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Discovering the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges
The Klamath Basin covers a large swath of northern California and southern Oregon. A relatively undiscovered area, it is among the best birding destinations in the United States. Or so I’m told. I’m not a birder. Nor do I pretend to be. In fact, during our ‘birding’ trip to the Klamath Basin, Dan and I mostly referred to species with vague descriptive names. We pointed out ‘spindly white birds’ and ‘scoop-beaked birds’ and ‘yellow-headed birds.’ In other words, we had no idea what we were talking about. But still, as…
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7 Awesome Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of Southern California’s most enticing outdoor destinations. Famed for its namesake trees that resemble props in a Dr Seuss story, the national park attracts rock climbers, hikers, solitude-seekers, and influencer-wannabes. It is one of the West Coast’s premier desert playgrounds—filled with jaw-dropping vistas, palm-sheltered oases, and grippy rock perfect for scrambling. Yet despite its proximity to Los Angeles and its hoards of yearly visitors, Joshua Tree is a quiet and peaceful retreat from the stresses of urban America. With its clear night skies and…
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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…
