Hiking any trail can have its frightful aspects – walking away from civilization and the comfort of your car and into the unknown wilds of who-knows-where (not to mention scary stuff like spiders, snakes, bears, wolves, and sheer drop-offs). But…
Lakeshore Trail overlooking Jackson Lake and the Tetons
On a recent trip to the west coast, we decided at the last moment to stop in at Yellowstone National Park to take in the Upper Geyser Basin. Well, that worked out great, but since we’d have to drive right…
12 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton has to be one of my favorite national parks in the US (along with North Cascades and a whole lot of others!) Those Alp-like jagged peaks, snow-flecked even in August, alpine lakes, lovely meadows, the unique meadows and…
Spectacular Gnarl Ridge below Mt. Hood
Sometimes there are hikes that you just know as soon as you arrive (at the parking area or the destination) that this is one epic hike. Gnarl Ridge, high on the southern side of Mt. Hood, was one of those…
Elk Meadows and Views of Mt. Hood (Or Gnarl Ridge, Part 1)
If you like hiking through woods and views across meadows, Elk Meadows on the side of Mt. Hood, Oregon may well be a hike built for you. It’s really a backpacker’s destination, a place for a short overnight hike and…
12 Epic Hikes of the Western United States, Part 3
Or, 12 Dayhikes You Should Take With Your Kids Before They’re Grown Today we have another collection of Epic Hikes in the Western US! This time our man is middle-age, highly creative, full of energy and fun, and was the…
Incredible Coastal Views from Cape Perpetua’s Stone Shelter
Cape Perpetua is a great place to visit. Thor’s Well and the surrounding volcanic tide pools and other oddities make it a must-do stop on a US-101 road trip. But I found the most remarkable – or at least the…
Owl Point in the Clouds
Sometimes there are just those hikes that you really try to see, yet it just never quite works out. Supposedly, the views are great, the trail is fine, and you just can’t wait to see it for yourself. But every…
Enjoying the West Tetons Overlook
If you want to enjoy views of the western (non-tourist) side of the Teton Range, but aren’t thrilled about 8+ mile hikes, don’t despair. Although most hikes into the Jedidiah Smith Wilderness are long by dayhike standards (trails up Table…
11 of the Best Dayhikes for Mountain Views of Colorado
There is something about the mountains of Colorado that stimulates my imagination. It takes my breath away, makes me look twice, or even three times, and sends me back again after I’ve been away for a while. I just can’t…