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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

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

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

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

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

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.

Top 3 Dog Friendly National Parks

We all love our dogs so much, and we’d like to bring them everywhere we go, but the sad truth is, America’s Best Idea isn’t a huge fan of Man’s Best Friend. While most of the big and famous National Parks such as Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon don’t allow dogs in most areas of the park (although they are allowed on the paved Rim Trail in GCNP), there are some Parks that may surprise you. I’ve visited more than half of America’s National Parks, and as a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast (or so says my insta bio), I’m always looking out for where I might be able to return later in life with my own pup. National Parks are tricky when it comes to traveling with a dog, but these are three I definitely wouldn’t miss if your dog is your travel partner.

(Since my dog is actually a family dog, he was unable to join me when I visited these parks when I was driving across the country. I did meet plenty of pups on the trails though, and it was a breath of fresh air after being away from home for so long).

North Cascades National Park, WA

North Cascades National Park, WA

Shenandoah National Park, VA

I wasn’t expecting it, but Shenandoah had quite a few dog friendly trails. Of course, dogs are always allowed in campgrounds on leash, but I was happy to see plenty on the Doyle River Falls trail. This is a great trail that leads you to three waterfalls, all of which you and your dog are allowed to swim in. You can go as far as you want on this trail, but the best waterfalls are the last two. It’s definitely a great option if you and your pup want to cool off on a humid day. Since this trail is pup-friendly though, it’s definitely not the only one in the park. Dogs are allowed on most trails in Shenandoah as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. As with any National Park, though, make sure that you respect wildlife, and do keep your pups off of trails that have heavy wildlife traffic like Old Rag. This is a larger national park, so give yourself plenty of time to explore!

Shenandoah National Park, VA

Shenandoah National Park, VA

Acadia National Park, Maine

I was surprised to learn that Maine’s beautiful Acadia National Park is dog friendly! I’d already fallen head over heels for this perfect combination of pine trees and Atlantic Ocean, so knowing that one day I can return with my future best friend makes me so happy. Acadia is known for its ocean access, but it also has over 100 miles of dog friendly trails where pups are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet. The only place you can’t camp with your dog in Acadia is Isle Au Haut and Duck Harbot, but dogs are allowed in the other campgrounds run by the NPS here in Acadia. While Acadia is known for its beaches, dogs are unfortunately not allowed on Sand Beach, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of dog friendly ocean access in this island park.

Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia National Park, ME

North Cascades National Park, WA

This is easily the most dog friendly National Park I’ve been to. It simply hasn’t changed the rules for the areas that are National Park land because it’s so interspersed with National Forest land, which is run by the USDA, instead of the NPS. Because of that, dogs are allowed on most trails here, and I saw at least three during my little walk in the woods out to Thunder Creek, a longer trail that you can follow to a number of peaks, depending on how many miles you feel like putting in. The most popular peak on this trail lies at only 1.5 miles and ends at a glacial river which you and your dog are welcome to splash around in.

Read more about North Cascades HERE!

North Cascades National Park, WA

North Cascades National Park, WA

Surprising places in other parks:

·       Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park, WA

·       Various spots in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND

·       Mirror Lake Loop, Yosemite National Park, CA

It’s also important to mention that as these are National Parks, it’s important to adhere to “no dog” rules. If a trail says dogs aren’t allowed, they’re not trying to control you, it’s simply for the safety of your dog and other animals. Make sure you perform tick checks after taking your dog on any of these trails, and bring plenty of water for them on any hike you decide to do. Most importantly, have fun, and get ready for a wagging tail when your dog realizes he gets to come with you.


We all love our animals, so it’s only natural that we’d want to help others that are less fortunate than our furry best friends. To support animal sanctuaries around the US, shop ethical apparel at Wholesome Culture!

Top 5 Beaches in the US

As someone from California, the beach has never been too far out of reach, even when I was going to school in the Inland Empire. When I was traveling the United States this past summer, I found myself bearing long stretches of time in between oceans, and I realized that there’s no way I could ever live landlocked. I never even particularly loved the beach as a kid. I actually hated the beach up until around high school when I started tolerating it for an ex boyfriend. It wasn’t until university that I truly found my love for the ocean through feeling a strange sense of duty to protect planet earth. Through sustainability, I finally found every California girl’s love for the sun, salt, and sand, and now that I’ve been to (almost) every corner of the county, I’ve come up with a list of my five favorite beaches I’ve ever visited. While there are plenty in between, and ones maybe even more worth visiting that I haven’t been to yet, these are five that should be on your to-visit list, no matter what corner of the country you’re from.

West Coast:

El Matador State Beach, CA

California’s not only home to me, but if anyone else was writing this article, it would probably top this list anyway. California’s known for its beaches, from Big Sur to Santa Monica. While I could’ve picked any of those, I felt like the one beach that had to rep the Golden State is El Matador. Now, it’s not your classic swim beach. There are no lifeguards (unless it’s a particularly stormy day), no volleyball nets, and oftentimes, there’s no sun either. But, it’s one of the most secluded beaches in the Los Angeles area. You have to park in a lot off of PCH ($6) and then hike down a small bluff to access the beach. Once you’re down there, you’ll be greeted by Northwest-esque rock formations, a small cove, and the occasional wedding photoshoot.

It is getting more popular by the minute, though, so consider yourself lucky that I shared it with you at all. As it gets to be more well known, it’s more important than ever to keep this place wild, packing out all garbage, using only the toilets located in the parking lot, and leaving pets at home.

El Matador State Beach, CA

El Matador State Beach, CA

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, WA

With its rocky shore, grey waves, and foggy surrounding pine tree forest, there’s no doubt that Rialto Beach is incredibly different from any beach further south along the coast. Located just a few miles west of the 101, Rialto is one of the Northernmost beaches along the West Coast. With it’s fallen driftwood trees and choppy waves, this is one of the most unique landscapes you can find at a beach (at least that I’ve seen). Rialto offers everything between a few miles of walking along the shore to famous rock formations such as Split Rock and Hole in the Wall to extended wilderness coast backpacking trips, which you must register at the Mora Ranger Station to participate in. Rialto Beach is a beach of tide pools, starfish, sea anemones, pine trees, and surrounding Olympic mountains. Some people are lucky enough to see whales here, but I didn’t during my day I spent on the shore. It can get super cold, so bring a blanket and a jacket, and see where the shoreline takes you. You won’t be disappointed.

Although this beach is on National Park land, you don’t need to pay admission or parking to get in (yay!), just make sure you follow leave no trace principles, backpacking ordinances, and other regulations. Dogs are also allowed on Rialto Beach, which makes it an awesome destination for overlanders heading up the coast!

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park Shore Section, WA

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park Shore Section, WA

East Coast:

Flagler Beach, FL

This was kind of an unexpected one. I came here by fate of a cousin of my mom’s setting me up with a free apartment here during my road trip around the country. I thought, “Why not? Free shower, WiFi, and bed? Plus it’s by the beach…” And that beach was amazing. It was almost completely secluded, really only a few locals, and some regular out of town visitors. Plus, it’s dog friendly, and is one of the only dog friendly beaches in the area. The water was super warm and the waves were perfect for a day-long swim in the middle of July. I also felt 100% okay with leaving my stuff on the sand to go in the ocean. As I was staying across the street, I’m not completely sure what the rules are about parking, but there appeared to be some street parking when there’s no construction happening (as there was when I was there).

Flagler Beach, FL

Flagler Beach, FL

Acadia National Park, ME

I’m not really sure if this counts as a beach itself, but it is home to many beautiful beaches, and places where the land meets the sea. Acadia National Park is actually on an island off the East Coast of Maine, and it’s one of the few places I’ve been where pine trees meets the ocean (Rialto being the only other one). The Park’s loop road offers access to many little beach points, Sand Beach being the most famous (so famous, in fact, that I couldn’t get a parking space both days I tried to go). There are also some beautiful empty areas, like the rock cliff pictured below (located just past the Gorham Mountain Trailhead parking), and Otter Point, located further up the road. Really, the whole park offers views of the ocean, even when you climb to higher elevation, and there’s a little something for everyone here, whether you’re a hiker or rock climber, or just want to relax by the waves.

As this is a National Park, please follow Leave No Trace principles. Dog are allowed in some areas of the park, but not others.

Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia National Park, ME

Hawaii

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, HI

I couldn’t write an article about beaches without mentioning the spot that got me in the ocean in the first place. Not only is Hawaii one of the surf capitals of the world, Maui itself is known for its clear water and amazing snorkeling. Kaanapali Beach is one of the more famous beaches out here, known for its famous cliff jumping at Black Rock—a giant cliff made of once-molten lava rock that overlooks the reef. While the cliff jumping is amazing (jumping about 30 feet into the ocean is no joke, though), the snorkeling can’t be beat. With its crystal blue waters and in-tact reef below, you can guarantee that you’ll see tons of fish here, and maybe even the occasional turtle. The beach itself is white sand beaches, behind the Kaanapali Hotel (there is a paid parking lot if you’re not a guest, however, its been so long, I can’t remember how much it costs). This is mostly a swim and family beach, but I don’t think anyone would have a problem if you brought your surfboard along (as long as you avoid the Black Rock area).

It’s important to note, though, that due to coral bleaching, this natural reef isn’t doing its best. Please use reef safe sunscreen if you plan on going in the ocean here, or at any Hawaiian beach.

I unfortunately am not sure if dogs are allowed on Kaanapali Beach, but I think it’s safe to assume that it might be better to leave Fido in the van or hotel room unless you confirm otherwise first.

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, HI, “vintage” circa 2012

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, HI, “vintage” circa 2012

While there are more than enough beautiful beaches around the country, if I had to choose five to visit again and again, this would be my list. From the beautiful Pacific Northwest to the crystal clear blue waters of Hawaii, there’s a beach for everyone hiding somewhere in this country, even the mountain lover or self-proclaimed beach-hater. And hey, if you’re out driving coast to coast, you might just discover another seaside hidden gem yourself.