National Parks

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Summiting Shriner Peak In Mt Rainier National Park

Mt Rainier, the iconic mountain of the Pacific Northwest.  Climbing it is a multi day mountaineering ordeal, but just visiting the national park without climbing something feels like a waste and is just disappointing.  So what’s one to do?  What if there was a prominent, yet hikeable mountain nearby.  Maybe one that has incredible views of Rainier itself, and is doable as a day hike.  Well, turns out that mountain exists, and it’s called Shriner Peak! Shriner Peak is relatively...

A Visitors Guide To Newberry National Volcanic Monument

What if I told you the largest Cascade volcano was located in a relatively unknown national monument in Central Oregon?  Newberry National Volcanic Monument is located just south of Bend Oregon, and contains Newberry Volcano, the largest volcano in the Pacific Northwest! While this volcano doesn’t have the profile or social cred that Mt Rainier or Hood have, and it isn’t nearly as lofty (the highpoint is just under 8,000 feet), this is still a gem of an outdoor destination! ...

Hiking In Yosemite: Clouds Rest

Towering 1,000 feet above the summit of the iconic Half Dome, Clouds Rest is the tallest feature surrounding Yosemite Valley.  While it isn’t as visually shocking as Half Dome or El Capitan and isn’t nearly as famous, the hike to the summit of Clouds Rest is one of the absolute best hikes in Yosemite National Park!  Plus, isn’t Clouds Rest just an awesome name for a mountain!? Starting from the higher elevations along Tioga Road far above Yosemite Valley, this...

Hiking In Yosemite: The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

It’s not often that you see one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, but in Yosemite Valley, it’s just another of the park’s awe inspiring features!  However, hiking to the top of one of the world’s largest waterfalls, that would be something special!  Turns out you can do that here too on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail! Climbing steeply 2,700 feet from the valley floor to the top of the falls, the hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is one of Yosemite’s...