We spent a windy, rainy day exploring (or trying to explore) some of the Pacific beaches at Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Washington. The beaches are often described as “wild” in many park publications, and for good reason. They’re part of the longest stretch of undeveloped beach in the contiguous United States. This entry covers all beaches we visited except Shi Shi Beach.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, Shi Shi Beach can give it to you. This remote Pacific coast beach can be accessed via a two mile trail starting at the Makah Reservation and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Olympic National Park.
Cape Flattery is the most northwesterly point of the contiguous 48 states. It’s located in the Makah Reservation in Washington, near Neah Bay, and offers dramatic views of sea stacks and caves.
The Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Washington, features a historic resort, hiking trails, and an incredible natural phenomenon. The main feature running through it is the Sol Duc River. We visited the area after checking out Lake Crescent.
After our original plan to visit Hurricane Ridge fell through, we decided to head to the Lake Crescent area of Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a quick look at the lodge and a short hike. Lake Crescent is only 18 miles west of Port Angeles, Washington.
Mill Creek Park is the first park district in Ohio and a popular place to visit in Youngstown. It offers several hiking trails, gardens, ponds, a nature center, historic sites, and more. While visiting family in nearby Campbell, we decided to spend an afternoon at Mill Creek with my cousin, Michael.
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest (formerly Taltree Arboretum) is one of Northwest Indiana’s hidden gems. Since it’s just a few minutes from my mom’s house in Valparaiso, I decided to take advantage and visit while on a trip home. It’s a place I had driven past countless times.
Valley of Fire Highway is the road linking the east and west entrances of Valley of Fire State Park, a National Natural Landmark. Along this stretch of road, there are several points of interest as well as campgrounds.
White Domes Road is a scenic drive at Valley of Fire State Park, a National Natural Landmark. It starts at the visitor center and runs north to the White Domes Trail. Along the road are picnic areas and trailheads.
White Domes Trail is my favorite trail at Valley of Fire State Park, a National Natural Landmark in Nevada. It combines incredible desert scenery, history, and great viewpoints. White Domes Trail is located at the end of White Domes Road.