Outdoor Project

The out-and-back hike on the Havasupai Reservation in the Grand Canyon to the famous Havasu Falls is a 10-mile, 2000-foot descent of moderate difficulty that is a bit more challenging on the ascent. The Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead begins with a series of switchbacks through tall cliffs and colorful sandstone and shale canyon walls for approximately a mile. At the end of the switchbacks the trail continues through sandy washes and over gravel and dirt footpaths until reaching an area known as the Narrows.

There are a number of relatively unknown campgrounds on the east side of Mount Hood between Highway 35 and Dufur. Many of these are not as popular due to the distance from any populated areas and a lack of campground amenities. But, if you're looking for a private, secluded car camping experience, then Pebble Ford Campground is just the ticket. It's primitive – there is no water and only one vault toilet – but beautiful. The campground lies along a creek that leads to Ramsey Creek, and it is well set up with large campsites and fun paths throughout the campground.

Upper Antelope Canyon is a well-known and iconic photographic location in northern Arizona. For many photographers, this is definitely a must-see destination. Even for non-photographers it is truly a marvel to behold and awe-inspiring in the truest sense of the phrase. The combination of the gracefully carved sandstone walls and the marvelous filtered light coming through those walls makes for one of the most beautiful places on earth.

In practically any other park in the world, the Transept Trail (named for the canyon it parallels) would be the highlight; in Grand Canyon National Park, it is a bit of a ho-hum affair.

The Twin Falls hike follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River along the western edge of the Cascade Mountains. This popular trail is a relaxing hike for all ages and offers a leisurely stroll through the forest to clear the mind and breathe in some fresh mountain air.

Sometimes a trail can be a destination in and of itself, and the Greenwater Lakes Trail is a perfect example. Starting from the large parking lot, the wide trail winds through an old-growth forest of hemlock, fir, and cedar as it parallels the Greenwater River. It is a fast 2-mile hike with minimal elevation gain to Greenwater Lakes, a pair of small, shallow, and marshy lakes that are popular with local fisherman. There are quite a few nice campsites and fire rings scattered around the lakes and along the river.

If you're not camping, the only place to stay at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon Lodge. Perched at the rim of the canyon, this National Historic Landmark has spectacular views from its outdoor decks and through the massive windows in the great room and the dining room. The building is a dark structure built of native timber and Kaibab limestone that just oozes history and the ambiance of an old hunting lodge from the Teddy Roosevelt era.

Far from the crowds of the South Rim and set amidst the towering Ponderosa pines of the Kaibab Plateau, the North Rim Campground is a profoundly satisfying destination. Perched right near the rim of the canyon, the campground is near incredible views and many of the North Rim trailheads. Just a short hike or drive away, the Visitor Center and the historic Grand Canyon Lodge offer additional amenities like mule rides, fine dining, a saloon and coffee shop, and a gift shop.

The 229 square-mile Zion National Park is a beautiful and unique protected wilderness in southwestern Utah. With forest, desert, and towering mountains, the park is home to countless animal and flora species. The area has been inhabited for 8,000 years, originally by the Anasazi tribes, and it was first established as a national monument in 1909 before becoming a national park in 1919.

Kendall Peak is a beautiful hike that features gorgeous Cascade views just an hour from Seattle. There are four peaks that are all roughly about the same height. The highest of them all is the 5,784-foot northern peak, and the other summits rarely have visitors. The most common trail and boot path also leads you right up to the northern peak. The standard route can be accessed from the Pacific Crest Trail parking lot just past the Summit at Snoqualmie (West) ski resort.