Mount Rainier - Washington

Mount Rainier National Park surrounds the highest peak in Washington State, Mount Rainier. It is also an active volcano that last erupted 150 years ago. It receives the most snow in the Cascade Mountains and has the most glaciers of any mountain in the lower 48 states. At 14,414 feet, it towers over all the other mountains in the Cascade Mountains and is a symbol of the Pacific Northwest.

There are two craters that emit geothermal heat which keep the crater rims ice free and have formed a volcanic glacier cave network within the craters that is the largest in the world. There is also the highest crater lake at 14,203, a sapphire gem that can only be seen by going through the ice caves. There are many reasons to enjoy Mount Rainier National Park including the old growth forests, numerous waterfalls, 300 miles of trails including one which is 92 miles long that goes around the circumference of the mountain.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde (Green Table) National Park in Mesa Verde, Colorado is an important historical site for the ancient Pueblo peoples of North America. This park includes numerous archaeological sites where visitors can study the history and culture of these important people. The Pueblo people, who lived in this region for nearly seven hundred years (from roughly 600 A.D. to 1300 A.D.), left behind many cave dwellings and artifacts that archaeologists continue to study in order to learn about the richness of this culture. By visiting the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, you can learn a lot about the history of these people and study the vast amount of history left behind in this park.

There are many things to do at the Mesa Verde National Park. Many of them include studying archaeological remains of the Pueblo culture. Information about these people is available at the park site in order to have a better understanding of their past. Having lived in the Mesa Verde region for nearly seven hundred years, these people created their homes in this region and developed a rich culture. Today, Mesa Verde maintains much of that culture through preservation of sites and artifacts that are available for visitors to explore. There are hiking trails, guided and self-guided tours, as well as visitations to cliff dwellings. Any of these activities is a great way to experience nature while also learning about past cultures and peoples.

Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky

Camping, hiking, canoeing, and so many more adventures are available in the Mammoth Cave area in Kentucky. Explore the many labyrinths of Mammoth Cave on one of the many tours available or enjoy the splendor of Mammoth Cave National Park. It is a vacation that offers fresh air and unrivaled experiences of nature’s many wonders.

Established in 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park protects the underground cave system, the Green and Nolin River areas, and a part of south central Kentucky. The park’s most important goal is to balance the area’s ecosystems and the public’s enjoyment of viewing and learning about them.

Lassen Volcanic - California

When molten rock spews up so slowly from a volcano that it cools before it has a chance to flow, it effectively plugs the opening it escaped from forming a bulge geologists refer to as a plug dome. At 10,457 feet in elevation, the largest plug dome volcano in the world is Lassen Peak, also called Mount Lassen, the centerpiece of Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California.

While Lassen Volcanic National Park is a haven for campers, back packers, equestrian campers, hikers, mountain bikers, fishermen, bird watchers and outdoor lovers of all sorts, its chief fame comes from the fact that from a geological perspective, the park is one of the most interesting places on the planet. No fewer than four different types of volcanoes are to be found within its boundaries, as well as striking examples of associated volcanic topography.

Lake Clark - Alaska -the place for those who love the great outdoors

Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge will feel at home at Lake Clark, Alaska. Lake Clark is a national park and preserve that was originally intended to serve to preserve the watershed to protect red salmon. Lake Clark is a popular place to visit during the summer, but is open year around. Those who enjoy sports hunting and trapping are allowed to do so at Lake Clark Preserve and Lake Clark National Park. Licenses and permits are required those those who want to hunt. Hunting licenses may be purchased in Anchorages as well as through some lodges.

For those who plan to hunt at Lake Clark, trips can be arranged through licensed big game transport services. Some areas of the preserve can only be accessed by boat or planes. Air taxis transport hunters. Information about hunting trips and transporters may be obtained through the Lake Clark Administrative Headquarters in Anchorage, or at the park head headquarters in Port Alsworth. Fishermen will enjoy the clean, pristine waters of Lake Clark Park.