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National Parks

National Parks: America’s Best Idea

I’ve been to 57 of the 63 National Parks. Each time I visit, I am simply blown away by the incredible wonders our country holds. Read my blogs for the best guidance for your National Park trips!

Explore by Season

  • boy and girl on bikes in Yosemite Valley

    5 National Parks to Visit in Spring!

  • 5 National Parks to Visit in Winter!

    5 National Parks to Visit in Winter!

  • girl sitting on a rock in the middle of an alpine lake in grand teton national park

    5 National Parks to Visit this Summer

  • girl with hands up on a mountain in acadia with red bush in front of her

    5 National Parks to Visit This Fall!

Explore by national park

sunrise at mormon row in tetons

Grand Teton

girl biking through the valley

Yosemite

Grinnell Lake with mountain above it

Glacier

Acadia

Zion scenic views

Zion

Need help planning your national park adventure?

I am a certified Fora travel advisor that offers consultations, trip guidance and a full customized itinerary for you!

Let’s plan your trip!
  • girl standing on firetower and smiling at camera

    How to Escape the Crowds at National Parks

    Are you looking to visit the gorgeous landscapes and escape the crowds in National Parks? National park visitation in the past few years has skyrocketed 🚀, which means that more and more people are going and there’s…

    Read More How to Escape the Crowds at National ParksContinue

  • Girl standing under delicate Arch

    Ultimate Utah Mighty 5 National Park Road Trip Itinerary

    Journey through tall red cliffs, gaze at milky skies, and venture into vast canyons. Take on the Mighty 5 road trip through all 5 of Utah’s National Parks and let these natural wonders astound you. Along the…

    Read More Ultimate Utah Mighty 5 National Park Road Trip ItineraryContinue

  • girl smiling and standing in front of Crater Lake

    Ultimate Guide to Visiting Crater Lake National Park in May & June

    Few people know that Crater Lake is one of the snowiest places in the US. This means that winter lasts late into the year and holds on through the early summer. 🥶 So, you’ll want to know…

    Read More Ultimate Guide to Visiting Crater Lake National Park in May & JuneContinue

  • Girl walkign through redwoods

    The Perfect Redwood National Park Itinerary for First-Timers!

    Walk among the tallest trees in the world and stare up in wonder. 🤩 Create the ultimate Redwood National Park itinerary with gorgeous scenic drives, trails among the giants, and explore the rugged coastline. The California Redwoods…

    Read More The Perfect Redwood National Park Itinerary for First-Timers!Continue

  • girl standing on rock overlooking river with mountains in the back at glacier in May

    Ultimate Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park in May

    Imagine biking up into the Montana mountains with majestic scenery all around. Visiting Glacier National Park in May is one of the most incredible experiences. The snow is melting, wildlife is coming alive, and waterfalls are gushing….

    Read More Ultimate Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park in MayContinue

  • girl standing in front of mount rainier as yellows and reds cover the ground

    Guide to Visiting Mount Rainier in October

    Wander through trails surrounded by vibrant reds and yellows, all while a majestic mountain stands overhead. Visit Mount Rainier in October and you’ll see why this is the most magical autumn destination. ✨ At 14,000 feet, Mount…

    Read More Guide to Visiting Mount Rainier in OctoberContinue

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Meet Lita

Meet Lita
hello!

I’m an avid traveler and former full-time van lifer who spent three years exploring the U.S. and its National Parks. When I’m not planning trips or writing itineraries, you’ll find me hiking with my husband. I’m here to help you seek adventure, spend more time outdoors, and make the most of every trip.

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ON INSTAGRAM

@litaofthepack_

But in all seriousness, where is the rain?! 🌧️ Th But in all seriousness, where is the rain?! 🌧️

This has been the driest October in hundreds of years. We’ve been here in the fall before and it was much rainier. 

Since we moved here in April, we’ve experienced very few rainy days. In fact, the most rain we’ve seen is when we’ve traveled back home to the East coast. 

As much as I’ve enjoyed the sunshine, I’m hoping that the rain starts to come in, because it’s definitely too dry. 

Has it been dry where you are? 
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#pnwlife #pnwhiking
Get out the vote on or before November 3rd! Fello Get out the vote on or before November 3rd!

Fellow Washington voters, consider voting for Amy Walen for the 48th district. 

She supports small businesses, works on making homes more affordable, and puts you first. 

She is working to make Olympia better, so remember the name Amy Walen. Don’t forget that ballots must be postmarked by November 3rd!

No candidate authorized this ad. Paid for by Washington Needs to Compete, PO Box 145, Olympia, WA. Top 5 contributors: Microsoft, T-Mobile, WA Coalition for Responsible Taxes and Spending, F5, Brad Smith.

#sponsored
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐: This WWWW is a throwba WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐:

This WWWW is a throwback to the time we visited Chiricahua National Monument. We drove our van to the area and spent a quiet couple nights camping right outside. 

We were blown away by the hoodoos and the amazing landscape. It was also so quiet. 

Now as of yesterday, it’s officially been upgraded to Chiricahua National Park! 

I have mixed emotions about this decision with the current state of the National Parks. There’s already a lack of funding and support in the park system. 

This park is very remote, uncrowded, and has little infrastructure.

I’m hoping it gets a lot more funding to help with higher demand. 

If you do plan on visiting soon, please be patient, go early, and as always LEAVE NO TRACE! 

What do you think of the new decision? 
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#wherewewentwednesday #chiricahua
And it’s official… welcome to the 64th National Pa And it’s official… welcome to the 64th National Park! 

Have you heard of Chiricahua before?

This wild landscape is known for its balancing rocks and crazy hoodoo formations that were formed by a huge volcanic eruption.

It’s set in a quiet and remote part of Southeastern Arizona. Dylan and I got to explore it a few years ago and loved it! 

The Senate and House have passed a bill to make it a National Park and now it’s just awaiting the President’s signature. 

So who wants to visit? 
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#chiricahua #nationalparkgeek #usnationalparks
Perfect for a sunny fall day as well 🍁🍁 #ad We lo Perfect for a sunny fall day as well 🍁🍁

#ad We love exploring Seattle on our @lectricebikes ! There are seriously so many incredible bike trails and things to see. 

Golden Gardens is just a 20 min bike ride from our place, so you’ll find me here on plenty of sunny day. 

Who else wants to ride? 
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#bikeseason #burkegilmantrail
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️: Spent the past few we WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️:

Spent the past few weeks boomeranging from the East Coast back to the West Coast. 

I went back home to DC and then to New York for some very special events and to see some of my closest people. 

Seeing family and friends reach new milestones is truly incredible. I celebrated my Dad’s law firms 25th anniversary, my cousin’s union, and my oldest best friend’s new baby. 

Despite what’s happening in the world, these are the things that truly matter. 

My heart is so full 💕💕
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#wherewewentwednesday #eastcoastbound
Make it make sense Just weeks after the Cornell Make it make sense 

Just weeks after the Cornell 7, Shane Gillis went on SNL and gave a very misogynistic opening monologue. 

Women should not have to walk through the world feeling unsafe. But it’s no wonder that men feel able to get away with violence against women when the people in power and the people we give platforms too continue to spread this rhetoric. 

We need to make a change and we need more men to speak out for women. 
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#womensupportingwomen #violenceagainstwomen
A magical night spend amongst the larches 💛 These A magical night spend amongst the larches 💛

These trees are so magical because these colors are truly so fleeting. They only last a couple weeks before they’re gone. 

Grateful to be living in a state that’s this magical. What’s your favorite shot?
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#larchmadness #northcascades #washingtontrails
Conditions from 10/6 🍁💛 The North Cascades in Was Conditions from 10/6 🍁💛

The North Cascades in Washington are covered in gorgeous larches right now! 

My biggest tips to see them without the crowds:

- go before sunrise
- find trails that are off the beaten path (not Blue Lakes or Maple Pass)
- try to go on a week day 

Please stay on trails and enjoy the gorgeous trees! 

Have you seen larches yet? 
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#northcascades #larchmadness #larch
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🍁🍂: Sorry for the belated WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🍁🍂:

Sorry for the belated Wednesday post, but we just got back from our backpacking trip and so I’m getting myself together! 

This past weekend we had some dear friends visit us in Seattle. We had perfect weather and the perfect weekend. 

We saw salmon running at Ballard Locks, took a ferry to Bainbridge Island, and then enjoyed a stunning day trip to Mount Rainier. 

It’s so fun to show others why we moved here and what makes the PNW so special! 

Then, Dylan and I drove up to the North Cascades to backpack on a stunning Monday night! The Larches were absolutely insane. 

I fell in love with this state all over again. Enjoy my iPhone pics of the backpacking trip and stay tuned for a lot more larch photos to come!! 

What fall adventures have you been on? 
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#wherewewentwednesday #larchmadness #northcascades #mountrainier
Get out and vote this November to protect our plan Get out and vote this November to protect our planet 🌎 

#ad Many of us have been feeling the pressure as prices continue to rise. Energy bills, groceries, and gas prices have skyrocketed. 

Cleaner energy is better for our planet and it’s also better for our wallets. It’s cheaper and helps to stabilize prices. But, the Trump administration has gotten rid of thousands of clean energy jobs. 

Plus, at the same time the Trump Admin has been attacking our planet in other ways. They want to repeal the Roadless Rule, that protects our National Forests, they’ve gotten rid of many National Park jobs, and continue to put pressure on our public lands. 

But, you can help by voting for change. It’s important to protect the earth’s future by supporting candidates who support our climate during the mid-terms.

Help our planet this November and sign the LCV Member Pledge to help support Climate Champions this November!

Have you signed yet?

#LCVPartner
Mount Rainier on 10/3 🍁🍁 This quote is by Anne of Mount Rainier on 10/3 🍁🍁

This quote is by Anne of Green Gables. October always feels like the heart of fall, with colors peaking, the air changing, and light starting to dim. 

I love how cozy this time of year feels. Even if fall isn’t my favorite season, it’s definitely special. 

Anyone else excited to settle into October? 
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#october🍁 #mountrainiernationalpark #fallinwashington
Share if you agree 🙋‍♀️🙋 UPDATE: they have gotten Share if you agree 🙋‍♀️🙋

UPDATE: they have gotten rid of the proposal! Great job sharing the news and putting the pressure on

This past week, the MLB asked Trump to play a regular season game in Grand Teton National Park. Now they’ve been scouting out locations.

If you know me, you know that baseball and the Grand Tetons are two of my favorite things. BUT they do not belong together. 

So, let’s make some noise and make sure they know that we do not want this! 

MLB go find somewhere else to play.
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#saveourparks #grandteton #grandtetonnationalpark
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚙: Fall has truly arrived WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚙:

Fall has truly arrived here in Washington! 

Last week was our anniversary, so we celebrated by exploring a new area. We went on the most stunning hike and found one of our new favorite spots in the state. 

It was the perfect way to celebrate and get back out! 

Plus, it took our mind off of IVF stuff. We did our second egg retrieval on Sunday and are ready to move on from that stage of it all. 

Hopefully, we will get out to explore more trails this fall. What’s on your fall bucket list? 
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#wherewewentwednesday #mtbaker #washingtontrails
Anyone else always forget to charge your electroni Anyone else always forget to charge your electronics?! ⚡️

#ad Luckily, I just got the UDPOWER S1200 and it’s going to save me from a lot of headaches. 

This Power Station boasts:
- Fast charging, I was able to get my camera battery to 50% in just 15 minutes
- Multiple charging outlets including USB C, USB A and regular plug sockets
- Lights on the station, so you can light up the area around you
- Easily portable with a handle to carry it from place to place 

You never know when you’ll need extra power, especially when you’re out exploring. So, I’m going to bring it with me wherever I go. 

So make sure to check out the UDPOWER S1200 at the link in my bio and use LITA9 for a 9% discount!

#udpower #powerstation #udpowers1200 #nationalpark battery
In honor of our 4 year wedding anniversary Dylan In honor of our 4 year wedding anniversary 

Dylan and I have been together now for 11 years and married for 4. Time really does fly when you’re having fun!

I’m so grateful for Dylan every single day. We’ve been through so much together from moves to living in a van to miscarriages. He’s been the best partner through it all. 

If you know Dylan, then you’re very lucky. 

So happy anniversary to my favorite person 💕💕
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#happyanniversary #travelcouple #vanlifecouple
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🏠: We had our last visito WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🏠:

We had our last visitors of our very busy hosting summer. 

Dylan and I had two couples and two babies in our apartment, which was crazy but also so fun! We got to share lots of our favorite places! 

It was such a sweet end to the summer. Weather has cooled down here and I’m finally ready to take on the Washington fall. 

Anyone have fun fall plans? 
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#wherewewentwednesday #washingtonsummer #seattlelove
Which one are you going to first? 🍁🍁 There are so Which one are you going to first? 🍁🍁

There are so many incredible fall scenes in the parks, that you don’t want to miss! It’s one of my favorite times to go exploring 

🍁 Shenandoah, VA 

🍁 North Cascades, WA 

🍁 Acadia, ME

🍁 Mount Rainier, WA

🍁 Grand Tetons, WY
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#nationalparks #nationalparkgeek
Make a public comment by October 6th to save the R Make a public comment by October 6th to save the Roadless Rule!

‼️ The USDA wants to rescind the Roadless Rule. 

🌳 This rule protects our National Forests from new development, building new roads, and logging. It protects over 50 million acres of public lands. 

🐻 It’s vital to keep our drinking water clean, preserve wildlife habitats, and provides areas for outdoor recreation

🫵 But YOU CAN HELP!

💻 Enter a public comment defending the Roadless Rule and urging the USDA to keep it! I have the link in my bio. 

Together we can save the forests
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#saveourforests #saveourpubliclands #nationalforest
Where are you going for a TrashBlitz? #ad This pa Where are you going for a TrashBlitz?

#ad This past weekend, Dylan and I went to Mt Rainier National Park to pick up trash along one of the most popular trails in the park, the Skyline Loop. Sadly, we found a lot of it!

Researchers are working to try and make our parks plastic-free, and they need YOUR help! They’re using the TrashBlitz app to figure out what trash gets left on the trails and any common trends. That way they can identify which materials, items, and brands are most common. This will inform policy that would keep our parks and trails plastic-free for generations to come!

So, this month I challenge you to grab a friend and a trash bag, download the TrashBlitz app, and hit the trails to help keep our parks Plastic-Free!

So who’s in? 

#PlasticFreeParks
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