Top 5 Underrated Destinations of 2020

Despite 2020’s strange circumstances when it came to travel, the magic of vanlife is that I still got to see quite a bit of the country. We passed through more than 15 states on our way from California to Kentucky, between mine and my boyfriend, Jared’s family. Even though we dealt with COVID-19 closures, restrictions, and stress, there were still quite a lot of places that truly stood out to me. I have a whole list of places I’d love to return to one day, but I’ve complied my top 5 underrated destinations for you to add to your list for future travel.

Ranch horses in the Alabama Hills

The State of Idaho

Idaho is seriously one of the most underrated places in this country. From unexpected mountain ranges to flowing waterfalls to abundant hot springs, Idaho has natural beauty around every corner. Idaho is located in the west, in between Oregon and Washington on the coast and Montana and Wyoming inland. It’s known for its potatoes but it is so much more than that!

City of Rocks, ID

Places worth seeing:

·       Sunbeam Hot Springs

·       Stanley

·       The Sawtooth Mountains

·       City of Rocks National Reserve

·       Craters of the Moon National Monument

Sawtooth Mountains, ID

Badlands National Park, SD

This is an interesting one because I actually visited the Badlands in 2019 too, but didn’t like them nearly as much as I did this time. I recently wrote a whole post on the Badlands so I don’t feel like I need to go into too much detail, but the Badlands are spectacular. They are located in western South Dakota, and are home to animals such as coyotes, pronghorns, bison, prairie dogs, big horned sheep, and more.

Places worth seeing:

·       Yellow Mounds

·       Roberts Prairie Dog Town

·       Toadstool Rock

Alabama Hills, CA

The Alabama Hills were actually the first place we chose to live during quarantine in the vans. Located just outside of Lone Pine, CA in the Eastern Sierras, the Alabama Hills are located on BLM Land, which means free camping, lots of hiking and climbing, and stunning views. The Alabama Hills are known as the “Whitney Portal—” the gateway to Mount Whitney, the Lower 48’s tallest mountain. Because of that, you’ll get both desert rock formations and mountain views when you visit this iconic spot.

Places worth seeing:

·       Mobius Arch

·       Whitney Portal (drive or hike to the Whitney trailhead, depending on the time of year. If you’re up for it, and the trail isn’t snowed over, it’s 11 miles one way to the summit!)

·       Death Valley (This famous National Park is only an hour away and worth the day trip)

Hiking the road up to Whitney Portal

Crested Butte, CO

We spent about a month in Colorado, and while I loved so much of the state, Crested Butte will always stand out to me as my favorite. Famous for being a ski town in the winter, Crested Butte is surrounded by mountains such as Gothic Peak and Crested Butte itself. This area is home to some incredible wildlife such as elk and bears, and mountains that resemble those of Glacier National Park. This is the first place I heard an elk bugle, so in the fall, make sure you keep an ear out!

Places worth seeing:

·       Gothic Peak Trail (even if you don’t make it to the top, the views are pretty incredible)

·       The town itself (the town of Crested Butte is adorable and reminded me of places like Telluride)

·       Crested Butte (this towering formation is hard to miss, and you can hike or bike to the top if that’s your thing)

Mount Hood National Forest, OR

I’d wanted to visit Mount Hood for a really long time, but I didn’t realize how incredible it would really be. This is a place to climb mountains, swim in lakes, dip your toes in an ice river, and camp with a view! Mount Hood is easily my favorite National Forest in the country, only rivaled by the Sawtooth and Wind River Wildernesses. Mount Hood is also full of waterfalls, stunning pine trees, and dog friendly trails.

Trillium Lake

Places worth seeing:

·       Trillium Lake

·       White River

·       Cooper Spur (if you feel like climbing a mountain)

·       Timberline Lodge

·       Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas Falls

While 2020 wasn’t the adventure we thought it would be, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty to be seen. How many of these places have you visited? How many are on your bucket list?

Everything We Did in Upper Peninsula, MI

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is truly like another state. It had been on my list for a long time—since before I even went on my 48 state, 3 month road trip. The Upper Peninsula, or UP, is a place that has been recommended to me by so many people over the years, and as we (me, Jared, and our dog, Lassen), make our way toward Kentucky to work on a new van, it was finally time to go the extra mile to explore the UP.

The UP is located in between Michigan, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron—aka it’s super isolated. It’s so far north, its weather patterns mimic those of Canada, rather than its surrounding states, and the lakes are so big they give off a chill of their own. The best time of year to visit is the fall season, specifically the second half of September, since that is when all the leaves are changing colors! We spent almost a week in the UP, so here are all the things we did while we were there.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The Keweenah Peninsula

The first thing we did in the UP was drive even further north. That’s right, the Upper Peninsula, has an even smaller peninsula! It’s called the Keweenah Peninsula, and it sticks up straight into Lake Superior. The biggest town closest to the tip is called Copper Harbor. It’s a super adorable little boat town, and if you have a vehicle with 4WD you can make it to the tip of the peninsula! We do not, so we stayed in town! During our time on the Keweenah Peninsula, we searched for fall leaves, happened upon a waterfall, and visited Hunter’s Point Park where we did some light hiking and enjoyed the views of Lake Superior.

Keweenah National Historic Park

This is actually on the Keweenah Peninsula too, but it’s worth it’s own little section here! This unique National Park is home to a multitude of historic buildings all throughout the Peninsula, including a mine and a lighthouse. During a drive up to Copper Harbor, you’ll pass multiple opportunities to experience the unique history of this part of the United States.

Somewhere on the Keweenah Peninsula

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks was actually on my original route for my 48 state trip, but I decided to skip it due to the lengthy hours it would take for me to get up there and the lack of boondocking in the area. This time around though, we were able to spend two days exploring the lakeshore, its waterfalls, and its cool rock formations! This is the ideal place to hike among fall leaves, kayak on the crystal clear waters of the largest lake in the world by surface area, or just enjoy a beach on a clear day.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Know Before You Go to the UP:

Weather: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is remote. And it’s very cold. No matter what time of year, make sure you bring a good jacket for your trip up north!

How to get there: To get to the UP, you can either drive straight through from Wisconsin, or cross the Mackinac Bridge for a $4 toll from mainland Michigan (the Mitten).

Cell Signal and WiFi: Cell service is limited on the Keweenah Peninsula, so make sure you download Google Maps before your visit.

Souvenirs: Before you leave, make sure you pick up a bag of wild rice—it’s native to this part of the country, so make sure you get it in a place where it’s authentic!

The UP is a place I definitely want to return to in the future (but maybe when it’s a little warmer!). It’s stunningly beautiful in a way I did not expect, and there’s something worth seeing around every corner. The UP should truly be on everyone’s bucket list—is it on yours?

My Travel Must-Haves from Summer 2020

As travelers, we’re always looking for new companies that are making travel easier, inspiring us, or giving back to the places we love. This summer, I discovered so many brands doing just that, and got in touch with some old brands I love! Even during this largely travel-less year, there’s never been a better time to stock up on my travel must-haves for your next trip, so you’re ready to go, as soon as borders open again. These are my favorite brands changing the game for travel this past summer!

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, I will make a commission if you decide to make a purchase (so you’d be supporting TWO amazing platforms—yay!)

Reversible clothes from Splice Clothing:

Splice Clothing has been a huge game changer for me. This amazing female owned and designed travel brand works to create reversible travel clothing so that you can pack half the amount of clothes for twice the outfits. Not only are her clothes super functional (doubly so), but they’re also super cute and amazing quality! I personally live in the Phoenix Reversible Joggers, and they not only fit me like a glove, but they’re also water resistant and easy to remove stains from (seriously these are the best pants you’ll ever own). I also have the Cairo Reversible Poncho, which has been amazing for these cooler days we’ve been having. Splice is all about packing lighter, which means easier travel (no baggage claim), and less stuff to worry about, so you can have more fun on your trip!

Shop Splice Clothing here:

Wearing the Cairo Reversible Poncho and Phoenix Reversible Joggers in Yellowstone

Clothing that gives back from The Wanderful Soul

The Wanderful Soul is another female owned business doing great things. Every single design in the shop is created by the owner of the business herself, and every quarter, she donates money to a great cause! This past summer, she focused on the National Park Service, and this upcoming Fall quarter, her focus will be climate change! She even has eco friendly designs in her shop! I personally love everything she creates, and my favorite shirt of hers is the National Parks Founding Fathers Tee (pictured). She also just added an amazing packing list to her shop, so that you can plan out exactly what you need before your next trip. If you’re looking to support an awesome female owned business doing the most, definitely check out The Wanderful Soul at the link below!

Wearing the National Parks Founding Fathers Tee in the Lamar Valley

Shades for your next adventure from Tifosi Optics

I’ve loved Tifosi for a long time, which is why they had to make this list. Tifosi is an adventure sunglasses company that makes shades for all types of outdoor exploring (or city exploring if that’s more your thing). They’re durable, made to stay on your face, and some styles even come with polarized lenses. My favorite style for hiking is Swank and my favorites for chillin’ or city dwelling is Svago (pictured). These are seriously the best sunglasses you’ll ever own, and you will not regret adventuring in them (the lenses even make everything look extra beautiful!).

Shop Tifosi Optics here:

Wearing the Svago glasses in Crystal Champagne in the Sawtooth Mountains

Travel just isn’t the same without the right gear, and these brands know what’s up when it comes to getting you the perfect travel gear for your next trip. So whether you’re planning to head somewhere tropical, somewhere in the mountains, or somewhere in the city, make sure you have some awesome gear with you before you hit the road!

Why Great Sand Dunes is the West’s Most Underrated Park

As we travel through Colorado, I’m slowly falling in love with a state that, last year, I thought was only meh. Having only really explored the northern part of the state last year, I hadn’t really experienced everything this unique place has to offer. Colorado is the last stop in the Western States before you reach the flat Midwest, but that means it has more to offer than most other states. Colorado is part mountains, part plains, and part southwest all rolled into one. Last week, we had the pleasure of visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park. You don’t hear a lot about this park. It isn’t in any way on the same level as, say, Yellowstone or Yosemite in most people’s eyes, but as soon as we arrived, it quickly made it onto my top ten list of National Parks I’ve visited so far.

Great Sand Dunes was my 36th National Park, and it’s easily one of the most unique. This is why Great Sand Dunes is the most underrated National Park of the West, and why it should top your bucket list.

The Tallest Sand Dunes in North America

Great Sand Dunes is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching over 700 feet above sea level. These dunes stretch far into the distance and are the main attraction in the park. People bring sleds, sand boards, and even skis to experience these unique slopes. While we didn’t have any of these, we still had the time of our lives hiking up the dunes barefoot, and then running down in this low impact environment (perfect for me, who is healing a knee injury). The views at sunrise and sunset are incredible, and the sand is cool as long as you don’t visit in the middle of the day.

A Unique Ecosystem

Great Sand Dunes is more than just sand. In the distance, as you climb the dunes, you’ll see a clear view of stunning mountains, which adds a whole other level to this park. Some of the park is actually alpine zone, which is home to animals like bears and mountain lions. This section of the park is accessible by foot only, which makes it one of the most remote places you can visit within Great Sand Dunes. If you visit in the late spring and early summer, you’ll get to experience the creek that runs through the dunes, creating a unique beach far away from the ocean. The thing to remember is, no National Park is only known for its main attraction, so it’s important to give the rest of the park a chance too!

It’s Dog Friendly

Many National Parks have heavy restrictions when it comes to bringing your dog along for the adventure, but Great Sand Dunes is one of the most dog friendly parks in the country. While they don’t have a Bark Ranger Program, Lassen, our border collie, was able to do everything we wanted to do while in the park. There are a couple trails he could go on, and he was allowed up with us through the first high ridge of dunes. This meant we didn’t have to leave him behind for our sunset or sunrise hikes. Not to mention, he loved it! Running on the sand with us was some of the best fun I’ve seen him have in a long time.

It Isn’t a Popular Park

Both times we entered the park, we got parking right away. This isn’t a super popular park which makes it perfect for those wanting to get away from the crowds and be in nature. Great Sand Dunes is an extremely underrated place in the Western states. So, tell me, is it on your bucket list yet?

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The Realities of #Vanlife

Like many people, I fell in love with the idea of vanlife after watching youtubers, discovering documentaries like Expedition Happiness, and following tons of vanlifers on Instagram. The media does an amazing job of making vanlife look like everyone’s dream life, but now that I’ve lived on the road for over a year, it’s time to make that obligatory “realities of vanlife” post.

The truth is, vanlife is not all good views and campfires, there are a lot of layers to vanlife that a lot of people never talk about. Between working long hours to be able to sustain my life on the road to driving out of our way to get WiFi when we need it, to the van being an absolute mess more than 50% of the time, #vanlife really resembles real life a lot more than people think.

This past week, we encountered every vanlifer’s nightmare: a two day mechanic visit. My van, Sequoia, is over 20 years old, and it was about time that the entire cooling system needed to be replaced. This was not only a huge financial setback, but it was also a huge wake up call because of the time it took to fix. This van is our home, and without it, things can be very stressful. We were lucky enough to have family to stay with for the night, but if we hadn’t, things might have gotten even more costly.

If you’d like to help support my journey, I’ve finally added STICKERS to the shop! Check them out below!

The thing is, at this point, vanlife is just life. It is different than normal house life, but it’s just the way we currently choose to live. We’re used to the complications and frustrations, but it’s important to highlight those things because not everyone who loves the idea of vanlife will actually like living the vanlife.

Vanlife is dusty

We’re living outside. The thing a lot of people don’t understand about vanlife is that we aren’t living in the van—we’re living out of it. We spend almost all of our time outside, especially when there are friends around, which means the floor of the van is almost always dirty, the rug can always use an extra shake, and dog hair hides in the trickiest of places. Vanlife is not a luxury lifestyle. It’s truly the dirtbag movement of the 21st century, and while social media makes it look like the dream life, it’s super important to highlight the fact that this is a dirty lifestyle. You won’t be showering every day or even every other day, your feet will always be dirty, and you’ll always have to move stuff around to make room for life.

Camp isn’t always a good view

While we love a good view, and definitely wouldn’t shy away from driving up some sketchy dirt roads to reach one worth sharing, not every night is spent at an insta-worthy camp spot. So often, we’re staying in parking lots: or Walmarts, Cabela’s, and rest stops next to highways. Whenever we’re in cities for errands, or even tricky areas like Olympic National Park, it’s easier to stay in a safe parking lot than risk being kicked out just for parking in a prettier area. But the good news is, parking lots are usually not that far from somewhere beautiful to go right when we wake up for a good breakfast view.

Vans are tiny homes to the next level

The tiny house trend is still going strong, but the thing with having a van as your tiny house is, vans are really tiny. Most of them are less than 80 square feet and most of that space is taken up by the bed (aka the most important place in the house). Van living requires you to be an extreme minimalist. It’s a sacrifice for travel to give up having lots of material things. We watch TV on a computer or phone screen, only own the clothes that fit, and have to wash dishes more often, but the small space is still home, even when we’re in the most foreign places.

Van chores suck

Seriously. Van chores suck. And with such a small space, we’re doing them all the time. Dishes are hard to wash in such a small sink, water is complicated to fill, and grey water smells… horrible. Don’t even get me started on black tanks. If you want to live in a van, you have to prepare to get down and dirty because you can’t call a plumber when your sink won’t drain. Instead, you might end up with a floor full of grey water to mop up.

But Vanlife is wonderful

But, despite all of this, vanlife truly is the dream life. It is ultimate freedom, it is adventure, and it is beautiful. We find ourselves in the most stunning and unique places, and even though vanlife can be a little stinky, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s my life, and it’s what I need at the moment, so even though my floor is dusty, and I definitely need to get rid of a few shirts, at least I have a cool view or two in my future.

City of Rocks: Idaho's Unexpected Dog Paradise

Last week, we had the privilege of exploring, in full, one of the most beautiful states in the country: Idaho. Idaho is incredibly underrated, so I went on a mission to find the most beautiful places in the state. We explored the Sawtooths, saw Shoshone Falls, and even witnessed a meteor fall over the highway during one of our drives, but the one place that truly stands out to me when it comes to Idaho is a small natural reserve right on the Utah state line called City of Rocks.

City of Rocks is a National Park Service run site that is known for its rock climbing, historical significance, and giant natural features. But on top of that, it is also one of the most dog friendly NPS sites in the country. Dogs are allowed everywhere with their owners here, as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. So this means that all hiking trails and rock climbing areas are ones where your pup can hang out with you.

This was such a relief to us. We love the National Parks, but it’s hard to visit them with a dog sometimes. We find ourselves skipping a lot just because we don’t want to leave our border collie, Lassen, in the van, especially during the summer when it’s so hot. We were more than happy to hike with him on leash during our time there because we feel that it’s a privilege that he’s allowed at all.

City of Rocks quickly became a super memorable place for me, and it’s one that I think everyone should add to their western US bucket list. So, tell me, after you read this post, has Idaho made your must-see list yet?

The Twin Sisters

A little bit about Leave No Trace

Before visiting any park, it’s important to remember our Leave No Trace Principles. More detail on this can be found in these two articles: HERE and HERE, but the general rule is to leave the place better than you found it and respect those around you. That respect also goes for the park itself, and the rules they have in place. While this is a dog friendly park, that doesn’t mean your dog can run the place. The largest violation of rules and LNT principles the park encounters is people letting their dogs off leash. It’s important to respect their leash rule, and keep your dog under control, so that dogs can continue to be allowed in the park in the future.

View from the visitor center at City of Rocks National Reserve

A City of Geology

City of Rocks is a fairly small park that is often explored in conjunction with its sister park: Castle Rocks State Park. City of Rocks is free to visit, but is made up of a long, unpaved loop road that will take you to all of the sites. Camping is available in the park, but they do take reservations (so check recreation.gov before visiting if you plan on camping in the park).

The park is made up of endless iconic rock features, the most noticeable being the Twin Sisters. While they are not really twins (the one on the left is much older), they are still a must see within the park, and one of the best places to stop for a photo or lunch.

As you drive through the park, you’ll also come across what is known as their “Inner City.” This is where you’ll drive through the most rock formations, and where you can stop and see rocks such as Parking Lot Rock and the Window Arch.

This park is known for its climbing culture, so if you’re a climber, plan on spending a few days out here, weather permitting. With endless routes to climb, you’re sure to be in climbing heaven.

Window Arch in City of Rocks National Reserve

A Deep History

City of Rocks is home to over 6 miles of the historic California Trail, upon which over 200,000 people traveled between the times of the Gold Rush and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. This place was a landmark for those passing through, and throughout the park, you can see their signatures still staining the rock in axle grease, so keep an eye out as you drive the park’s loop, and see which names you can find throughout your trip.

(disclaimer: please do not add your name to the rocks. It is disrespectful to the park’s history and violates park rules and Leave No Trace guidelines. If you cannot respect the place you are visiting, please choose to visit virtually instead).

Putting Idaho on the Map

Idaho technically does not have any National Parks with Park status. It holds a small sliver of Yellowstone, but as most of the park lies in Wyoming, it’s hard to give Idaho its credit. That being said, Idaho has so many beautiful NPS sites that hold Monument or Reserve status, such as City of Rocks, Craters of the Moon, and Hagerman Fossil Beds. Idaho is full of natural wonders, and is so much more than just a farming state. If it isn’t on your list yet, it absolutely should be.

Axle Grease Signatures on the rocks

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How To Visit A National Park With Your Dog

One of the largest misconceptions about domestic adventure travel in the US is that dogs are not allowed in National Parks. National Parks are public land that is run by the National Park Service, meaning, they have a lot more restrictions that other types of public land that are run by the Bureau of Land Management or US Forest Service. Because of the fact that these restrictions are fairly well known by visitors, it’s often rumored that you can’t bring your furry friend along on your adventure. But, that couldn’t be less true! Dogs are absolutely allowed in National Parks, it’s just a matter of finding out exactly where they’re allowed during your visit.

Hanging out at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park

Why are there restrictions on pets in the parks?

There are a few reasons for the restrictions on dogs in National Parks, but the main one is that dogs are not part of the natural environment. Their presence has the power to disrupt the ecosystem because they can pollute areas with their poop, eat plants, and scare animals off that would normally be present in an area. For this reason, it’s really important to respect these regulations so that we can preserve these areas for future visitors. That being said, there are areas in each park where dogs are allowed, so let’s explore those areas!

Exploring Crater Lake National Park in Oregon

Where are dogs normally allowed in National Parks?

In pretty much all parks, you can guarantee that dogs are allowed in parking lots and picnic areas. In some parks, there are dog friendly trails to hike, so check each park’s website before visiting. They are often allowed on dirt roads, and can enjoy viewpoints with their owners.

To find the pet friendly areas in each park on the park websites, go to Plan Your Visit > Basic Information > Pets.

Taking a walk along a dirt road in Mount Rainier National Park

What parks are more dog friendly than others?

Some National Parks are more dog friendly than others. The two most popular dog friendly parks are Acadia and North Cascades, but there are quite a few that you can take your furry friend to when you really do your research. Zion has a dog friendly trail, and Olympic has dog friendly beaches. Crater Lake is a great option since most of the park is only accessible by car.

It’s also worth looking into visiting National Park Service sites that don’t have National Park designation, such as monuments, preserves, and recreation areas. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has dog friendly beaches, and City of Rocks National Preserve is known as a dog friendly park. This will allow you to use that National Park pass you love, while letting your dog tag along.

Taking a walk near the visitor center in Crater Lake National Park

What is the Bark Ranger Program?

Similar to the Junior Ranger Program, the Bark Ranger program is a free program for all the fur babies who come along on a National Park adventure. This program allows dogs and their owners to learn exactly where their dog can and can’t go in the park, and allows your dog to get sworn in as an official Bark Ranger. They will also receive a special Bark Ranger badge to wear on their collar or leash and take home as a fun souvenir.

Watching the sunset in Olympic National Park: the first park to create their Bark Ranger Program

Visiting a National Park with your dog will be a different experience than you’re used to, but it doesn’t have to be a boring one. There truly is so much you can still see and do with your dog to make it a worthwhile visit, and once you learn the rules, you’ll get to see the Parks through your dog’s eyes, which can be magical in its own way.

#RecreateResponsibly and Irresponsible Tourism

Since quarantine began back in March, many full time vagabonds, outdoorsy folks, guides, climbers, etc… have been begging for campgrounds, trails, and parks to reopen. And now that they are, many of us are finding that things are not turning out the way we imagined. The outdoors have always been my safe space, my place for finding myself close to nature, dipping my toes in rivers, and hugging trees. I live and breath Leave No Trace, and have personally told people in National Parks to stop littering, or nicely explained to them why they should stay on the trail. As lovers of the outdoors, it’s what we do, to keep these places beautiful, and the way we found them (or better).

Death Valley National Park, CA

But since lockdown began in early spring, and with US citizens on further lockdown from the rest of the world, many people are taking to the road and exploring their own country for the first time during the summer months when they would normally be traveling overseas. This has lead to an influx of visitors in National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, trails, and even dispersed camping areas that full time vanlifers and nomads depend upon. This makes for a complicated decision. Of course I’m all for more people getting to explore the outdoors, and learning to see value in these places, but the problem is, it is clear that that value is not being seen by these visitors. Many of these people are leaving piles of trash that the National Parks can’t clean up due to understaffing, using the restroom in places they shouldn’t (leading to a shutdown of National Forest dispersed camping… again), and simply overcrowding areas that are normally a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

What is #RecreateResponsibly?

The hashtag #recreateresponsibly popped up amongst National Parks, outdoor gear companies, and outdoor enthusiasts a few months ago, when parks were starting to open up again, with the goal of teaching people how to recreate in a world where COVID exists. However, many of the suggestions that went along with the original Recreate Responsibly list mirrored those already reflected in the popular Leave No Trace list that outdoor enthusiasts follow. The new suggestions however, included choosing less crowded destinations, keeping 6 feet from other people, and working to make sure that you are maintaining a healthy environment for the communities you might be visiting.

We are all familiar with social distancing, but the amount of people me and other outdoor lovers have been witnessing at normally empty spaces is a huge problem. Why is this a problem, you might be asking. Well, read on.

Sequoia National Park, CA

Why People Are Ruining the Outdoors

Crowds are something we all have to deal with, especially in the summer months. But the fact is, more people = more litter, more poop (sorry, but it’s true), and less of an ability to social distance.

It’s okay to be new to the outdoors. In fact, I welcome it, as long as you are willing to learn to respect it. There is a very specific etiquette that comes with visiting outdoor spaces, and while most people might not already be familiar with it, it’s easy to learn and execute.

The problem is, people are treating these places like Disneyland. They’re bringing in and leaving trash, they’re creating crowds and lines, and they’re approaching animals like they are visiting a petting zoo. It’s important to remember that these places are wild. Incredibly wild. They don’t follow the rules of your domesticated world, so it’s important to learn to respect them, so that you can get the most out of them.

When people don’t respect these places (and each other while visiting them), it makes it easy for the government to decide that they need to close them down again, thus making things more difficult for those of us who actually depend on them to survive.

Yellowstone National Park, WY

What is Leave No Trace?

I actually have a whole blog post about Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, so I’ll make this quick! Leave No Trace is the guidelines for recreating in the outdoors, and it is what #recreateresponsibly is based on. There are 7 LNT principles:

1: Plan ahead and prepare

2: Travel and camp on durable surfaces

3: Dispose of waste properly

4: Leave what you find

5: Minimize campfire impacts

6: Respect Wildlife

7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Valley of Fire State Park, NV

And to add a few for COVID times: Wear a mask when in a crowded area, stay 6 feet away from others when possible and safe (ie: it wouldn’t involve anyone falling off a cliff), and avoid crowded parks and trails if you can. However, these lie in the “respect others” category in my opinion.

When people don’t follow these guidelines, it makes it really hard for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. Because of course, these are public lands—no one is forbidden from exploring them—however, it is important that you treat these places with respect, so that they can stay to be explored by others for years to come.

Congaree National Park, SC

Why #RecreateResponsibly is Being Aimed at the Wrong Crowd

Answer these questions: are you an outdoorsy person? Do you follow outdoor brands such as REI, Backcountry, Merrell, or Patagonia on Instagram? Do you follow any National Parks on Instagram?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, likely, you’ve heard the term Recreate Responsibly thrown around in your internet world in recent months. You might even be getting tired of hearing it because you know not to litter and to stick to less popular trails. You even have local secrets that have always been empty… until now. And the reason for that is, Recreate Responsibly is being aimed at the wrong group of people.

Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

The people who need to learn to recreate responsibly are those who are new to the outdoors, those who have never visited a National Park before, those who are venturing out for the first time. We welcome these people in our favorite outdoor spaces. I firmly believe that it’s hard to think about preserving our environment when you don’t have a connection with the outdoors, so welcoming newcomers is something that I’m all for—it will teach them that nature has something for them to love. But without the proper education, it’s hard for people to treat these places any different than if they were visiting a local zoo.

When you enter a National Park, you are often handed a map, and sometimes a flyer with Park information. Would it be so hard to add the LNT principles to that flyer? Would it help the problem? And what about National Forests, BLM Land, and the backcountry? These are questions that I’m not sure I have the answer to, but it’s important to consider them. More education is absolutely needed when it comes to keeping our wild spaces wild, and therefore, keeping them accessible to both those who have always loved them, and those who are discovering them for the first time.

Badlands National Park, SD

If you are planning your first trip to a National Park, and want some help getting prepared for your trip so that you too can #RecreateResponsibly, reach out to me on Patreon. I offer trip planning services that can help you to be prepared for anything the outdoors might throw your way. Click the button below to sign up so we can start chatting!

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 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!