Photo Journal Archives - Page 3 of 14

Lassen Volcanic National Park Photo Journal

When I’ve told people about the parks we’re visiting on our National Park to Park Highway tour they’ll nod in recognition for everyone until I get to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then inevitably they ask, “Lassen? Where is that?”

Sulphur Works bubbling and smoking

Well I’m here to tell you. Lassen Volcanic National Park is in Northern California surrounded by the Lassen National Forest. It’s got thermal features similar to Yellowstone (although not as many), alpine lakes, hiking trails and snow even in the hottest months of summer.

The 1920 National Park to Park Highway Tour couldn’t even enter Lassen Volcanic National Park because no roads through the park had been built. That’s exactly what they advocated and I’m glad they succeeded because Lassen Volcanic was the most relaxing place to camp we’ve been to on this tour.

You’ve never been to Lassen Volcanic? Don’t worry, I’ll show you around.

Lily Pond trail

Manzanita Lake

Cold blue waters at Lake Helen

The snowfield we climbed to get to Lake Helen.

Thermal waters from the Sulphur Works turn these rocks yellow.

Junior Rangers to the rescue.

Baby L and Canada Geese

The Mountain Fam at Summit Lake

Kings Canyon National Park Photo Journal

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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are so close together that they are operated as one unit. That may be great for administration reasons, but I think it gives Kings Canyon the shaft. In 1920, Kings Canyon was known as General Grant National Park and it was much smaller, primarily to protect the General Grant Sequoia Grove. Now that the park has grown in size, I hope it grows in reknown as well.

Kings Canyon

There’s so much beauty in Kings Canyon National Park, I wish it got more of the glory. With cliffs as impressive as Yosemite and giant Sequoia trees, Kings Canyon National Park is worth a visit on its own, not just as an afterthought to Sequoia.

I loved exploring Roaring River Falls and seeing the General Grant giant sequoia grove. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway was one of the most scenic sections of road on our entire National Park to Park Highway tour so far. Kings Canyon National Park is beautiful and well worth exploring on its own. Here are some of our favorite photos from our tour, I hope you enjoy!

Little G explores a sequoia log tunnel.

Mountain Dad and Big E

Roaring River Falls

Her hair makes me think of a woodland troll.

Clear water, gorgeous setting – you know we jumped in!

Beat the summer heat.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

Giant Sequoia Grove

Giant Sequioa with burn scar.

Giant Sequioa

He’s a study stud.

Trees so tall you have to shoot in panorama mode.

Yosemite National Park Photo Journal

Yosemite. It’s a classic and has been from the beginning.

I know Yellowstone claims to be the first ever National Park, but Yosemite Valley was designated as federal land put aside for the public use before Yellowstone. And I can see why. The granite cliffs and waterfalls, the forest and Merced river all combine for a beautiful scenic excursion, if you can stand the crowds (more on that in my next post).

If you’ve never been to Yosemite, or if you go every year, enjoy these photo favorites from our National Park to Park Highway tour. It’s truly a beauty.

These mountains sing.

Biking in Yosemite Valley was my favorite.

The air smells of pine.

Merced River

While Big E rode by on his Woom 4, another family cheered saying, “We love our Woom bikes too!”

Splashing in the river

Yosemite

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake at record low levels

El Capitan

Sequioa National Park Photo Journal

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Sequioa National Park is home to the biggest tree on earth. Seriously. The BIGGEST tree on EARTH. General Sherman, that amazing giant sequioa, is the largest tree by volume in the world. I strongly believe that every American should see it sometime in their lives.

A giant sequioa tree.

This National Park to Park Highway stop has more to offer than access to the tree that gives it its name. There are mountains, rivers, forests, caves and wildflowers. Beauty to behold every where you go. Here are a few of our favorite sights from Sequioa National Park. Enjoy!