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
Olympic NP – Hoh River Forest Washington February 2021 An Enchanting Escape to the Hoh Rain Forest A visit to the Olympic National Park is a worthwhile endeavor. We had the pleasure of exploring the Hoh Rain Forest with our sons back in August 2009. The Hoh Rain Forest trail is short yet enchanting, decorated
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Olympic National Park – Hurricane Ridge Area Washington September 2020 The Dry Side of Olympic NP It was the third time we visited Olympic National Park. Over the years, we’ve been to the Hoh River area with its huge trees twice. This was the first time we saw the rainshadow side of the park. The
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Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Washington July 2020 Stepping back in time at Fort Vancouver NHS After my first visit back in 2019, I always wanted to return to this fantastic place. Located on the north bank of the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site gives a glimpse of the Pacific
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Whenever we visit our sons in Seattle, we drive by Vancouver, Washington, just across the Columbia River. We never planned to visit, but after after reading an article in the AAA magazine, our curiosity was piqued. Surprisingly, Vancouver started in 1824, it is the oldest city in Washington State, and is therefore steeped with history!
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Driving Back Home Again Road Trip 2008 – Day 13 August 2008 Driving Back Home! Again we had a long day of driving ahead. We left the Beaver Lake Campground in Custer, SD, at 8 am, and almost two hours later, we entered Badlands National Park, a 244,000-acre park. We drove the Sage Creek Rim
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial Road Trip 2008 – Day 12 August 2008 Driving Back Home! After a good night’s rest, we drove to “Mount Rushmore National Memorial.” We arrived early before the large groups and enjoyed the impressive statues! We learned about the sculptor Gutzon Borglum and why he carved George Washington (1st), Thomas Jefferson
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Hiking in Yellowstone National Park Road Trip 2008 – Day 10 . Hiking in Yellowstone National Park While the kids were still sleeping in their tent, we decided to go for some more hiking in Yellowstone National Park. We left a note telling them we would be back in two hours. Walking at dawn is
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Yellowstone National Park Road Trip 2008 – Day 9 . Yellowstone National Park . Date Sunday, August 10, 2008 Distance xx miles Moving Time xx Weather xx °F
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Yellowstone Park, WY – Day 4 Road Trip 2008 – Day 7 August 2008 Yellowstone Park, WY – Day 4 The boys wanted a day of rest after almost a week of traveling through the states and Yellowstone Park. No driving, no hiking, just some swimming in Lake Yellowstone. Unfortunately, the weather had changed, and
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Road Trip 2008 – Day 6 Yellowstone NP, WY – Day 3 August 2008 Yellowstone NP, WY – Day 3 The next day, we saw “Old Faithful,“ one of the world’s most famous geysers! We sat down, and it started to perform its activity after about ten minutes. Later, we read that the interval between
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