepest lake in the country.

These are my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your trip to Crater Lake. So, grab your 0 degree sleeping bag (it’s cold out there!), some yummy snacks, and a park map, and let’s explore one of the most unique locations in the country.

View of Wizard Island from Sun Notch

Getting there

Crater Lake is located about an hour and a half south of Bend, OR. You’ll drive through some of the most beautiful forests to get there, no matter which entrance you come in through. When you arrive, you will be met with that classic entrance gate. Without the America the Beautiful Pass, park entry costs $25 per car.

Phantom Ship, as seen from Sun Notch

About the park

Crater Lake is the ninth deepest lake in the world, and the deepest in the United States. Because of this, it has a beautiful deep blue color to it. Crater Lake is one of the many volcanic parks in the country, and is also home to an unexpected crop of pinnacles formed by lava flow.

While the park is open year-round, during the winter months, the road is closed to cars. Yearly, the park receives over 500 inches of snow, and the best months to go are July, August, and September. The park is never very warm though, the highest average temperature only reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and dropping into the 40s at night. Because of this, it’s incredibly crucial to have the right gear, and a 0 degree sleeping bag just in case, even if you’re camping in your vehicle or RV. (I highly recommend the sleeping bags available from Madera Outdoor—they’re warm, lightweight, vegan, and you’ll receive 20% off your order.)

There is a scenic loop road that will bring you all around the lake and park in the summer months. The 33 mile long road will bring you to all of the 30 overlooks, as well as the park’s hikes, except those located on the offshoot that is Pinnacles Road. Pinnacles Road is where you can find a small waterfall hike called Plakni Falls as well as the Pinnacles Trail, which has one of the most unique views in the park. Here, you’ll also find the park’s dry campground, Lost Creek.

The strange Pinnacles area of Crater Lake National Park

Staying in the park

There are two campgrounds in the park, and I actually highly recommend staying in Lost Creek campground, even for vanlifers. The campground is only $5, and you’ll get the extra security of being in the park (always a plus for solo female travelers), as well as the convenience of not having to leave. It does not take reservations, and did not have running water during summer of 2019.

The other campground is called Mazama, and is located near Rim Village, which give you close access to the visitor center, clean water, gift shop, and in-park gas station. It costs between $21 and $43 to camp here, so I’d recommend this for families and tourists, rather than overlanders. All campsites in the park, including those at Lost Creek come with a bear locker.

There is also lodging available in the park. As with all national parks, I’d recommend booking your lodging (or even camping) reservations a few months in advance through the park’s official website and whatever reservation system they have set up. There are two motels available in Crater Lake: Crater Lake Lodge ($202 per night), and The Cabins at Mazama Village ($164 per night).

You can also eat at the restaurant in the park, which is called the Rim Village Café, and buy groceries and snacks at the Mazama Village Store. The Crater Lake Lodge also offers a dining experience inside the park.

Plaikni Falls

Hiking in Crater Lake

I constantly heard that Crater Lake isn’t worth spending more than a day in because all the hikes are the same, which is simply not true! There are tons of little hikes to do, which are great for families and beginner level hikers that will take you to places like waterfalls (Plaikni Falls), the unique pinnacles (Pinnacles Trail), and views of the lake and it’s famous Wizard Island and Phantom Ship (Sun Notch).

There are longer hikes in the park perfect for moderate to advanced hikers. Fantastic moderate hikes are Watchman Peak and Discovery Point, which both offer amazing scenic panoramic views of the lake.

For my advanced hikers, the best hike you can do is Cleetwood Cove. This is the only legal access to the water in Crater Lake National Park. Here, you can swim, take boat tours, or just relax by the water. Other amazing advanced hikes are Wizard Summit (trailhead only accessible by boat), and Mount Scott (the park’s highest point).

Crater Lake is beautiful, even on a cloudy day

Crater Lake truly is one of the most unique landscapes in the country that I’ve personally visited (so far). While it’s very cold, and a smaller park, its beauty is unmatched by any of the country’s other famous lakes. From camping to hiking to simply being an amazing vacation spot, Crater Lake has something for every type of traveler to experience, and is sure to help you appreciate the outdoors just a little bit more.

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To read more about Crater Lake and many of the other national parks in the country, check out my ebook: Around the States in 90 Days in the shop!

A Guide to the Most Famous Mountain Ranges in the Continental US

It’s no secret that mountains are my favorite landscape. I’ve traveled the entire continental 48 and visited the most famous mountain ranges in the country (minus Alaska). For people who are new to the outdoors, learning the country’s geography can be confusing, especially because some of these mountain ranges are absolutely huge, stretching into Canada at times.

This is my quick guide to the four most famous mountain ranges in the US. You might’ve heard of them, and if you haven’t, you’ll be adding them to your list by the time you’re finished reading.

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Glacier National Park, part of the Rocky Mountains, located in Montana

The Cascade Mountains

The Cascades is one of the bigger mountain ranges in the country, stretching from Northern California to British Columbia, Canada. Many of the western mountain ranges include volcanoes, and the Cascades are no exception. The Cascades are home to famous mountains such as Washington’s Mount Rainier and Oregon’s Mount Hood. The Cascades also include North Cascades National Park in northern Washington, a national park interspersed with forest land, and one of the most dog friendly parks in the country.

I love the Cascade Range. It’s full of incredible views and is located in what I would consider one of the best regions of the United States, the Pacific Northwest. It’s home to some of the most challenging, as well as some of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever completed, and I definitely plan on returning in 2020. I highly suggest having some good gear for your time in the Cascades, and don’t attempt any hikes you don’t know for sure you’re prepared for.

North Cascades National Park, part of the Cascade Mountain Range, located in Washington

The Sierra Nevadas

I’ve visited the Sierras a few times, during small trips to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, two national parks connected by a road through forest land, as well as larger trips to Yosemite. And no matter what time of year you visit, they’re absolutely beautiful, and are home to the tallest mountain in the continental 48: Mount Whitney, which stands at 14,505 feet tall.

The Sierra Nevadas stretch horizontally across the states, rather than vertically like the other ranges on this list, and lie between California’s Central Valley and the Great Basin in Nevada, although most of the mountain range is located in California. It includes both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the Sequoia National Forest, the Inyo National Forest, Devils Postpile National Monument, and the famous Yosemite National Park.

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, part of the Sierra Nevadas, located in California

The Appalachian Mountains

The most famous mountain range east of the Mississippi, the Appalachian Mountains stretch across the eastern United States. The Appalachians are home to one of the most famous thu-hikes in the country: the Appalachian Trail, and include famous spots such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the most visited National Park in the country), and the Blue Ridge Mountains. While these mountains don’t quite reach the heights that the other ranges on this list do, they once did, but due to their age, have eroded. Now, the highest point in the Appalachians lies at only 6,683 feet.

The Appalachians are absolutely gorgeous. I’ve done some absolutely beautiful hiking there, in the Smokies and in Shenandoah National Park. While they aren’t as tall as my mountains out west, they’re often far greener than anything I’m used to seeing due to the amount of rain they get back east.

The Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, located in Tennessee and North Carolina

The Rockies

The Rocky Mountain Range is one of the largest mountain ranges in the area, stretching from Canada all the way to New Mexico. Of course, the most famous spot in the Rockies is Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado, which is why we often refer to the part of the Rockies located in the states as the “Colorado Rockies.” You’ll be surprised to find out, though, that some of the other famous mountains in the middle of the country are actually part of the Rockies as well, including the Grand Tetons and Glacier National Park.

The Rockies are home to some of the biggest and most beautiful mountains I’ve ever seen. Most parts of them are extremely cold due to their elevation, the tallest mountain in the range being Mount Elbert in Colorado, standing at 14,440 feet. Apart from tall mountains, I’ve seen some of the most incredible wildlife in the Rockies, from mountain goats, grizzly bears, and big horned sheep in Glacier to elk and deer in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains National Park.

(When hiking in these areas, please carry bear spray, especially if you’re hiking solo. I never once felt that I was in danger, but it’s always good to be prepared for anything.)

The Grand Tetons, part of the Rocky Mountains, located in Wyoming

Of course, there are plenty of other, smaller mountain ranges in the country, and a few I haven’t explored yet, up in Alaska, but if you’re starting to plan your trip around the US, these are four sections of the country you definitely can’t pass up, especially if you’re a hiker, camper, or general lover of the outdoors. These mountains have left a mark on me as a traveler, and I can’t wait to return to them in the future.

Which one is on the top of your 2020 bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

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If you’re planning a 2020 (or whenever!) trip around the US and want to include all four of these beautiful places, my ebook, Around the States in 90 Days will be a great resource for you. Check it out in the shop!

The Best Route For Roadtripping from Los Angeles to Portland

The drive from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest is one of the prettiest road trips you can take in the US. California truly is one of the best states in the country (in my humble, totally non-biased opinion), and because of this, the drive from the south to the north (and vice versa) will allow you to see as much as possible, depending on the route you choose. There are four different routes to take between Los Angeles, California and Portland, OR, and I’ve driven all of them multiple times.

You can drive north via PCH, the 101, or the 5, but the secret best route from Los Angeles to Oregon is a combination of all three. This is the defining best route north (or south), and a list of everything you’ll see and experience along the way.

Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Or (aka, a reason you need to get up to the PNW)

So, the secret best route starts in Los Angeles, heading north on the 101. When you reach Santa Barbara, the 101 will converge with the 1 and you’ll be met with some of the most beautiful coastline you’ll see on the trip. From here, I suggest heading through the Los Padres National Forest via the 154. This is an incredibly gorgeous drive, yet incredibly winding. You’ll have plenty of chances to stop and see some gorgeous views (like THESE from the beginning of my latest YouTube video) and spot Lake Cachuma.

You’ll then continue up the 101, passing through Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo, two trendy and smaller Central California cities. Of course, feel free to stop at any time. This drive can take as many days as you want, but when my family and I recently visited Portland, we did it in 2.

Mt. Tabor Park in Portland, OR

Once you reach San Francisco, you’ll cross through the city and onto the 5. I prefer doing it this way because if you take the 5 up from Los Angeles, you not only have to go through the Grapevine (as we call it), but you also have to pass through Coalinga (cow country), and Fresno (the literal middle of nowhere, sorry Fresno).

This section of the 5 is amazing. You’ll pass by plenty of National Forest Land and Lassen Volcanic National Park, if you want to stop and see some sites.

Eventually you’ll reach Redding. Redding is a super underrated Northern California Town. It’s surrounded by tons of hiking opportunities, including the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. There’s enough to do in Redding to last a week, and there are plenty of hotels, camp spots, and restaurants if you’re just passing through. I’d highly recommend the Americana Modern Hotel, the only dog friendly hotel in the town. This hotel is a newly renovated hotel that’s fairly central to a lot of different food options (including Mod Pizza and Chipotle if you’re plant based like me). The service was fantastic, and a stay comes with breakfast. This is also exactly halfway between Los Angeles and Portland, so it makes the perfect overnight rest after an 8 hour drive.

Dundee, OR (wine country)

Just an hour north of Redding is a Californian gem: Weed, CA. Weed is ironically a town full of college students that basically leans on the commerce of a lone souvenir shop selling, you guessed it, weed themed apparel and gifts. It’s a hilarious little pit stop, and there’s a bathroom in the Dollar General across the street from the gift shop. Even if you don’t care about weed whatsoever, it’s fully worth the stop just to take a picture of the sign. After this, you’ll finally cross the bridge over Lake Shasta, and enter the mountains and pine forests for the rest of the drive.

A little further north, you’ll pass by Mount Shasta, an active volcano that stands at more than 14,000 feet. Mount Shasta is met at its base by Lake Siskiyou, a gorgeous lake great for paddle boarding, hiking, and boating, and definitely a valuable stop if you have the time.

It’s supposed to say “Welcome to Weed.” You get the picture. It’s also on a hill and this is the straightest I can get the picture so I’m sorry…

Once you pass the Siskiyou Pass and over the Oregon state line, the drive up the 5 is fairly easy. You’ll pass through plenty of National Forest Land, such as the Umpqua National Forest, and most of your drive will be surrounded by pine trees. A worth-it stop on your way up is Crater Lake National Park, but it will add quite a bit of time to your drive.

Disclaimer: be careful driving the Siskiyou Pass during winter. Carry chains.

Mount Shasta from highway 5 heading south.

There’s so much beauty in Oregon, but you’ll pass through quite a bit of farmland too, once you’re out of Southern Oregon’s mountains. It’s definitely worth checking out the college town of Eugene, as well as the capital city of Salem.

Truly, there is so much to see between Los Angeles and Portland, and probably more than is even on this list. These are simply my must-sees. California is a vast and diverse state larger than some countries, so it does take quite a bit of dedication and coffee to drive it all without switching drivers. But, it’s so worth it. You’ll pass some of the prettiest sights on the west coast along this route, and it’ll have you wanting to see the rest of these two states as soon as you can.

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What It's Like to Spend Thanksgiving in an Airbnb

An Anecdote From A Full Time Solo Traveler

It’s that time of year again, and holidays for so many people, mean traveling to familiar places to visit family. This year, my immediate family and I decided to do something a little different. We drove 1,000 miles from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR to spend Thanksgiving, just the four of us. We did this for a few reasons, one of which being that my parents wanted to do something special for their 29th wedding anniversary, since it always overlaps with the holiday. We wanted to explore somewhere new, since my family had never been to Oregon, and Southern California also doesn’t get a real autumn, so we made it our goal to get a little taste of the cold weather this year before I head off to South East Asia for the rest of the winter.

Dundee, OR (wine country)

We opted to stay in a cute little Airbnb on the SE side of Portland, which was exactly 20 minutes from everything. We were able to experience all of the important sites and visit family in the area no problem. But we planned on doing an all vegan Thanksgiving in our Airbnb, which lead to some interesting adventures in cooking.

We chose this type of accommodation because it would allow us to have a kitchen and the privacy of not having people walking by our rooms all night (I’m clearly not a fan of hotels). The thing is, our kitchen was missing so many tools, from a pasta strainer to serving utensils (try making a huge family dinner without a big spoon, I dare you). This made for some interesting and creative improvisations. Think, spatulas to serve stuffing, rice, and green bean casserole, and a bread knife to cut Tofurkey. Because the truth about travel is that it can be uncomfortable. Not everything is going to be perfect, and that’s kind of the point of an adventure. You figure out how to make it work as you go along, and you have fun doing it because of the place you’re in, or the people you’re with, or both.

Portland International Rose Test Garden in Fall. Clearly, the roses were hibernating already.

But this article isn’t about food, it’s about feeling at home when you’re so far away from it. While Airbnb’s message is about helping you feel at home when you’re away, there’s always a bit of displacement that happens when you’re staying in a new space. I’m pretty used to this, but I’m also used to traveling in a constant vehicle that feels like home (and will be hitting the road in my actual tiny home come January). But because this was such a different type of travel to me, it did take some adjusting. I got to unpack into a real closet! I had a full bathroom, and constant access to a shower! And I still got to experience a new place (weird, I guess this is how most people do the travel thing). More important than amenities though, I had constant access to the most important people in my life, and as a solo traveler, this is a rare luxury.

This was an interesting trip. I’d never spent a holiday other than the Fourth of July away from Southern California, and while I’d spent plenty of Decembers in my college town away from my family, this trip felt different, because this time I was away with my family. That made it so that this crazy cooking adventure felt a little like home, even though we were in such an unfamiliar place. The important thing about the holidays is that you’re with the people you love, regardless of where you are in the world.

Mt. Tabor Park in the early morning

Being away from home made every moment exciting. There was no waiting around for dinner to be done, the way Thanksgiving usually goes, so we didn’t find ourselves snacking all day and filling up before the main course. Instead, on Thanksgiving, we went out to Washington Park and Pittock Mansion to look at some of the best views of Portland, and got home in the afternoon to start cooking. Instead of my brother spending his week doing homework, he was eager to get out and practice his photography in the woods. My dad and I spent time hiking in a local park instead of our usual hills, and my mom and I got excited about trying new vegan restaurants instead of our go-to’s. It made everything an adventure.

My brother and I at Wakheena Falls, Columbia River Gorge area

And that’s the strange thing about full time travel. You get to a point where it’s just life to constantly be moving and seeing new things every day (which I love, despite the complete lack of stability), but it’s a completely different experience when you’re with people who don’t live that nomadic life. Suddenly everything is seen as new again.

Happy Holidays, everybody. Back to our regularly scheduled programming on Sunday with one more little guide to the PDX area.

-HWS

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If you’re curious about my life as a solo female full time traveler, and want to know how I managed to explore all 48 connecting states in 3 months, check out my new ebook, Around the States in 90 Days, in the shop.

Top 5 Most Instagramable Natural Spots in Oregon

Oregon is hands down one of my favorite places in the US. It’s almost as diverse as California, yet rivals it when it comes to changing seasons. I just had the opportunity to spend my Thanksgiving week properly visiting Portland. And while Portland is a cool little city, I kept finding myself drawn to Oregon’s nature. The Pacific North West is one of the best places in the country for mountains, pine trees, and even beaches, and I’ve compiled a list of my favorite natural places in Oregon to photograph (or, those that I’ve been to so far).

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Geotag Disclaimer: if you choose to use geotags on your Instagram feed, please be responsible, and keep local secrets you find that aren’t on this list, well, secret. Geotags have the tendency to draw crowds and ruin natural spaces, so in line with Leave No Trace, let’s leave no map too.

So, grab your camera or phone, don’t forget a good snack, and hop in the car. This ride’s about to get insanely pretty.

Crater Lake National Park

Haystack Rock

While this one might be a bit obvious to those of you engrossed in the crazy world of Instagram, it’s a spot that tops many Oregon travelers’ bucket lists by a long shot. Located on Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is a huge rock formation known for its famous reflection in the sand. This is easily one of the most popular spots in Oregon, and for good reason. The Oregon coast is a famous stretch of coastline, and this is easily the most famous beach on the drive.

Cannon Beach is a dog friendly beach, and has free parking only a couple blocks away. It’s only about an hour from Portland, and is super easy to find.

A tip for my vanlifers: It’s a bit (and by a bit, I actually mean a lot) hard to find affordable camping, let alone safe boondocking spots, so if you’re living that vanlife, you might want to dive up over the state line and stay at the rest stop that’s 40 minutes away.

Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast

Hoyt Arboretum

If you’re staying in Portland, this is an awesome place to go to lose yourself amongst the PNW’s famous pine trees and redwoods. The Hoyt Arboretum is located within Washington Park, and is basically a living museum. You can grab a map at the visitor center, or just wander the marked trails. Each area of the park features a different type of tree, from redwoods to maple. This was actually the first time my family was able to snag a glimpse of our West Coast redwoods.

The Hoyt Arboretum is completely dog friendly, and free to enter, but you do have to pay for parking. You can hike about a mile (one way) to Pittock Mansion from the visitor center if you want a view of the city too!

Redwood Deck in the Hoyt Arboretum, Portland

Smith Rock State Park

Located about 30 minutes outside of Bend, Smith Rock State Park is known by rock climbers across the country. I am not a rock climber, and I came here with a friend from the road when we both happened to be in Bend. There are quite a few hiking trails here for all hiking abilities, if you’re not into climbing, and there are spectacular views all around. This is the best place for you to head if you’re in Oregon and craving some desert-esque landscapes. It reminded me of this park in Los Angeles that I used to visit with my parents called Vasquez Rocks (which I largely credit my love of the outdoors to).

Smith Rock does allow dogs and has paid camping available.

Smith Rock State Park

Crater Lake

I’ve talked about Crater Lake a couple times on here, but it’s the deepest lake in the country, so how could it not make it onto this list? With its deep, blue water and towering pine trees, Crater Lake is far more than just a lake. This National Park includes a beautiful scenic drive, volcanic-formed pinnacles, and a little island dubbed Wizard Island. Even if you’re not a big hiker, you’ll be able to grab some of the best and bluest shots to fill that ‘gram with at Crater Lake.

A tip for my vanlifers: Lost Creek Campground is a bit out of the way, but only costs $5 a night! It gets super cold, even in the summer, so make sure you have the right gear!

Crater Lake National Park, aka one of the coldest days I’ve spent on the road so far

Multnomah Falls:

On the same level of Insta-popularity as Haystack Rock, you’ve likely seen a picture or two of Multnomah Falls come across your feed. This was a bucket list item of mine for a long time. Multnomah Falls is part of the Columbia River Gorge area, on National Forest Land, and is a 620 foot tall two-tiered waterfall that features a bridge. You can hike to the top, or you can get that perfect shot from the bottom (it was raining, so my family chose the latter).

There is free parking just across the street, and the falls is a dog friendly area. Just a few minutes down the road, you’ll find Wahkeena Falls as well, another large waterfall in the area with a hiking trail.

Multnomah Falls in late November

There are plenty of super beautiful spots throughout Oregon, but these are easily my favorites I’ve been to so far. Oregon in itself is incredibly pretty, so make sure you get off that beaten path a little bit too.

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To learn more about my favorite places in the country, make sure you check out my full 3 month, 48 state road trip itinerary, available now in the shop!

My Top 10 Favorite US States

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that my bio announces that I’ve been for 49 of the 50 US states. Because of that, two of the most common questions I get on basically every platform are “what state are you missing?” and “what are your favorite states?” Well, the one I’m missing is Alaska, and there’s a maybe chance that it might be in the plans for 2020 (but nothing’s official yet). The harder question to answer is which states are my favorite, and the reason for that is because the US is so diverse. Every state has something unique to offer, but there are 10 that stand out above the other 39 I’ve been to.

Here are my top 10 US states:

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

10: Minnesota

When I reached Minnesota on while I was traveling over the summer, it was one of the northernmost destinations I had on my list. I was heading to Voyageurs National Park, which was located right on the Canadian Border. When I was driving north, I remember feeling like I’d finally accomplished something. Minnesota was one of the prettiest states I’ve been to. The entire thing is lined with pine trees, and the highway to the national park was one of the most unique drives I’ve done. The trails in the national park often overlook lake Kabetogama, and provide views of Canada on the other side. The people in Minnesota were also super nice, and made it really easy to enjoy my time there.

Lake Kabetogama, Voyageurs National Park, MN

9: Washington

This was a strange one to put on this list for me. While it’s incredibly similar to Oregon in terms of its landscape, it had a very different energy. Washington has a bit of a spooky vibe, and it turns out, it’s actually known for UFO and ghost sightings. The national parks here are absolutely gorgeous. Olympic is super unique, and is home to multiple different landscapes: from mountains, to lakes, to beaches, to rain forests. North Cascades is a unique free park interspersed with national forest land. Mount Rainier is home to glaciers, an impressive mountain, and tons of wildlife. Washington does have a ton to offer, but it’s a very different feeling than the other PNW state, which I’ll get to later on this list.

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, Shore Section, WA

8: Maine

Maine is actually going to be the only eastern state on this list. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the east coast, it’s just that most of the east coast is known for their cities, and I’m a nature girl. I absolutely loved Maine though. As I drove into Maine, I saw my first “moose crossing” sign, and it was the first time I saw pine forests since leaving Colorado nearly two months prior, so it’s got a special place in my heart for that reason. Maine really is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a mixture of pine forests and ocean, and Acadia National Park is a gorgeous and unique small park. The people were nice, everywhere was beautiful, and it had some of the best early morning sunrises I’ve ever seen.

Acadia National Park, ME (and the Atlantic Ocean)

7: Utah

I absolutely loved Utah. It’s home to five incredible national parks, including Bryce, which holds the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. The entire state feels a bit like a national park though, and the highways bring you through green mountains, big cities, and rolling farmland. The entire state, from bottom to top is absolutely gorgeous, from the national parks in the southern half of the state to the mountains you can see from something as simple as a Starbucks in Logan.

The famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

6: Wyoming

I’ve written about Wyoming a few times now, and that just means it had to make it on this list. Wyoming is one of my favorite mountain states. Wyoming simply has some of the most unique landscapes in the country, from active volcanoes in Yellowstone, to long extinct ones at Devils Tower. This state is super diverse in its wilderness, morphing from the high mountains of the Tetons to the almost-desert of Fossil Butte in the southern part of the state. It’s also home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the country. Here, you can see bears (grizzly and black bears), moose, bison, eagles, elk, and even wolves. Needless to say, if you love nature, Wyoming is the place for you.

Bison hanging out in Yellowstone National Park, WY

5: Arizona

Arizona was actually the place I chose for my first solo trip. I went to the Grand Canyon solo during my last spring break ever, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Arizona is a beautiful state, and one that truly feels unique from its neighboring California landscape. Between its red rocks and the fact that its home to one of the Earth’s natural wonders, Arizona is one of the most beautiful southwestern states. Here, you’ll find classic saguaro cactuses, unique rock formations, and plenty of tourists, which just goes to show you that this state is just incredible. It’s popular for a reason.

This view will make you cry, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

4: Hawaii

Hawaii is an old favorite of mine. I’ve been traveling to Hawaii since childhood, and its landscapes never fail to blow me away. I’ve been to three of the four main islands, and by far, Maui is my favorite. Here, I have memories of learning to surf, eating too much shave ice, and jumping off of black rock into the reef and crystal blue ocean below. Hawaii is simply one of the best vacation destinations in the country, and while Maui is my favorite, the other two islands I’ve been to, Kauai and Oahu have been beautiful as well.

Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii (photo ca. 2012)

3: Montana

Montana is home to my favorite place on Earth, Glacier National Park. Glacier is an absolutely gorgeous mountain park that’s home to some of the only glaciers in the continental US. Here, I hiked my favorite hike ever: Grinnell Glacier. Other than Glacier National Park, Montana is actually gorgeous. As you enter the state from Wyoming, you’ll be greeted by Big Sky Montana, an open, vast expanse of land with, well, some of the biggest sky you’ve ever seen. I also had the privilege of staying a night in Bozeman, a cute little outdoorsy town surrounded by national forest land. Montana is truly a nature-lover’s paradise, and is more than worth exploring.

Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT

2: Oregon

I’ve been to Oregon three times now, and I’m actually writing this from an Airbnb in Portland. Oregon is such a beautiful state full of my favorite forested landscape, without the weird Washington vibes. It’s home to Portland, a quirky little PNW city, the Oregon coast, the outdoorsy town of Bend, the climber’s paradise of Smith Rock State Park, and of course, the deepest lake in the country: Crater Lake. Crater Lake was absolutely stunning, but also one of the coldest places I’ve been, so make sure you have the right gear! Oregon simply seems like it’s full of endless adventures, and it’s a place that I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of visiting.

Multnomah Falls, Portland, OR

1: California

Okay, so I might be biased, but my home state is the best state in the country. It’s so huge, and spans the most diverse landscapes within one state. Here, you’ll find desert, mountains, forests (including the world’s tallest trees, the redwoods), cities, and of course, beaches. California is home to nine national parks, including a volcano, and the state includes one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country: Highway 1 through Big Sur. California truly has a little something for everybody, no matter what you’re traveling for.

Glacier Point, Yosemite, CA

Coming up with this list was actually super hard. I love everywhere I’ve been for different reasons, even the places I say I hated. The thing is, traveling gives everyone a unique experience, and we have to appreciate it for that. Every destination is going to leave a different impression on every traveler, and the US is home to such uniqueness that everyone is bound to have their own unique experience.

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To read more about the 48 contiguous states, make sure you check out my complete road trip route in my new ebook, dropping December 1, 2019 in the shop!

Your Guide to the National Parks of the PNW

It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest is one of the most desirable travel destinations in the United States, especially in terms of nature. While there are plenty of beautiful hikes and natural areas to visit in Oregon and Washington, from Multnomah Falls, to Mount Hood, to Forest Park, there are also four National Parks hiding in these two beautiful states. You’ve probably heard of Mount Rainier, but what about the other three?

Well, in Washington, you’re in luck because all of the state’s National Parks are within only a few hours drive of each other, and in Oregon, Crater Lake stands as one of the most unique landscapes in the country. (For other unique bucket list locations, check out THIS ARTICLE).

This is your complete guide to all four National Parks in the PNW, so get ready for some hiking and sightseeing, it’s gonna be a beautiful ride.

Olympic National Park, Shore Section, WA

Crater Lake, OR

I figured it might be useful to start with Crater Lake because it’s not only the smallest of the four National Parks in the PNW, but it’s also the only one in Oregon. Located in southern Oregon, Crater Lake is positioned at a very high elevation, making it only fully accessible during the warmer months. Crater Lake’s water is extremely blue, and deep, and there’s only one trail that actually allows you lake access. This is the deepest lake in the United States, and the ninth deepest lake in the world.

Crater Lake is definitely a small park. While there are plenty of little trails, which I spent my very cold day there hiking, there are only a select few longer trails, and only two campgrounds, one of which currently has no water (Lost Creek). Regardless of its size, Crater Lake is absolutely stunning. It’s only here that you’ll find water this blue surrounded by mountains, pine trees, and sometimes snow.

Crater Lake National Park, OR

North Cascades, WA

By now, I’ve talked about North Cascades a couple times (HERE and HERE), so I’m gonna keep this short.

North Cascades is the secret National Park of Washington. It’s made up of the famous Cascade Mountains, and is interspersed with National Forest land. There are quite a few campgrounds in the North Cascades, and plenty of diverse trails to explore, and on top of that, it’s dog friendly. This is another small park, but it’s a great getaway for a few days, as there’s plenty to explore as long as you have gas in the tank.

North Cascades National Park, WA

Olympic, WA

Olympic National Park is one of Washington’s most famous National Parks, and it’s also its most diverse. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, most of the park isn’t drivable. The roads simply go around the park, cutting into each of the park’s unique landscapes: the mountains, lake, rainforest, and shore section.

I spent three nights exploring Olympic, and got to see three of these four landscapes. I spent two nights up in Fairholme Campground near Lake Crescent, and took one of those days to explore the Hoh Rainforest, the only temperate rainforest in the continental US that you can drive into. To get there from Fairholme, you simply head south through Washington’s famous city of Forks (which you might recognize from the Twilight series). This awesome spot is home to some pretty cool wildlife, like banana slugs, and you can hike through the rainforest to your heart’s content (and you can even get a backpacking permit if you want). The rainforest offers one of the most unique views of Washington’s landscape, and truly allows you to get a feel for just how diverse this strange and beautiful northern state really is.

The third night, I spent the night in a privately owned campground near Rialto Beach because it was simply the better deal than staying in Mora Campground run by the NPS. Rialto Beach is one of my favorite beaches in the country. It’s home to crazy rock formations, tidepools, fallen driftwood trees, and is surrounded by pine, making it the perfect combination of mountains and beach (aka my favorite things ever). Olympic is truly a park with something for every type of explorer, and if you don’t like one section, you can just move on to the next—they’re so different, it’ll feel like you’re in a different place entirely.

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, WA

Mount Rainier, WA

While Mount Rainier is probably the most famous National Park in Washington, it’s definitely my favorite (which is funny because I actually spent the least amount of time here). Mount Rainier is at a very high elevation, and is pretty much always covered in snow (the mountain, not the park). From some of the hikes in the park, you’ll be able to see glaciers, wildlife such as foxes and bears, and plenty of wildflowers (most of the year).

Mount Rainier is a huge park with different sections to explore, and while I only got to see a very small part of it during my stay at White River Campground, it was one of my favorite nights on the road due to the overall landscape of the place and the welcoming rangers.

Mount Rainier does get some crazy weather. Luckily it was only raining when I was there, but there’s always a world where it might snow, so come prepared with warm clothes, and an extra warm sleeping bag (shop my favorite sleeping bag at Madera Outdoor HERE).

View of a glacier in Mount Rainier National Park, WA

From the towering peaks of Mount Rainier to the deepest lake in the country, the Pacific Northwest is full of diverse landscapes and beautiful National Parks. The Washington National Parks are only a couple hours away from each other, and Crater Lake, while further south, will encourage you to explore its surrounding natural areas, and even cute towns like Bend. The Pacific Northwest is only just getting started in terms of being a popular tourist destination, and it’s sure to get even more popular over the years, considering its popularity on social media. So, head out now to these beautiful spaces, and enjoy the unique solitude of the northern mountains. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures.