The Oregon Coast is one of those places that leaves you breathless at every turn—a rugged mix of wild Pacific beaches, towering cliffs, and charming small towns. When I did this trip, I started from Seattle, winding down the coast over a couple of days. But if I were to do it again, I’d recommend…
Tucked between Washington State’s mainland and Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands are a quiet slice of Pacific Northwest paradise. This archipelago—made up of over 170 islands, with four main ones accessible by ferry—feels a world away from the bustle of Seattle, even though it’s only a few hours’ journey. Think charming harbors, evergreen forests,…
Wherever I go, I seek out the water. Lakes, rivers, bays—you name it. I’ve paddled through narrow red rock canyons in southern Utah, across alpine reservoirs tucked into the Wasatch Mountains, and even camped by kayak up in the San Juan Islands of Washington. For me, paddling is more than a hobby: it is my…
Moab summer travel? Absolutely. While the desert sun can be intense, with the right game plan, you can still explore Utah’s red rock playground—and have an unforgettable time doing it. From early morning hikes to lazy floats down the Colorado River, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures. You just need to plan your day around…
Utah’s well-known reservoirs near Salt Lake and Park City offer plenty of easy paddling, but sometimes, you’re craving something quieter, cooler, and a little more remote. That’s where the high-elevation and lesser-known lakes of Northern Utah come in. In Part 1, I shared my favorite spots for day trips and quick paddles close to town….
Quick Escapes, Big Views Utah might be famous for its red rocks and snow-capped peaks, but come summer, there is a surprising amount of water to play in—and if you’re in Salt Lake or Park City, you don’t have to drive far to find your next paddle destination. I’ve been paddling most of my adult…
There’s nowhere quite like Lake Powell. Tucked into the red rock canyons of southern Utah and northern Arizona, this sprawling reservoir offers a surreal blend of desert and water—where sandstone cliffs rise straight from glittering bays, and narrow slot canyons can only be reached by boat. It’s a place of staggering contrasts, controversial history, and…
If there’s one place that truly captures the spirit of the American Southwest, it’s Monument Valley. Towering red sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor, casting long shadows at sunrise and glowing deep orange at sunset—it’s no wonder this iconic landscape has been featured in countless films, photographs, and travel dreams. I visited Monument Valley…
There’s no place on Earth quite like the Grand Canyon. Standing on the edge, gazing down into its vast, colorful layers, it’s almost impossible to grasp its true scale — over 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. But here’s a surprising fact: while nearly 5 million people visit…
Tucked into the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a pair of neighboring parks that often fly under the radar—but deliver big on scenery, adventure, and unforgettable family memories. Located about 80 miles east of Fresno, these parks are managed jointly by the National Park Service and offer…