Yosemite: Plants with a Purpose
Your first visit to Yosemite National Park will likely induce extreme neck pain. Standing in the valley, it’s impossible not to tilt your head backwards and rivet your gaze upwards. Even the view from Curry Village’s crowded parking lot is impressive. Where the sky should be, immense slabs of granite rise into an atmosphere of […]
Where to Stay in and Around Olympic National Park
Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park offers a wide range of stunning natural landscapes. To fully experience the park’s wonders, you’ll need to find where to stay. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best accommodation options in and around Olympic National Park. Whether you prefer camping under the stars, […]
Half Dome Myths vs Realities
Unveiling the Myths of Half Dome: Myths vs Reality of Yosemite’s Iconic Granite Monolith With its sheer granite face and distinctive shape, Half Dome has captured the imaginations of countless visitors. However, as with many awe-inspiring wonders, myths and legends have emerged over time, blending fact with fiction. In this exploration, we unravel the most […]
Olympic National Park: Climate and Conditions FAQ
Olympic National Park is a natural gem in the Pacific Northwest, known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines and alpine meadows. As you plan your visit to this pristine wilderness, understanding Olympic National Park’s weather is crucial for a successful trip. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) […]
Half Dome Day Hike Vs Backpacking : Choose Your Adventure
Should You Tackle Half Dome on a Day Hike or a Backpacking Trip? Half Dome is on pretty much every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. The journey to its summit is a challenging and rewarding experience, but how you tackle this adventure can greatly vary. Let’s explore Half Dome as a day hike vs backpacking Half Dome, […]
Half Dome Training Tips
Conquering the Summit: Half Dome Training Tips for a Successful Adventure Hiking Half Dome is no mean feat, especially if you want to tackle it as a day hike. For most of us, it requires a build up before our bodies are capable of the 8 mile, 4,800 feet of elevation gain hike it takes […]
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park
Our Guide to the Best Times of Year to Visit Olympic National Park for Any Preference Olympic National Park, nestled in the heart of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, is a place of astonishing natural beauty and diversity. With its lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and pristine lakes, it’s no wonder that this park is […]
Top Ten Gifts to Get Your Outdoorsy Friend
With the holidays fast approaching, thinking about what gifts to get your outdoorsy friend can be stressful. There are so many products out there that it can be overwhelming and difficult to figure out what is actually good and what someone would be stoked to receive. Don’t worry; we’ve narrowed the search to the top […]
Why You Should Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Rumor has it that Joshua Trees got their name from the Mormons traveling through the area who spotted the plant and thought it looked like the prophet Joshua pointing to the promised land. Whether or not this is true has been debated, but what shouldn’t be debated is that you should be planning to visit […]
Yosemite Fall Backpacking & Hiking; The Season Not to Be Missed
Yosemite National Park has many factors lining up to make this late summer and early fall backpacking season one of the best ever. This past winter in Yosemite was challenging. Snowpack records were broken, roads were closed and/or destroyed, and frigid cold kept wilderness visitation way down. Spring wasn’t easy, either. Extended road closures and […]
How to Train for Backpacking – Part II
In How to Train for Backpacking – Part I, we dove into goals for backpacking and a general plan to prepare for your trip. In How to Train for Backpacking – Part II, we will go deeper into specific strength exercises anyone can do at home to get in backpacking shape. We recognize that not […]
How To Prepare For a Backpacking Summer Camp
So you’ve signed your kid up for a backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures this summer; now what? You and your child can do several things to prepare for backpacking summer camp beforehand to ensure a fantastic experience for everyone. Top Things to Prepare for Backpacking Summer Camp Prepare Physically The best way to prepare for […]
Backpacking to Half Dome: Which Trailhead Should I Choose?
By: Eric Meyer There are many memorable peaks in Yosemite National Park, but none are more famous, storied, or inspiring than Half Dome. Hikers from all over the world journey to Yosemite just for a chance to challenge themselves on Half Dome’s cables. So what route is the best for backpacking to Half Dome, the […]
Exploring the Outdoors: A Candid Conversation with Two Female Guides on What It Means to be a Woman Outside
As Women’s History Month comes to an end, Lasting Adventures wants to take a minute to feature two incredible female guides and leaders within our company – Kara Maceross, our Yosemite site leader, and Aida Goma Petit, our Olympic site leader. Check out our interview with them below! Lasting Adventures: How did you get started […]
Top 10 Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Olympic National Park
It’s the end of a summer day of hiking, exploring, and experiencing the beauty and joy of the Olympic Peninsula. You’re relaxing at your favorite sunset spots with a tasty beverage and dinner, reminiscing on the day’s memories, and staring into the beautiful, clear sky. The colors change ever so slightly; first, a hint of […]