Soleduck Valley in Olympic National Park -Port Angeles-

Though California is known for  it's beautiful weather and killer beaches, sometimes a girl craves something a little more rugged and "hipster." That's right, ladies and gentlemen, it is time for a trip to the Northwest!

 

First, let me start off by saying Washington is amazing; the summer weather, the scenery, the people... it was a marvelous state to visit.

 

 

One of my favorite stops in Washington was Soleduck Valley. It is a section of Olympic National Park, nestled somewhere between Port Angeles and Forks, Washington.

 

 

 On the drive from Port Angeles to Soleduck Valley, you have a lovely view of Lake Crescent. 

 

 

The water was unbelievably clear and a pure azure blue.

 

 

Don't forget to stop by Granny's Café for burgers and soft-serve along the way! It is a small house-turned-restaurant that is delightful. The locals recommend it and so do we!

 

 

An hour in the car isn't so terrible if you have great company and phenomenal views.

 

 

A stunning feature of Soleduck Valley is the Sol Duc River.

 

 

It winds alongside the road, and there are several pull-offs where you have the opportunity to experience it up-close

 

 

During certain months, you can observe the salmon traveling upriver to spawn. Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to see a salmon run, but they sound incredible!

 

 

A beautiful hike that is only a mere .8 miles is the trek to Soleduck Falls. This is a wonderful trail to get your toes wet as you wander through lush forests without having to commit to a day long hike.

 

 

It is also the end of the salmon's expedition. Due to the falls' height, the fish cannot travel any further.

 

 

It is truly a sight to behold, especially when the light catches in the mist and a rainbow appears.

 

 

And finally, on the way back to the car, there was something interesting that caught my eye...

 

 

hmm!

 

Zion National Park -Springdale, Utah-

As summer is speedily approaching, it is a present reminder of the rising temperatures in Zion National Park. Though I've heard Zion is just as spectacular during the summer months, I am a fall visitor. My family has been going to Zion National Park for the past nine years. We have experienced everything from 85 degree days to snowfall the night before Thanksgiving. It is a place of mesmerizing beauty that everyone should be able to observe at some point in their lifetime.

While driving into the belly of Zion Canyon, you see the red, orange, charcoal, and chalky white ombre walls soaring towards the sky around you

The Virgin River runs gurgling through the canyon and continues alongside both campgrounds - South Campground and Watchman.

There are so many different views in Zion National Park! Whether you are hiking to the top of Angels Landing, backpacking into Zion wilderness, or trudging through the Virgin River on a trek up the narrows, there is a sight to be seen!

When you visit the park, do not miss traveling through the mile-long tunnel that connects the south and east entrance. It is unmistakably one of the neatest and most interesting features of the park. Upon driving through the tunnel, you realize that is has, in fact, transported you to a new world entirely.

Though you are just a few miles away from the lush canyon and Virgin River, the east side of the park is virtually incomparable

The rock formations look as though an artist came and cross hatched the surface

The trails are entirely different... if you decide to hike on a trail at all. On this side of the park, you are welcome to explore the winding crevices without an exact destination in mind, nor trail underfoot.

However, if you decide to hike one of the few trails, they are well worth your time. One of my favorites is the Overlook Trail. You have to travel across a rickety, wooden bridge to reach the end of the trail. Though, the result is incredible. Sunset is an especially beautiful time to experience this trail.

It seems as though I could post hundreds of photos of Zion National Park and still fail to convey the remarkable beauty. Though this was a vague snippet of the many possibilities that could take place visiting, I hope you take the time to stop and enjoy this breathtaking national park.

 

 

 

 

Hurkey Creek Campground -Idyllwild, California-

After the snow melts on the mountain tops and suddenly everything transforms from a golden yellow to splotchy green, you know it is spring in Southern California. With that welcome news, it also means that it is time to pack up the camping gear, call some friends, and drive up to Hurkey Creek Campground.

Situated just miles from the city of Idyllwild, and a couple minutes from Lake Hemet, Hurkey Creek is a great weekend get-a-way!

Most of the campground is wooded, which is optimal for those warm spring days

Hurkey Creek also offers a simple, wooden amphitheater that you can reserve beforehand for any group activities

This is one of my family's favorite locations for group camping trips

You can easily reserve sites ahead of time, which makes planning a weekend outing with friends simple

Many of the sites are large enough for an RV, and tenting is easy due to the flat campsites and generous clusters of trees

If you want to go for a quick walk or a several-mile-long hike, there is the Idyllwild Discovery Center just 10 minutes down the road!

They offer a few short hikes on premises, but the volunteers are happy to assist you in finding a hike that is a little more challenging near by

The views from the Discovery Center alone are spectacular!

Additionally, the trails are well-maintained which is a definite bonus!

One of my absolute favorite things about Idyllwild is the bountiful abundance of manzanita bushes. I have never seen blossoms on them before this trip. The blooms were stunning!

Due to Native Americans living off of the land, there are still areas where you can observe mortars or grinding rocks

At the Discovery Center, there is an 8 minute walk to a nearby viewpoint

There is a bench atop the viewpoint that is perfect for taking a moment to stop and linger on the surrounding beauty

It is also a fabulous picture opportunity!

Upon heading back to Hurkey Creek Campground, it is late into the afternoon and the sun is beginning to set over the hills to the west...

It is a great time for bike riding...

and field games on one of the large, grassy lawns!

Hurkey Creek is ideal for a short weekend, but I would not recommend it for longer than three or four days. However, is it still a lovely travel destination for a weekend away!