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Off the Grid at Hells Canyon in Oregon
When explorers came across the immense canyon that forms the border of present-day Oregon and Idaho, they figured they may as well have stumbled upon Hell. The inhospitable landscape—home to rattlesnakes, sweltering temperatures, and rugged barren landscapes—proved to be a formidable obstacle on their westward journeys. Many tried to tame the Snake River with boats and ferries, but hardly any were successful. Even today, Hells Canyon is no easy place to visit. The cavernous river gorge is remote, desolate, and hundreds of miles from the trodden tourist trail. But it…
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Hiking the Wallowas: Guide to Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness
The Wallowa Mountains are one of the Pacific Northwest‘s most impressive geological features. Their snowcapped peaks adorn the pristine Eagle Cap Wilderness and tower over the bucolic farmlands and chiseled canyons of northeast Oregon. And yet, unlike many of Oregon’s other natural highlights, they remain largely undiscovered. The scenic splendor of the Wallowas is particularly surprising considering that I—a native Oregonian and lover of the Pacific Northwest—hand’t even heard of them until a few years ago. Prior to my visit, I believed that the northeastern corner of Oregon was a…
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Olympic National Park Travel Guide
Olympic National Park is one of the Pacific Northwest’s great wilderness destinations. Encompassing large swaths of a peninsula that shares its name, the UNESCO-recognized park boasts a temperate rainforest, glaciated mountain peaks, and lonely wind-battered beaches. The national park is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington State. Still, it is far enough from Seattle that it avoids being inundated with day-tripping tourists. Ninety-five percent of Olympic National Park is designated wilderness. Its untouched reaches shelter pristine landscapes and mile upon mile of hiking trails. With its…
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The Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park
Whenever I find myself complaining about the Oregon rain, I’m always quick to remind myself that the state’s jaw-dropping beauty is thanks, in large part, to its dreary climate. The precipitation that drenches western Oregon for nearly nine months out of the year gives birth to a wonderland of lush forests and scenic waterways. Without it, places like Silver Falls State Park would not exist. The iconic Silver Falls State Park is a microcosm of what makes western Oregon so beautiful. It is verdant. It is lush. It features towering…
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Visiting the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
The redwoods in California’s Jedediah Smith State Park are among the most impressive and awe-inspiring trees in the world. Like giants of the forest, they pierce the skies overhead and tower above the lush sword ferns that carpet the ground at their feet. These massive trees—tucked away in the coastal hills of northwestern California—have stood the test of time. Many of the Redwoods that still stand today date back more than 2,000 years. They are true examples of perseverance. Pinnacles of efficiency. A testament to nature’s resilience. If you find…
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Southern Oregon Coast Road Trip Attractions
Few places on Earth can match the Oregon Coast’s rugged natural beauty. The 300+ mile-long coastline is a testament to nature’s supreme craftsmanship. It is a masterpiece of scenery. A photographer’s dream. A mighty display of sea-meets-land. Defined by its wildlife-laden sea stacks, sweeping sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and rugged dunes, Oregon’s scenic coastline makes for an unforgettable road trip destination. And nowhere does this ring more true than along the southern Oregon coast—a spectacular stretch of wild shoreline that spans Highway 101 between Coos Bay and Brookings. ATTRACTIONS…
