A drive through New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains: Visiting verdant Valle Caldera National Preserve and quirky Jemez Springs. Continue reading Wandering Westward through Valle Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains
Lassen Peak is the largest plug dome volcano in the world, and we are pumped to hike to the summit today. The exposed, sunny hike on the Lassen Peak trail is 5 miles round trip, and we will climb from 8500 feet to 10,457 feet. With almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain, the trail seems a bit intimidating, however the magnificent views along the entire trail definitely keep one energized and entertained. Continue reading Lassen Volcanic National Park (Part 2): Hiking the Lassen Peak Trail
Here is a little video I shot from the rim of Lassen Peak’s caldera. If these views don’t make you want to lace up your boots and head up the mountain, I don’t know what would! Continue reading 360 Degree View atop Lassen Peak Volcano in Lassen Volcanic National Park {Video}
Our first full day at Lassen Volcanic National Park starts with an education and ends with sunset over Manzanita Lake and a glowing Lassen Peak framed by dark forest. We fill the hours between with one of the best scenic drives in the U.S. and a hike so…well, California…that it brings unexpected emotions. Continue reading Lassen Volcanic National Park (Part 1): Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake, Museum & Visitor Center
Just a little teaser for my next two posts, which will chronicle our wanderings through Lassen Volcanic National Park. Continue reading Sneak Peak at our Lassen Volcanic National Park Hikes
After a week of near-perfect weather, our luck has run out. We arrive at Crater Lake National Park under gray, cloudy, cold and windy skies, and find ourselves elbow-to-elbow with thousands of other visitors. Continue reading Bummed by a Gray-sky day at Crater Lake National Park
I almost wept at the thought of leaving Washington. But then Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge wrapped me in her warm embrace and made it all better. The lodge is an Arts and Crafts Masterpiece. Oh, and let’s not forget about that pretty impressive mountain she has for a backdrop. Continue reading Majestic Mt. Hood and the Incomparable Timberline Lodge
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted with a force exceeding 27,000 bombs. The excitement/dread/anticipation of the predicted eruption had consumed our kid minds. Now, nearly forty years later, we are finally visiting the site of the most significant geologic event of the 20th century, and tangibly experiencing the wonders of our childhood fascination. Continue reading Remembrance and Rebirth: Visiting the Eastern Side of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
From Second Burroughs we see a trail winding down through a tundra meadow, up and over another peak. What’s this? We can get even higher and closer to Mt. Rainier?
We head down the mystery trail with these words in mind: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” — T.S. Elliot Continue reading Mount Rainier National Park: Epic Hike to Third Burroughs
Westward We Wander 