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Where to stay in Bend
If you’re visiting Oregon, staying in Bend is a must! As avid outdoor enthusiasts, it’s one of our favorite areas to visit year-round because there is always something to do. The surrounding towns all have unique offerings, so we’ve provided overviews of each and covered the best lodging in Bend, Sunriver, Sisters, and Redmond.
Where to camp near Bend Oregon
Whenever we visit Bend, our goal is to spend as much time as possible outdoors, and there is no better way to do this than by camping. There are bucket list-worthy campsites all over the area, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
40 Best Hiking Trails near Bend Oregon
Multiple wilderness areas and national forests full of hiking trails surround Bend, Oregon. You don’t have to wander far from town to find great views of mountains, forests, lakes, and unusual landscapes. With over 150 trails to choose from nearby, we’ve narrowed this blog down to the top 40.
Guide to Bend, Oregon – A 3 to 5 Day Itinerary
Bend, Oregon is one of our favorite places in the Pacific Northwest. It’s full of year-round outdoor activities and has an incredible food scene. There is so much to do and see here that we’ve visited multiple times and rarely have repeated the same activities!
How to Use a Sauna 101: a Beginner's Guide
Prior to visiting Finland, we were excited and a bit nervous about trying a sauna for the first time. Post-trip, we sauna every chance we get! We absolutely love it and want this blog to break down any barriers there may be for others to try it.
25 Best Small Towns in Washington
Sure, you’ve heard of Washington’s national parks, and maybe even the Columbia River Gorge, but we’re sure there are towns on this list that are still under the radar. Each of these destinations makes for a great weekend trip by itself or a fantastic addition to any adventure you already have planned.
The Backpackers Gift Guide –– 50 Best Gifts in 2024
This is your go-to gift list for the backpackers in your life. It’s full of essential gear, fun items, and extra add-ons to make gifts extra personal.
Road Trip All 3 National Parks in Washington State
With nearly 100 different ecosystems, Washington is one of the most diverse and interesting states to visit. Its national parks – Olympic, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades, are three of Washington’s top destinations. This blog covers how to see all the best sights at each park in one trip.
Moab's Best Campgrounds and Dispersed Campsites
There is no better way to enjoy Moab’s outdoors than by camping. You’ll have star-filled skies after dark and witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets daily. Camping is a more affordable, but popular way to visit, so reserve your stay in advance or try your luck with finding a dispersed site.
Arches National Park Timed Entry Reservations Explained
Arches National Park’s response to peak season congestion, limited parking, poor user experience, and damage to the delicate desert ecosystem has been to implement a timed entry reservation system. It’s been in place since 2021 and has seen positive results.
Best Hikes in Moab, Utah (30+ Stunning Trails)
If you’re visiting Moab, hiking should be on the list of must-do's. There is a trail here for everyone, with varying landscapes that include streams, waterfalls, canyons, and the most incredible natural rock arches and formations.
How to Waterproof Your Tent
Taking care of your backpacking gear shouldn’t be intimidating! That’s why we’ve written this blog, with video tutorials, on how to re-waterproof your tent. We were relieved to find that waterproofing our tent wasn’t difficult, and we love having the peace of mind that we’ll continue to have a dry place to sleep for all our adventures!
How to Drive the Shafer Trail – Two Route Options
Tucked between Moab and Canyonlands National Park, the Shafer Trail is a must-drive for those craving adventure. It’s 19 miles of dirt road that requires a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, and it’s not for the faint of heart – steep switchbacks and narrow roads will have you on the edge of your seat!
Enchanted Valley Backpacking
Known as the “Valley of 10,000 waterfalls”, Enchanted Valley is a beautiful backpacking destination in the Olympic National Park featuring the Enchanted Valley Chalet. The trail follows the bright blue Quinault River through old-growth forests and features trees up to 1,000 years old. The forest is so impressive it reminded us of Redwood National Park.
What You Need to Know About Larch Hikes in Washington
In late summer, you’ll begin to hear whispers of the “larch march” among outdoor communities in Washington. This march, also known as larch madness, is any hike that features our beloved larch trees.
Tips on Viewing the Aurora – How, Where, and When
The aurora, also known as the northern or southern lights, is one of Earth’s greatest natural phenomena. Chasing the aurora requires a bit of luck, but you can better your odds by arming yourself with information and knowing where to go and what to look for.
Where to Stay in Moab for Every Budget
A trip to Moab should be on every adventurer’s bucket list! There is so much to do that just one trip here will never be enough. This blog has all the best locations to stay in so you can choose the best lodging for your trip. We’ve got recommendations in town, right outside of Moab, and off-grid.
2-5 Day Moab Itinerary (Overlanding, Hikes, and More)
Located in southeastern Utah on the Colorado Plateau, Moab is a small town known for its outdoor activities. While it’s home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, off-roading, rafting, biking, and climbing are just a few popular activities in the surrounding area.
Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland
Exploring Finnish Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visit in winter to view the northern lights and the most magical winter landscapes, or in summer to experience 24 hours of daylight in “Europe’s last wilderness”.
Waterfall Tour on the North Umpqua Scenic Byway
The North Umpqua Scenic Byway is our favorite highway in Oregon. It follows the stunning Rogue River between Roseburg and the start of the Crater Lake North Highway, making it the perfect route to travel to or from the Oregon coast. Along the way, you can stop at seven easy-to-reach waterfalls.
