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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!

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  • 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

    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 ItineraryContinue

  • 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

Older Posts >

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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@litaofthepack_

Which one is your favorite though? Grand Teton N Which one is your favorite though? 

Grand Teton National Park is one of my favorite places on earth, but clearly not everyone feels that way. 

It’s a good reminder that not everything can be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s okay to have some people who just don’t like you. What matters most is finding the people that do. 
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#grandtetonnationalpark #grandtetons
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️: I can’t believe that WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️:

I can’t believe that it’s been about a month since I left for Sumatra Indonesia. But, I wanted to share more about our time in this wonderful place. 

Our trip to Sumatra, was a group trip with the Bootstrap Blogging gals from Bri’s course. We’ve talked weekly over the years and I’ve gotten to meet many of these wonderful ladies in person before, so getting to go on a second group trip was incredible. 

Sumatra is unlike so many other destinations in the world, because it still feels fairly untouched by Western tourism. In many of the places we were the only Western people there and it felt great to be in a place where we could really learn about the culture and customs. 

We went on the group trip with Intrepid (not sponsored) and it was an amazing itinerary. From trekking with orangutans to relaxing by Lake Toba (the largest volcanic like in the world) it was truly spectacular. 

Of course, there were plenty of misadventures which just make the trip that much more memorable. Including the wild driving we saw on the road and getting absolutely POURED ON as we climbed down from the volcano. 

I miss it all already. 

Also, quick shout out to the 21 hours I spent in Singapore with my pal Mandy on a fun layover. 

Has Sumatra been on your radar?

(If you’re new here, every week I share where I went in the last week or travel tales)
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#wherewewentwednesday #sumatra #sumatraindonesia
May the 4th Be With You Today felt like an approp May the 4th Be With You

Today felt like an appropriate time to re-share this reel and unfortunately things just keep getting worse. 

• Public Lands are being targeted

• The war in Iran is costing us billions of dollars and there’s seemingly no end in sight 

• Women’s healthcare access is slowly being stripped away 

• Immigrants are being targeted 

And the list goes on and on 

That being said, today of all days let’s remember that if we stand together, we can fight back 
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#maythe4thbewithyou #saveourpubliclands #usatravels
Have you seen the Going to the Sun Road? I’m not Have you seen the Going to the Sun Road? 

I’m not kidding when I say this is one of my favorite things that I’ve ever done in Glacier! The best time to do it is this spring 🙌🏻
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#glaciernationalpark #goingtothesunroad #glaciernps
Realizing our dreams little by little Honestly, Realizing our dreams little by little 

Honestly, it was really hard to make the decision to move. We are super close with our families and we literally moved to the opposite side of the country. 

But, after spending the weekend going down to the wildflowers I just felt so much gratitude for making the hard choice. It was stunning. 

That being said, this Noah Kahan is hitting hard. 

Anyone else leave everyone else behind? 
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#noahkahanmusic #columbiarivergorge #longdistancedaughter
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐: We took Vinny (our van WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐:

We took Vinny (our van) out on a little overnight excursion this past weekend and it felt so good. After seeing pictures of the wildflower bloom, I knew that I wanted to see them in person.

So, Dylan and I drove down to the Columbia River Gorge and caught the bloom before it was completely gone. 

It was perfect. We caught sunset with the wildflowers surrounding us, slept at a trailhead, and embarked on another short wildflower hike in the morning. 

This weekend definitely affirmed our decision to move across the country. As we spent it doing things we love. 

Have you gotten to see the wildflowers? 
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#wherewewentwednesday #wildflowerseason #columbiarivergorge
This song hits hard as someone who literally just This song hits hard as someone who literally just moved across the country from her family 

We spent three years living in a van, we moved home for a year, and then left once again. Being the long distance daughter is hard, but sometimes you really need to follow your heart. 

Anyone else feeling personally victimized by Noah Kahan’s new album? 
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#longdistancedaughter #thegreatdivide #ontheroadagain
Have you seen the wildflowers yet? 🌼 If you want Have you seen the wildflowers yet? 🌼

If you want to read more about hiking this trail then comment wildflower and I’ll send you all the details!

The Columbia River Gorge is currently blooming and it’s a sight to behold! These videos were taken in 2024, but based on trail reports the current conditions are perfect. 

Please remember when hiking in the wildflowers to always STAY ON THE TRAIL and never pick the flowers!
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#columbiarivergorge #wildflowers #pnwhiking
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️: I just got back from WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY ✈️:

I just got back from a bucket list trip to see the Orangutans in Sumatra, Indonesia. It was an absolutely incredible trip that I will seriously remember for my lifetime!

This week’s photos feature all of the wildlife that we saw in the wilderness of Gunung Leuser National Park. 

We spent two days trekking in the humid rainforest there to try and spot orangutans. During our time, we saw Thomas Leaf Monkeys, Macaques, a snake, and of course the orangutans. 

It was a magical experience as we got to see the orangutans in their natural habitat. Along the way, we came across three different mamas and their babies. It was so incredible to see how they interacted together. 

But, it was also a hard trek. We left for the jungle at 9 am and got to our campsite at 5 pm the first day. It was really buggy and humid, so we were exhausted once the day ended. 

Sumatran Orangutans are considered critically endangered, which is mostly due to a loss in habitat. So, protecting them is incredibly important. 

I feel so lucky to have seen them and witnessed their behavior in person. I hope that their landscapes and homes can continue to be protected.

Is seeing orangutans on your bucket list?

P.s. HAPPY EARTH DAY 🌎🌎
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#wherewewentwednesday #sumatraorangutan #sumatra
Happy early earth day 🌎🌎 This year has been prett Happy early earth day 🌎🌎

This year has been pretty devastating to the earth with new decisions every day that will have detrimental impacts. 

But, on this earth day, let’s remember to do our best to care for her by giving back. Here are a few ideas:

• Get out to a trail or park nearby and pick up litter
• Call your representatives to advocate for public lands 
• Plant a new tree or flower if you have a garden 
• Find a new way to reuse something you already own 
• Go outside for a walk 

What are some ways you’ll celebrate earth day tomorrow? 
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#earthday #planetearth #earthdayeveryday
Have you ever driven across the country? Now, som Have you ever driven across the country?

Now, some people may think that we should have made more of our drive from the East Coast to the West Coast, but Dylan and I lived in a van for three years. So we’ve seen and done a lot!

This trip was truly focused on getting to Washington and moving into our new home. 

Who’s excited for this next chapter?
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#crosscountryroadtrip #movingvlog #vanlifeexplorers
What are your favorite moments in the parks? Skip What are your favorite moments in the parks?

Skipping Where We Went Wednesday this week, because I’m currently deep in Sumatra Indonesia. Instead, I’m dedicating this week to some of memories that I hold close to my heart. 

I had to limit this post to just 10, but in reality there are countless moments that made me fall in love. 

That’s why I do what I can to protect them. The US National Parks were America’s best idea. 
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#usnationalparks #nationalparkgeek
Let’s save our public lands ‼️‼️ The Trump Admin Let’s save our public lands ‼️‼️

The Trump Admin just submitted its budget proposal for 2027. If they get their way, there will be devastating impacts on the park. They’re proposing:

-Cutting the National Park budget by 25% or $736 million

-Slashing the Construction budget for the parks by 72% (compared to 2025)

-Adding $10 billion to the budget for a new “Presidential Capital Stewardship Program” that would be used for beautification efforts in DC before the 250th Anniversary (more than 3 times the annual budget for the parks)

- Cutting even more park staff and adding early retirement options for the staff so they are encouraged to leave. Even after the massive cuts of the previous year

There’s no doubt about it, but this would be devastating for the parks. We are already seeing horrible effects from the budget cuts this year. 

Luckily, this budget still has to get approved and won’t go into effect until October. So, we have time to make noise. 

Speak out for the parks and protect our public lands!
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#saveournationalparks #saveourpubliclands #savetheplanet
Anyone else fall in love with the PNW? When I tol Anyone else fall in love with the PNW?

When I told people I was moving to Seattle, they kept asking me why. Or, they’d say “doesn’t it always rain there?”

Little do they know that it’s actually magical out here

I’ve fallen in love with the PNW over the past few years and I’m so excited to call it my new home. 
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#pnwlife #pnwlove
WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐: Back in the van and it WHERE WE WENT WEDNESDAY 🚐:

Back in the van and it feels better than ever. 

This past week, we drove all the way across the country trading one Washington for another.  We drove 40 hours over 5 days after driving 26 hours per the weekend. 

Luckily, Vinny (our van) held up great over the drive and it felt like we were back to the good old days of living in the van. 

Dylan and I have done the cross country drive a few times, so we didn’t feel the need to stop and see things as much as other times. Instead, we were focused on getting to Seattle. 

Along the way we got to see friends, saw some cool sights, and eventually we made it to our new home just a day after Dylan’s birthday. It truly feels like a wonderful start to our new chapter. 

Send me all your PNW recommendations in the comments!
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#wherewewentwednesday #crosscountryroadtrip #usaroadtrip
Help save the forests 🌳🌳 Sorry to be the bearer o Help save the forests 🌳🌳

Sorry to be the bearer of more bad public lands news, but our forests are seriously at risk. 

Last week, the U.S. Forest Service announced major changes:

- They’re closing 57 of 77 research stations, which studies how wildfires, climate changes, and pests have impacts on our forests. Many of these research facilities were conducting long term studies.

- They’re shutting down all 9 regional offices that manage 154 forests!

- And they’re moving their headquarters from Washington D.C. to Salt Lake City

The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of National Forest and their research is pivotal to our forests and the impact of climate change. 

Many studies will be disrupted and forest members will leave their jobs all while damage from wildfires and climate change continues to worsen. 

These changes will put these landscapes, the wildlife, and all of us at risk. 

So spread the news, contact your representatives, and make some noise. 

📞 You can call (202) 224-3121 to get to your reps

NEW: You can go to SaveUSFS.org to find other ways to help!
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#usforestservice #saveourforests #saveourpubliclands
How do you feel about this? Congress has proposed How do you feel about this?

Congress has proposed a bill that would transfer the ownership of 150 acres in Mount Hood National Forest to the city of Dalles. This would allow them to have oversight over the water there.

While this may seem like a good thing, the overarching concern is that Google has a data center in Dalles that is currently using tons of the water in the area. 

So, most environmentalists believe that Google is truly behind the reason for this bill. 

It would have huge negative impacts to allow Google to take up more of the water in the area, in which it has already taken tons. 

Wildlife will be severely impacted as more water is used, water temperatures rise, and the environment continues to change.

So, what can we do? 

Make noise and let congress know how we feel about this new bill!
How do you feel about this? NOTE: My Reel Auto co How do you feel about this?

NOTE: My Reel Auto corrected the text to Dallas, the area is The Dalles 

Congress has proposed a bill that would transfer the ownership of 150 acres in Mount Hood National Forest to the city of Dalles. This would allow them to have oversight over the water there.

While this may seem like a good thing, the overarching concern is that Google has a data center in Dalles that is currently using tons of the water in the area. 

So, most environmentalists believe that Google is truly behind the reason for this bill. 

It would have huge negative impacts to allow Google to take up more of the water in the area, in which it has already taken tons. 

Wildlife will be severely impacted as more water is used, water temperatures rise, and the environment continues to change.

So, what can we do? 

Make noise and let congress know how we feel about this new bill!
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#mounthood #datacenter #mthoodnationalforest
Dedicating this Where We Went Wednesday, to all th Dedicating this Where We Went Wednesday, to all the places that Dylan and I went together in honor of his birthday! 

His birthday was yesterday because fun fact his mom got induced so she didn’t have him on April Fools 😂

Despite moving out of the van and being more stationary, we still went on so many adventures. From renting a van in Washington to helicoptering over Hawaii, it was all so fun. Everything’s better with him by my side.

It’s no secret that we had a tough year personally, but we got through it together. Dylan’s truly someone that you want by your side. He’s always making me smile when I’m down, taking care of me after medical procedures, and providing good energy at all times. 

If you haven’t met Dylan yet, I hope you get lucky enough to have the chance.

Here’s to another fantastic year of adventuring together. 
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#wherewewentwednesday #adventurebuddy #travelcouple
Who’s your adventure buddy? HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN Who’s your adventure buddy? 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!! 💕💕💕

To my absolute favorite adventure buddy. I am so excited to be starting our next chapter. We will be spending his birthday driving across the country, but that means a lot more exciting things are on the way. 

Everyone make sure to wish him a happy bday!
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#adventurebuddy #travelcouple
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