As an author who has written a novel set at Mount Rainier National Park (and a former ranger there, too), readers often ask me for suggestions on visiting one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful parks. As I mentioned in my post about Yellowstone, these requests can be challenging. Everyone has different interests and goals … Read More
When readers learn that I spent several years working as a park ranger, I tend to get a lot of questions. “Where did you work? Was it the best job ever? How did you become a park ranger? What was it like?” I typically nod and agree, it was a dream job. But like any … Read More
Are you visiting Yellowstone this year? As an author who has written about the park, people often ask me for help planning their Yellowstone vacations. It can be a challenge since we’re all so different. Do you prefer camping or luxury hotels? Eating from a cooler or in a restaurant? Hiking or viewpoints? Every visitor … Read More
Since it’s common knowledge that I’m a complete and utter national park geek, readers often ask me which parks I most want to visit. That’s when my head begins to spin. There are 63 National Parks to choose from, and the NPS actually has 423 sites that it cares for. Like many of you, I … Read More
Ever since Ever Faithful released in 2019, readers have been asking me: “When is your next book coming out?” You have been so patient! I’m excited to announce that When Stone Wings Fly: A Smoky Mountains Novel will hit bookstore shelves on June 14, 2022. [Pre-orders are STRONGLY recommended. Supply chain issues are hitting publishing, … Read More
Looking for the very best gifts for a park lover? Here are eight fantastic gift ideas for national park fans––plus a bonus! National Park Geek t-shirt. I stumbled over the National Park Geek account on Instagram and have been obsessed with their products ever since. They sell hats, t-shirts, pins, stickers, and more. These items … Read More
We typically intend to do the right thing when we visit national parks, right? Most visitors understand and respect the basic rules and safety precautions: don’t feed the bears, don’t vandalize, don’t litter, don’t pet the bison. But here are five activities it might surprise you to learn are illegal in many (and sometimes all) … Read More
It can cost $35 per vehicle to visit many of our national parks, including some of the crown jewels like Grand Canyon, Zion and Yellowstone. Many of us shell out the money (or buy an annual pass) happily, knowing the funds help care for the places we love. Would it surprise you to learn that … Read More
A rough summer spent dealing with bad-tempered tourists can cause even the most dedicated park rangers to question their life choices. I asked some National Park Service friends to weigh in on what a visitor might do to turn a tough day around for them, and the answers were eye-opening. Here are the six favorite … Read More
Many of us are dealing with a pent-up desire to hit the road, and our national parks are seeing record-breaking numbers of visitors. Arches National Park has been forced to close its gate by 9 am most mornings because there are simply no more spots for vehicles. Yosemite, Glacier, and several others have gone to … Read More