America The Beautiful

The United States boasts many scenic national parks, monuments, and forests. They can be visited with the “America The Beautiful” Year Pass. It is THE reason my hubby and I explore the United States. After we visited America’s (and the world’s) first national park since 1872, Yellowstone, Wyoming, in 2008, we became hooked on the experience!

We visited 28* national parks fifteen years later (2023). Each park has its unique character, energy, and vibe. For me, It is a spiritual experience to wander through the wilderness.

“Between every two pine trees, there is a door leading to a new way of life. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.”

— John Muir, Scottish-American naturalist

2008 – Yellowstone National Park, WY Badlands National Park, WY, Mount Rushmore National Monument, SD

Lassen Volcanic National Park – Day 2

Lassen Volcanic National Park – Day 2 Our Stay in Westwood, CA Cinder Cone Trail We were on our way early to the northeastern part of Lassen Volcanic National Park. We wanted to hike the 4.7-mile Cinder Cone Trail, which was described as “challenging,” “hard,” “exposed,” and “only for the avid hiker.” We, therefore, came …

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North Cascades National Park – Day 2

North Cascades National Park – Day 2 Our Stay in Sedro-Woolley, WA The Blue Lake Trail On our second and last day in North Cascades National Parks, we started with the Blue Lake Trail. I expected a challenging hike since we had to climb 1100 feet in about 2.4 miles to reach Blue Lake.  However, …

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Mount Rainier National Park, WA – Day 3

Mount Rainier National Park Our Stay in Eatonville, WA Mount Rainier National Park – Day 3 We returned for a last visit to Mount Rainier NP because hubby still wanted to hike up to Panorama Point over the snow-covered, steep Skyline Trail. I was still wondering if I would give it another try. Nisqually Vista …

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Mount Rainier National Park, WA – Day 2

Mount Rainier National Park Our Stay in Eatonville, WA Mount Rainier National Park – Day 2 The weather looked promising! We saw a blue sky with a few clouds. So, six days after our first visit, we returned to Mount Rainier National Park to explore the Longmire area. Wonderland, Rampart Ridge, and Trail of the …

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Mount Rainier National Park, WA – Day 1

Mount Rainier National Park Our Stay in Eatonville, WA Mount Rainier National Park – Day 1 Now that we stayed in Eatonville, a visit to Mount Rainier National Park was a must, as the park was only an hour away. Especially because the weather looked promising today (although mountain weather can be very changeable). Mount …

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Mission San Diego de Alcalá & Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Mission San Diego de Alcalá & Old Town San Diego State Historic Park December 2022 Strolling Around in San Diego, CA – Day 3 We started the day with a visit to California’s first mission, the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, founded in 1769. The history of this National Historical Landmark is fascinating. The mission …

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