Monthly Archives: April 2023

Kopachuck State Park Is A Little-Known Park In Washington That Is Perfect For Your Next Outing

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In Washington’s vast system of more than 140 state parks, some venues can be overlooked. Kopachuck State Park is one of those areas that’s relatively undiscovered. Visitors use phrases such as “stumbled upon” in sharing their experiences. One major highlight is the views of the water from the 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline on Henderson Bay. Wading is a popular activity. While the water temperature varies during the year, the scenery framed by Cutts Island and the Olympic Mountains in the distance is a constant.

Once targeted for potential closure, the park is valued by nearby residents and visitors who discover it.
Getty Images
Sunset is a spectacular time to visit Kopachuck State Park and you can linger, knowing the parking lot is only a short walk away.

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9 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Washington

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Whether or not you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can probably agree that a hike trumps the treadmill when you have the choice. And since there’s still some decent hiking weather ahead of us in Washington, you’ve got plenty of time to hit the trail. If you’ve done more poolside lounging than exercising over the summer, fear not – our state has plenty of paths you can take that won’t be too treacherous. Add these 10 hikes to your outdoor bucket list if you are looking for the best hikes in Washington.

1. Icicle Gorge, Leavenworth
Winston_Orvis / TripAdvisor
The Icicle Gorge Trail is a 4.2 mile trek, but it’s a very gentle loop that doesn’t have any significant elevation gains. It’s a great trail for all skill levels, and there’s a lot of breathtaking scenery along the way.
Icicle Gorge Trailhead, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
2. Cape Flattery, near Neah Bay

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National Geographic Named These 3 Oregon Volcanoes As Some Of The Most Dangerous In America

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Oregon’s volcanoes recently earned a spot on National Geographic’s “Most Dangerous Volcanoes in America” list. The list was created by government experts who took into account various criteria, including scientific data, numerous research studies, and various other measures. Their findings might surprise you: three of the most dangerous volcanoes in the entire country are in Oregon. Read on to see which Oregon volcanoes made the list…

According to National Geographic’s findings, Crater Lake is the 17th most dangerous volcano in America.
Flickr/Raul Diaz
Located atop Mount Mazama, Crater Lake was originally formed by a massive volcanic eruption.

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You’ll Feel Like You Stepped Back In Time When Strolling Through This Delightful Town On The Oregon Coast

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There are certain places that provoke a sense of nostalgia; old-fashioned spots that feel like a step back in time. Seaside, Oregon is one of these pure places. This delightful town on the Oregon Coast is as charming as it gets, with a picture-perfect promenade, old-school shops, and amusement park rides that all harken back to a slower, sweeter time. Let’s take a stroll through charming Seaside, Oregon, shall we?

Seaside is a beautiful locale on the North Oregon Coast that truly is the Platonic ideal of coastal towns.
syrahgirl/TripAdvisor
A visit to Seaside is a bit like stepping back in time, in the very best possible way.

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Photographers Flock To Utah To Set Up Their Tripods At These 13 Gorgeous Spots

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We’re continually blown away by the talent of Utah photographers. They produce some truly incredible photos of our favorite places all over the state, and if you’re a rookie who’s ever tried to get a good pic of a waterfall, starry sky, or river, you know just how difficult it can be to excel at the craft.

Whether you’re a photographer who’s new to Utah, or a long-time Utahn who’s new to photography, you might wonder where to start capturing Utah’s natural beauty. Though you’ll find interesting, engaging, picturesque subjects to photograph all over the Beehive State, we have a few suggestions. These 13 spots are all so gorgeous that photographers regularly flock to them. Take a look:

If you’re a photographer (or you have a loved one who is), you know that the most dedicated will wake up before dawn to get the perfect shot.
Rainer Kopp/EyeEm via Getty Images
They’ll sit patiently, waiting for the golden hour…

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Take This 5.7-Mile Trail In Utah And Look 75 Feet Above You To See Morning Glory Natural Bridge

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Utahns are spoiled when it comes to hiking trails. Not only do we have hundreds to choose from, but almost every trail features a unique rock formation, beautiful view, or stunning scenery. The Grandstaff Trail near Moab takes you to a cool natural bridge, and it’s a little less crowded than the trails inside Arches National Park.

Located on BLM land near Moab, the Grandstaff Trail was designated as a National Recreational Trail in 2010. Set aside at least four hours for this adventure, and make sure to bring along plenty of water.
Duncan Sparrell/Alltrails
During summer months, temperatures in this area typically reach triple digits by afternoon. During spring and fall, the weather is much more mild, and a winter hike can be especially nice. The trail is open year-round.
Soaring sandstone cliffs are the backdrop for this hike, and they’re pretty impressive. You’re welcome to bring your pup along with you. He probably won’t be as inspired by the scenery, but he’ll love the many creek crossings along the way.

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We Bet You Didn’t Know There Was A Miniature Multnomah Falls In Idaho

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Idaho is home to many incredible natural wonders, especially waterfalls. All throughout the state, there are breathtaking falls that can draw quite a crowd like Shoshone Falls and Mesa Falls. However, nestled in the panhandle and not far from Sandpoint is the beautiful Char Falls. This is a hidden waterfall that does require a short hike but once you reach the waterfall finish, you’ll be blown away by its beauty. In fact, this waterfall often reminds others of the popular Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

If you consider yourself a waterfall chaser or you simply want a day outdoors, Char Falls in northern Idaho is an absolute must. This breathtaking waterfall is located in the Kaniksu National Forest in the Cabinet Mountains and believe us, it is worthy of your time.
Google Maps
To reach this beautiful waterfall, you have a 1.2-mile out-and-back hike. You will not spend too much time on this trail until you hear the sound of rushing water. This is Lightning Creek and it will let you know that you are approaching the stunning Char Falls.

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We Bet You Didn’t Know That Idaho Is Home To A Canyon Deeper Than The Grand Canyon

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Idaho is home to some pretty spectacular landscapes. But, did you know it is also home to the deepest river gorge in North America? Hells Canyon is one of the most incredible natural features in the Gem State and also one of the most underrated. This National Recreation Area sits along the Oregon and Idaho state line and offers more than 652,000 acres of wilderness. It’s one place that is truly breathtaking.

You’ve likely heard of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area but have you ever been? Do you know how spectacular and grand this area truly is? From any angle, it’s very impressive.
Dalton Lebeda/500px Via Getty Images
A fun fact about Hells Canyon is it is not a recognized geographic place. It is generally accepted that the canyon begins 90 miles south of Lewiston, Idaho, and travels 40 miles south to Oxbow, Oregon.
Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. The canyon is carved by the beautiful Snake River and many of the rocks that you see in the canyon came from underwater volcanoes millions of years ago.

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The Entire Navajo Loop And Queen’s Garden Trail In Utah Can Now Be Taken From Your Couch

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The tall hoodoos that fill the amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park are both beautiful and intriguing. Ancient Paiute legend says that the hoodoos are people who were turned to stone for living “too heavily upon the land.” Geologists say that they were formed over thousands of years by frost wedging. Either way, it’s an incredible experience to see them up close.

One of the most popular hikes at the red-rock wonderland is the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden trail. It takes you right down into the midst of the hoodoos to see them up close, and it’s a fairly easy hike that many visitors enjoy. If you can’t visit right now, you can take this virtual hike right from your couch!

Thanks to At Home In Wild Spaces, you can enjoy this popular trail without leaving home. Follow this hiker along the path to see it all.
At Home In Wild Spaces/YouTube
The trail starts at the Sunset Point. You’ll travel north to Sunrise Point…

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The 3-Hour Road Trip Around The North Colorado Loop Tour Is A Glorious Spring Adventure In Colorado

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No matter your whereabouts in Colorado, you are guaranteed to find breathtaking scenery, which includes the Eastern Plains, Western Slope, SoCo, and mountains. Did you notice that we left out an essential and beautiful part of the state? Don’t worry, Northern Colorado, we did not forget you and want to highlight your beauty today, which we think is best enjoyed via the little-known North Colorado Loop Tour:

Spanning the northcentral part of the Centennial State, the North Colorado Loop Tour is billed as being “The Colorado You Imagined,” thanks to several unique byways and stretches, including Prairie to Peak.
Flickr/Tim Solley
Beginning in Greeley, the Prairie to Peak portion of the North Colorado Loop Tour takes drivers on a journey that varies from 35 to 160 miles and includes a first stop at the Cache la Poudre National Heritage Area in Fort Collins.

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