Smith Rock State Park, located right outside of Bend, Oregon, is a high desert wonderland, with jagged basalt rock formations, dreamy pine tree forests, and the rushing waters of the Crooked River. One of the best ways to explore the park is on foot, via any one of its incredible hiking trails that wind through its stunning landscape. Here’s 5 unmissable Smith Rock hikes, so that you can enjoy the epic scenery for yourself!
Imagine soaking in a steamy tub, perched on a mountaintop and surrounded by towering pine trees. Sound like a dream come true? Scenic Hot Springs, tucked in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, offers all of this, plus a good dose of outdoor adventure along the way.
But getting here is not without its quirks—given that you’ll need a coveted permit and hike up 1,100 feet of elevation to visit the springs, there’s a bit of planning you’ll need to do ahead of time. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Scenic Hot Springs.
Oregon has it all—snow-capped mountains, craggy high deserts, and a wildly stunning coastline—so perhaps it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best states to have an epic road trip. But with SO MUCH cool stuff to see, it can feel like a daunting task to come up with the perfect Oregon road trip itinerary. We’ve laid out the best one week road trip itinerary of the very best sites that Oregon has to offer, plus all kinds of insider tips (including ideas for other things to see if you have more time in Oregon!).
The ‘Īao Needle Hike is an easy trail that packs a lot of punch, offering jaw-dropping views of some of Maui’s most lush landscapes—and an important glimpse into Hawaii’s history and culture. If you want to experience this little slice of heaven in the West Maui Mountains for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about the ‘Īao Needle Hike.
The North Cascades in Washington state are fantastically gorgeous, with some of the most dramatic mountainscapes and best hiking opportunities on the planet. The Cutthroat Pass Trail is no exception, taking you past a beautiful lake and up to the ridge of a mountain, with dazzling views of the surrounding Cascades. So lace up those hiking boots- here’s everything you need to know about the Cutthroat Pass Trail.
Between its active volcanoes, rugged coastline, and stunning beaches, it’s no surprise that the Big Island has seemingly countless incredible hiking trails to explore. Accordingly, if you’ve only got a short time on the island, it can be challenging to choose which one is worth it. After hiking all over the island, though, I’ve narrowed down the 8 best hikes on the Big Island to enjoy while you’re in paradise.
The Park Butte Lookout Trail in Washington state has all the best features of a Pacific Northwest hike—beautiful wildflowers, jaw-dropping views of Mount Baker and the surrounding Cascades, and, of course, a historic fire lookout. And better yet, you can actually even camp in the fire lookout for free! Sound like a dream come true? Here’s everything you need to know about the Park Butte Lookout trail.
If you’re looking for an adventure near Kona on the Big Island, hiking along the Captain Cook Monument Trail may just be the perfect activity for you. Along this trail, you’ll hike through lush grasslands, past sweeping ocean vistas, and end at a secluded bay that offers the best snorkeling on the Big Island. Here’s everything you need to know about the Captain Cook Monument Trail.
If you’re looking for some serious mountain therapy near Seattle, consider a classic Pacific Northwest hike, the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. Found just 40 minutes away from the city, this trail will take you through a lush rainforest and to a spectacular lookout, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Cascade mountains. So lace up those hiking boots and let’s hit the road– here’s everything you need to know about the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail.
If you’re considering visiting Southwestern Utah, you may be wondering whether you should head to Zion or Bryce Canyon, two national parks with uniquely beautiful landscapes. But why choose between the two, when you can easily explore both of these incredible parks? Here’s everything you need to know to plan an epic road trip for three days (with options for more or less) from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon.
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