US National Parks

The world's original national park.  Most people visit Yellowstone for the wildlife and geothermal activity, both of which you're able to see without straying far from your car. Crowds can be a problem, but if you time it right you won't have much issue even at the busiest spots. And if you want to get further away from the masses, there are plenty of options  to stretch your legs on a day hike.  Visiting in winter means fewer people, snow safaris, and roads open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

If the mention of Death Valley makes you think of a cartoon cow skull in the sand, you'll be surprised with the varying landscapes and amount of life that exists here. There are mountains and canyons, salt flats and open desert. There are also plants, birds, lizards, and even some mammals. And then you - sometimes the only human for miles. With these landscapes and the solitude, you'll feel like you're on another planet. Bring lots of water because Death Valley gets HOT!!

Covering the majority of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, and only a couple of hours away from Seattle, this park is both one of the best and my personal favorite. No other National park can match the varied terrain you'll enjoy here - from mountain peaks and lush rain forest to sandy beaches and pristine alpine lakes. Each of these environments would be park-worthy on its own...but put them all together, throw in some elk, black bears, orcas, and eagles and you've got Olympic National Park.