Archive for ‘Pacific Park Guides’

The Definitive Pinnacles National Park Guide

The Definitive Pinnacles National Park Guide

Even though it is one of the smallest parks in America’s national parks system, Pinnacles National Park is renown for its breathtaking landscapes and relatively large population of California Condors. Located in central California, roughly 125-miles south of San Francisco and just west of the beautiful Big Sur coastline, Pinnacles National Park may be one of the most underrated national parks in the United States because of its location. Being in such close proximity to so many other larger and equally gorgeous parks, Pinnacles National Park is often overlooked by visitors to California looking to get out and explore the state’s beauty. However, in my Pinnacles National Park guide, I am going to show you why overlooking this amazing park the next time you visit the Golden State would be a mistake.
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The Quintessential Crater Lake National Park Guide

The Quintessential Crater Lake National Park Guide

While Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon may not be as well-known as some of the other parks in the Western United States, that doesn’t mean it isn’t every bit as beautiful.  In fact, as lake parks go, it may be the most beautiful in America.  Centered around a deep, water-filled volcanic crater that has formed the deepest lake in North America, Crater Lake is also well-known for its rough wilderness and great hiking and snowshoeing trails.  If you aren’t into hiking, getting out on the crystal blue waters of Crater Lake to Kayak or go for a swim may be just what you are looking for.  Regardless of what you do when you visit, one thing that won’t be in short supply during your stay is tranquility.
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The Complete Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument Visitor Guide

The Complete Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument Visitor Guide

Situated roughly 50 miles Northeast of Portland, Oregon, and roughly 96 miles South of Seattle, Washington as the crow flies, Mount Saint Helens is located in a beautiful part of America’s Pacific Northwest that has an abundance of tourist attractions.  Visitors to the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument can learn about the 1980 eruption that left such a lasting impact on the surrounding landscape, hike in some of the most beautiful and serene landscape, and marvel at the power of mother nature.
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The Ultimate Cannon Beach Visitor Guide for Visitors to the Oregon Coast

The Ultimate Cannon Beach Visitor Guide for Visitors to the Oregon Coast

In case it doesn’t look familiar, this is the stretch of coastline that was featured in the iconic 1980’s movie, “the Goonies”.  You know, the stretch of coast that hid the treasure of the famed pirate One-eyed Willie.  It’s easy to see why they picked this location to film.  The Pacific Ocean coastline in Oregon is some of the most rugged and most beautiful coastline in North America.  In addition to these jaw dropping rock formations, the area also boasts some of the state’s most beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
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How to Visit the Beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse Visitor Guide

How to Visit the Beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse Visitor Guide

When it comes to beautiful lighthouses, you can’t find many that are more beautiful than the Heceta Head Lighthouse on the coast of Oregon in the United States.  In my opinion, it is the prettiest lighthouse in North America.  Perched up on Oregon’s rocky Pacific Ocean shoreline, the lighthouse is the definition of postcard material.  It is especially pretty at sunset or when large waves are crashing against the rocky shore.
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Ultimate Guide to Viewing Northern Elephant Seals in California

Ultimate Guide to Viewing Northern Elephant Seals in California

If you like wildlife, especially marine wildlife, the state of California in the United States has some absolutely wonderful wildlife viewing experiences available to visitors.  One of my favorite of these experiences is seeing the large Northern Elephant Seals along the coast of the state.  It really is impossible to appreciate how large and powerful these seals are until you see them on a beach with your own eyes.
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The Complete Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Guide

The Complete Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Guide

With a countless number of breathtaking vistas, some of the most unique and beautiful trees in the country scattering its landscape, and some of the best rock climbing scrambles in North America within its borders, Joshua Tree National Park may just be one of the most underrated national parks in the US National Parks system.

Joshua Tree may not get all of the press that its sister parks in California get, as parks such as Yosemite, Death Valley, and Redwood are well known around the world.  However, that doesn’t mean Joshua Tree National Park isn’t every bit as beautiful or exciting.  If you ask any national parks enthusiast who is well versed in all of the national parks in the United States and they will tell you that Joshua Tree National Park is one of the premier national parks in the country.
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The Complete Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco Guide

The Complete Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco Guide

I have been to the Redwood State and National Parks in Northern California, and they are beautiful parks.  They are also relatively far away from any major metropolitan city.  They are located where I would expect large Redwood trees to still be standing, on the north coast of California.  I think Muir Woods National Monument is so unique because it is where you wouldn’t expect large, old-growth trees to still be standing.
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