Winter is a special time. There’s nothing like curling up with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire. And the cold air hitting your face as it whizzes down a snowy mountain is truly fantastic. Plus, building a snowman next to giant rock formations that are millions of years old is also very spectacular.
Olympic National Park
This national park is recognized for having three very distinct ecosystems: subalpine forest and grasslands, temperate forest, and the rugged Pacific coast. But instead of hiking in the woods during the typical dry season, visit the Olympic National Park in the winter for three spectacular escapes in one.
Let’s take this rugged Pacific coast. In winter, it offers a thrilling excursion with giant waves crashing nearby. Don’t be surprised to see huge logs dumped into the ocean as they are usually washed up along rivers during a storm. Watching storms can be safe as you can still watch the action from the top of the cliffs near places like Kalaloch Lodge, the friendliest place to stay in the winter.
Yosemite National Park
Downhill skiing, ice skating, and night cross-country skiing are offered in beautiful Yosemite National Park, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
For family fun, take the kids to the outdoor ice rink in Yosemite Valley. A tradition in Yosemite since the 1930s. The skating rink is tucked under Half Dome and Glacier Point, offering breathtaking scenery. Even if it’s outside, the family can stay warm on an o...