Covering most of Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park encompasses almost a million acres and includes vastly distinct ecosystems. You can find rolling mountains with grazing deer, the rugged Pacific coastline, lush old-growth temperate rain forests, and mineral hot springs. In this itinerary, I share an efficient route through the park, with recommended hikes and tips at an easy glance.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s only national park, surrounds the deep blue Crater Lake formed about 7,700 years ago by the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama. In this itinerary, I share an efficient route that lets you completely go through the crater rim by car, with stops for key hikes. I also include practical info on each trail, recommended campground, and useful tips for visiting.