Another option: avoid summer travel like the plague. Just enjoy stay-cations in the local state and county parks. The rest of the year you get these trendy places to yourself.
Or try Manhattan - everyone has gone to the Hamptons!
I am so reluctant to say this but...thank you Amy...We are currently in Ascona based on your article and it is marvelous; a dream vacation. Weather is perfect; sunny blue skies with cool breezes no humidity no stickiness , clean and gorgeous, stunning lake with surrounding mountains. Slow paced relaxed friendly . Town lovely . Eden Roc beautiful and food simple and good. Seek out Lorenzo at Hotel Riposo for a wonderful evening (make reservations) it is family run and the family is also a jazz band. Lots to do or not do. A gem of a town.
1
One comment on the San Juan's. Friday Harbor House has recently been in the news for its illegal treatment of staff (unpaid and less-than-minimum wage). This is an extremely expensive restaurant, at least for us non one-percenters. There are a lot of other wonderful places to eat in Friday Harbor and throughout the San Juans.
2
Another discussion about the San Juan Islands from someone who has clearly spent very little time there. During the summer, demand for the ferry is so high that you need to make a reservation months in advance to take a car to Friday Harbor during peak travel times. The few campgrounds on the islands are packed and the marinas are crowded.
If you still want to visit the San Juan Islands, go in September right after Labor Day weekend. The weather is reliably dry, the lighting is golden, and the crowds have gone. If you must visit this part of world during the summer, a better alternative is to visit the Canadian Gulf Islands. The scenery is even more spectacular, the crowds are few, and the exchange rate is favorable.
If you still want to visit the San Juan Islands, go in September right after Labor Day weekend. The weather is reliably dry, the lighting is golden, and the crowds have gone. If you must visit this part of world during the summer, a better alternative is to visit the Canadian Gulf Islands. The scenery is even more spectacular, the crowds are few, and the exchange rate is favorable.
2
With Yellowstone, most people basically drive through it- so if you even go a mile down a trail, you pretty much have it to yourself! Just watch out for grizzlies!
3
Yes, please, do not come to Glacier. It is awful. Downright horrible.
4
Your subheads are all backwards (except the last one). You "swap" something you have (or could have) "for" something you want (or might like better)? So, "Swap Vail for the San Juan Islands," etc.
12
Thanks, Julia. I wondered about that.
What a wonderful article! You just opened my eyes to so many traveling options and you helped alleviate the one absolute hell of tourism; other tourists.
On the selfie-stick issue, I was in the sculpture garden of MOMA about a month ago and sure enough, a gaggle of tourists was selfie-sticking it to the rest of us. A security guard politely went over to them and told them selfie-sticks were not allowed in MOMA. Perhaps Paris could think of banning them as well?
On the selfie-stick issue, I was in the sculpture garden of MOMA about a month ago and sure enough, a gaggle of tourists was selfie-sticking it to the rest of us. A security guard politely went over to them and told them selfie-sticks were not allowed in MOMA. Perhaps Paris could think of banning them as well?
5
I am always amazed when I see an articles like this. A newspaper with a readership of millions publishes an article informing people where they should go to avoid the crowds. Backpacker Magazine and similar publications do the same thing on a regular basis: "Best 50 trips that no one knows about!" You want to destroy a relatively unknown place? Indulge in your desire to share how wonderful it is.
5
Heading to a vacation spot with a lower profile makes good sense if one is just taking into consideration the actual experience of the holiday, as it happens. In reality, vacations are very often treated as any other good: to be used conspicuously in order to signify status. If the point of going to St. Tropez is the ability to then say, for the rest of your life (to anyone who will listen), that you have been to St. Tropez, then it certainly won't do to go to Santa Barbara instead.
1
Prefer Custer State Park than Yellowstone in terms of more wildlife and natural diversity. However, each has a unique beauty. Yellowstone has it own stunning views and is the 1st choice for super shots, especially in low season. So, time is the key to which alternative.
3
Another experience kayaking in the San Juans or farther north in many destinations around Vancouver Island are the Pacific Northwest tides. The big tidal exchange of up to 14 vertical feet from low to high creates currents, eddies, marine life feeding and especially a great planetary rhythm. The tour companies generally use big stable boats and use their local knowledge to avoid dangerous conditions.
Good chance of seeing orcas, seals, seals, sea lions, eagles, osprey, porpoises and farther north, humpback whales, especially when the salmon are running in summer.
Good chance of seeing orcas, seals, seals, sea lions, eagles, osprey, porpoises and farther north, humpback whales, especially when the salmon are running in summer.
5
Don't come to Canada. Not worth it. It's cold and it rains a lot, especially in the summer. And it's practically communist, you'll be taxed to death. The Grand Canyon is nice this time of year, I hear.
6
A substitute for Yellowstone? Surely you jest. Perhaps New Zealand or Iceland as they both have similar thermal features, though YNP has more than both combined. They don't have the wildlife. Or Old Faithful Inn or The Lake Hotel with their stunning architecture. I've been there in February and early June. Both were wonderful, uncrowded times to visit. Next visit will be in autumn for the elk rut.
Sorry, but there is no other place on earth like Yellowstone.
Sorry, but there is no other place on earth like Yellowstone.
8
Agreed. We visited YNP last year right after Labor Day. Stayed for two wonderful weeks. Found the park and facilities uncrowded. Enjoyed the vistas and thermal features with the first snowfalls.
1
Why not just swap Positano for Furore or Praiano? The suggested swap makes no sense. If you want Positano you want that geography, the heat, the liveliness. You can get all that being *near* Positano (in fact, a water taxi away) but still tucked into a quieter village just a few miles down the road.
6
Most underrated park is Custer State Park In South Dakota - you will see a lot more wildlife than Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. You can stay in a lovely lodge in Custer State Park and see at least 4 national parks within 2 hour driving times - Badlands, Devil's Tower, Mt Rushmore and Wind Cave. No crowds, easy drives and spectacular scenery.
4
I have visited some of these alternatives to the big name parks...I think that the bigger jewels of the park system are so for a reason.
I stopped in Teddy Roosevelt park in ND on the way back from Montana. For the first time in a month I sweated at night, contended with mosquitos and ticks, and felt the weight of the humidity on a particularly breeze-free evening.
It's a nice park and certainly worth visiting for a long weekend. If the timing of my visit was different my memories would be different, too.
I guess that's the beauty--and luck--we have for such a treasure as the NPS. There are enough parks to suit
individual tastes.
I stopped in Teddy Roosevelt park in ND on the way back from Montana. For the first time in a month I sweated at night, contended with mosquitos and ticks, and felt the weight of the humidity on a particularly breeze-free evening.
It's a nice park and certainly worth visiting for a long weekend. If the timing of my visit was different my memories would be different, too.
I guess that's the beauty--and luck--we have for such a treasure as the NPS. There are enough parks to suit
individual tastes.
3
And here I thought my almost-weeklong trip to Fort Smith, (yes, Arkansas) was absolutely delightful. The museums and food (I know, right?) were top notch, and you don't have to be anywhere near that whole 1% thing, though you're not going to find 1% accommodations either. I went for family history and was unexpectedly and positively wowed. And the Marshall's Museum won't even open for two years.
6
I used to drive my child and others to or from Camp Tahkodah in Floral, AR. The drive always included a night at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock.
She did her last year at camp 2 years ago and I'm sad bc I miss the Capital Hotel!
Arkansas is a beautiful state.; I could live in Little Rock in a heartbeat if our families were there.
She did her last year at camp 2 years ago and I'm sad bc I miss the Capital Hotel!
Arkansas is a beautiful state.; I could live in Little Rock in a heartbeat if our families were there.
4
I enjoy Friday Harbor but Orcas Island would have been a much more fitting suggestion in place of Vail. Clearly this was written by someone that has not spent much time in the PNW. Orcas Island has Mt Constitution at Moran State Park, which has a 2.4k ft summit with views to Canada and over 30 miles of trail.
10
Always great to go off season ( October is perfect ). We've had Yosemite, Zion , Death Valley practically to ourselves in incredible weather and leaf-changing splendor ( wildflowers in DV)
Santa Barbara is California's rustic Riviera I suppose; but bigger and less overrun with people & more natural space surrounding it. Plus, one of the best concentration of classic California "heritage" hotels. 5-stars to El Encanto, San Ysidro Ranch, the Biltmore ( aka 4 Seasons). In addition, great little hotel/motels for much less all over town & by the beach.
For Angelenos, it's a great overnight stay.
Santa Barbara is California's rustic Riviera I suppose; but bigger and less overrun with people & more natural space surrounding it. Plus, one of the best concentration of classic California "heritage" hotels. 5-stars to El Encanto, San Ysidro Ranch, the Biltmore ( aka 4 Seasons). In addition, great little hotel/motels for much less all over town & by the beach.
For Angelenos, it's a great overnight stay.
3
YES - by all means give Santa Barbara a try! We're gorgeous & welcoming with truly something for everyone. (Just try not to pick holidays/weekends.). And TIP: when you do, don't miss LOTUSLAND, now listed as one of the top 10 gardens in the world.
3
You can't swap Paris with anything.....you just can't.....
36
I agree. If you want to go to Paris, go to Paris. Stockholm sounds very interesting though.
7
I'd trade Paris in for Barcelona in a nanosecond. Or for London, Vienna, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Athens in a microsecond. Edinburgh in a millisecond.
3
As long as you are talking about alternatives to Acadia National Park, explore crowd-free and beautiful sections of Acadia, namely Isle au Haut and the Schoodic peninsula. Don't sell Maine's public lands short either. The best view in Katahdin Woods and Waters is of a Maine State Park, Baxter, which purposely limits visitor numbers and leaves its roads unpaved.
6
Schoodic Peninsula was a wonderful half day trip from Mount Desert Island. On the way back my friends and I stopped for lobster rolls (2 for $16 at a road side stand). We went in September and while still crowding, it wasn't to the point of total aggravation.
The best alternative to Acadia is Maine's Bold Coast near the Canadian border. It has stunning scenery, amazing hiking trails, great kayaking and incredible wildlife. Unlike Acadia, though, you may spend the entire day exploring without encountering another human being. Maine's best kept secret. And don't forget to visit the Roosevelt summer house on Campobello Island.
3
Advertising these locations is a sure way to spoil your destinations this summer. If you would like to try an alternative visit complete with bicycling, hiking, less expensive restaurants, Tuesday morning Provencal market, and a tour of Roman ruins, Google the location just below my name and enjoy your summer without the mobs.
Smart bicyclists rent their bicycle and use the beautiful bike paths designed for them, avoiding sharing the highways with the cars. Enjoy!
Smart bicyclists rent their bicycle and use the beautiful bike paths designed for them, avoiding sharing the highways with the cars. Enjoy!
8
the location did not come thru..
It shows up on my screen: Vaison la Romaine, France.
He probably expected the town next to his name to run below it.
1
Perhaps the most poorly written article I have ever seen in the NY Times. As others have noted, the subtitles actually state the opposite of what they re supposed to mean. Re the substitutions, people looking for St Tropez or Positano are probably not looking for Santa Barbara. Instead of St Tropez or Positano in the summer, try Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily or Puglia - plenty of mountains, farms, beaches, historic cities to explore. Come back to San Tropez or Positano (etc) in September or October, or April or May and it will be lovely and not so crowded.
23
Editorializing on the quality of the writing, wasn't necessary. At least I don't think so. Just state your preferences and leave the author alone.
I had a look at the 'tasting menu' on one restaurant, 75 euros, that's near 90 dlrs. Too many of these articles are about expensive places and experiences. It's no challenge to find a restaurant at that price, how about a cheap, and good one, and hotels at 200 dlrs a nite? etc, etc. Your travel writers must all get their expenses reimbursed. Why not change your pay plan? Deduct expenses from their salary; wanna bet there will be a change in reporting?
28
Absolutely!
Switzerland is significantly more expensive than Italy, and Stockholm is also more expensive than expensive Paris...
Switzerland is significantly more expensive than Italy, and Stockholm is also more expensive than expensive Paris...
3
As a Swiss i can say Ascona is a rip off. Swiss germans and Germans everywhere. It is expensive and the quality of service (food, accomodation) is pretty bad value wise. Take a day trip to Ascona on a nice sunny day, but stay in a more "authentic" regional town and the grottos in smaller towns are much better and cheaper.
11
Stockholm is wonderful, it's true, but to write about it without mentioning the Vasa Museum---what were you thinking?
You can see a complete 17th-century sailing ship brought up from Stockholm Harbor and displayed in a museum featuring films about its restoration and exhibits about life on board ship, life in the 17th century, and much more.
I planned to spend an hour at most and ended up spending three-and-a-half.
You can see a complete 17th-century sailing ship brought up from Stockholm Harbor and displayed in a museum featuring films about its restoration and exhibits about life on board ship, life in the 17th century, and much more.
I planned to spend an hour at most and ended up spending three-and-a-half.
11
Yes, the ship is awesome. But this article didn't have room for more than a superficial glance at any of these great places.
1
How about "Swap Cape Cod for Door County?" (Noting that, per other commenters' comments, I am suggesting that instead of fighting the crowds on the Cape, you hang with the locals in Door County, Wisconsin. Easy to get to, easy on the wallet, lots to do and lots of places to do nothing. Thanks to the other commenter who suggested Isle Royale before I could. How did it happen that your writer missed the entire middle section of the country except for a throwaway comment about the Badlands?
10
Please swap out Cape Cod for ANYWHERE.
2
I enjoyed this article about summer alternative destinations. I just visited Stockholm and it is a great place to visit in the summer. Cruising or sailing in the archipelago is great this time of year and recommend going out to Sandhamm.
I would not recommend the Radisson Blu Strand at this time, although it is in the perfect location, the hotel is undergoing a major renovation. There is no proper lobby and restaurants are closed as well. Breakfast was challenging, with hotel guests crammed into a small two room suite with a makeshift buffet in the hallway.
I would not recommend the Radisson Blu Strand at this time, although it is in the perfect location, the hotel is undergoing a major renovation. There is no proper lobby and restaurants are closed as well. Breakfast was challenging, with hotel guests crammed into a small two room suite with a makeshift buffet in the hallway.
7
My wife and I took a 11-day trip to Big 5 National Parks in UT, last year - Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Arches, last summer (early June). At times we were in awe and spellbound! It was one of the best and most memorable trips we have ever had. The geography, rivers, journey, virgin lands, history, geology and most importantly the solitude made us wonder what we miss in our busy schedules.
Even in the US not many talk about the beauty of visiting our national parks while taking a vacation. I'd highly recommend anyone to visit our national parks, please do and you won't repent. I know how much the Europeans and the Asians love visiting our our parks and forests.
Even in the US not many talk about the beauty of visiting our national parks while taking a vacation. I'd highly recommend anyone to visit our national parks, please do and you won't repent. I know how much the Europeans and the Asians love visiting our our parks and forests.
21
And do it ASAP--before the current anti-public lands regime sells or leases these heritage spaces to the highest bidders. Developement; oil and gas drilling; wild life shooting and worse threaten ALL of these Parks and other lands not mentioned here. There is actually a "war" going on against Alaska and it is ALL in the name of Big Oil (Is there SMALL OIL?) and drilling; wildlife hunting from planes; and selling off vast swathes for gainb to those already welathy beyind avarice. And don't for get THE most threatened piece in the National Parks system of OUR PUBLIC LANDs--Bears Ears.
Smokey the Bear says RESIST!
If you can't visit--call your Senators and the Senators and Governors of the States involved and let them know you WANT THESE ANDS PRESERVED for our grand children. Smokey and Teddy will thank you!
Smokey the Bear says RESIST!
If you can't visit--call your Senators and the Senators and Governors of the States involved and let them know you WANT THESE ANDS PRESERVED for our grand children. Smokey and Teddy will thank you!
51
John McCain has backed uranium mining near the Grand Canyon!
4
Isn't southern Utah incredible? Each park completely different, each spectacular. And even in summer, you can hike Capitol Reef (my favorite NP) for hours without seeing another visitor.
2
We just finished 9 days in Paris and didn't feel like one of a throng of tourists. We stayed in 2 different locations - Pigalle and near Oberkampf in the 11th and felt part of the local scene. While the center was certainly busy there are many smaller museums and somewhat out of the way streets to stroll. The Museum de Cluny and Quai Branley were empty. Swap Versailles for Fontainebleau and you just about have it to yourself. Walk the Canal St. Martin or have a wonderful croissant at Ble Sucre on the Square Trousseau in the 12th. There are many ways to experience Paris without throngs of tourists, even in the high season.
20
You missed one of the best national parks for a wilderness visit. Isle Royale NP in Lake Superior. You can get there from the Canadian side, or take a voyage across the lake from Copper Harbor or Houghton, Michigan. You won't regret it.
8
Shhhh ... not so loud ...
I've always liked being in Washington because it's kind of a little secret, tucked away up here in the corner as it is. North Cascades National park and the San Juans are just the tip of the iceberg.
Dear readers, don't listen to the author. It's really very ugly and boring :)
I've always liked being in Washington because it's kind of a little secret, tucked away up here in the corner as it is. North Cascades National park and the San Juans are just the tip of the iceberg.
Dear readers, don't listen to the author. It's really very ugly and boring :)
33
Yes, no good wine here either...move along. :)
10
Thanks you. For 31 years we've been going to Europe but we've been looking at at home places too. And, you're right the prospect of crowds, limited lodging, and high costs make the iconic places a daunting prospect. So thanks for alternative suggestions. BTW, another suggestion - so spend a couple of days in Seattle, take a puddle jumper to Anchorage and then take the Alaska Railroad to Denali.
8
Oops-going to Paris in three weeks, only because that was the time my husband could get off from work. We usually do try to travel in off season. Last year we did the Oregon coast and Vancouver in mid March-a bit drizzly and chilly, but still a wonderful trip! We know the pitfalls of Paris in summer, so we booked off the beaten track, and will also be taking trains down to Lyon and Marseilles for a few days. One small piece of advice-talk to natives or people you know who travel the same way you do. We would never ask advice from anyone who only travels in organized groups or simply wants to go and veg in a resort or on a cruise. For example, we've been to almost every island in Hawaii and have never been disappointed because we have a dear friend who grew up on Maui, and with his suggestions and advice have always managed to avoid the stereotypical tourist experience!
10
I highly recommend you move to Port Orford, Oregon, great place!!
1
A great way to experience North Cascades NPO and learn about the amazing natural history here -- glaciers, wolves, old growth forests, geology, native plants, birds -- is to take a class with North Cascades Institute and stay at their Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake. An environmental education nonprofit connecting people to nature for more than 30 years, it's a rewarding experience! www.ncascades.org/get_outside
4
One thing's for sure: if the NYT discovers a best-kept-secret, it won't be a secret anymore. That special out-of-the-way place that no one knows about will become the hot new tourist destination, complete with crowds, traffic, and noisy demands for every amenity.
11
Not true. I had read an article about a very remote und rugged part of VietNam in the NYT several years ago. A guide was mentioned in it and his phone number. When we got to Hanoi, I tried to contact him. His number had changed and it was a big challenge to contact him. We succeeded and he arranged one of the most thrilling adventurous trip, starting the following day. We were the ONLY tourists - Western or otherwise - on the entire trip among the most diverse tribes of indigenous people in a remote corner of Vietnam.
8
This article may demonstrate the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which states that just observing something will alter it. Now that the NYT has disclosed undiscovered vacation spots, guess what's going to happen?
14
Before before you book your flight to either Billings Montana or Cody Wyoming take note that Big Horn National Recreation Area is 120,000 acres of.....not much. A few striking views and, granted, the fishing is excellent. But the real entry way towns provide very minimal amenities. Dinner after 8 pm? Mini Mart reheatable subs. Entertainment? Zip. Motels? Lean and mean.
Both Billings and Cody are fun places but both are at least 60 miles from the Recreation area. I think the writer of this article really should have mentioned these details.
To give the writer his/her due there aren't any other tourists. Well maybe a couple of dozen. To each his own.
Both Billings and Cody are fun places but both are at least 60 miles from the Recreation area. I think the writer of this article really should have mentioned these details.
To give the writer his/her due there aren't any other tourists. Well maybe a couple of dozen. To each his own.
15
Well, there is Thermopolis nearby.
2
The Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody was worth the stop.
Thermopolis? Oh, that's a good one.
Thermopolis? Oh, that's a good one.
Arches National Park in Moab is just awesome. The scenery is spectacular and you can hike every day for 4 or more days with great variety. Nice part is that the town is just minutes from the park entrance. Pack plenty of water, park at a trailhead and you're good for the next 5-6 hours.
11
We just came back from Ascona and it was as beautiful as described. The Giardino Ascona made the visit even more memorable, as did the Ecco Restaurant with their Michelin 2 Star chef.
8
The San Juan Islands are already crowded in the summer from the NW crowds. We don't need people from the rest of the country heading there. Has the writer ever seen or sat in one of the ferry lines?
37
Too true. You must make reservations for the ferry in the summer.
10
Washington State Ferry reservations, begun in 2015, have virtually eliminated ferry lines and taken the guess work out of getting to the San Juan Islands. You can also arrive early and go stand-by as 10-15% of the vessel is reserved for stand by. Passengers do not need reservations.
5
Read TripAdvisor about North Cascades National Park Lodging and Glacier is appearing much more inviting.
2
Ascona for Positano? Old Italian adagio goes: Paper can be inscribed with anything... Major faux pas and NO NO NO. Positano is all about life, it is life's essence in their famously scented lemons. Love and food. Ascona is the equivalent of artificial sweetener and plastic cutlery - why inflicting this to your fellow Americans? Resist people, resist! You deserve better
15
If you aren't a lodging snob and like to mix in a little travel history on a trip, when visiting Santa Barbara you can always swap a few nights at a fancy hotel for a room at the country's first "Motel 6" right across from the beach. El Camino at Milpas Street.
11
Some interesting ideas, BUT I wonder your choice of phrase: "swap San Juan for ...," "swap Positano for..."
Swapping one thing for another would imply you take the other. Thus, you have implied by everyone of your subtitexts, to go to the place that the following articles tells you to avoid.
Swapping one thing for another would imply you take the other. Thus, you have implied by everyone of your subtitexts, to go to the place that the following articles tells you to avoid.
47
Totally correct, Carol! The same error bothered me throughout the entire article, and i found myself reading it less to learn about these fabulous places than to see if that mistake would be repeated again, and yet again, and yet again, in each section -- which it was. What ever happened to copy-editing?
31
Ha! Thank you! I kept re-reading the titles because I was confused which one was the new suggestion.
1
Anyone who has ever attempted to drive from Ventura to Santa Barbara on a Friday afternoon (when the LA crowd arrives en masse) wouldn't exactly call the drive "gridlock-free".
As for the San Juans, reserve the ferry in advance. Far in advance.
As for the San Juans, reserve the ferry in advance. Far in advance.
21
Trading Stockholm for Paris is apples to oranges, both cities are great for different reasons.
19
Amy, have you stayed at all the places you discuss in this article?
23
Oh dear, we've made the NYT. Come on over. Leave your car on the mainland and walk on the ferry. That's the best way.
18
North Cascades, yep get yerself to it man, its the wild erness, expect everything that wilderness delivers, bears to big elevation gains, and receding glaciers, the park services are way better than provincial parks in BC. Get some books by Fred Becky and see the Picket Range, Mt Goode and Jack K's Hozomeen...“Hozomeen, Hozomeen, most beautiful mountain I ever seen,” just do it.
5
Ok sounds like wilderness alright but why anyone would find the company or threat of BEARS sharing one's holiday terrain as fun is BEYOND ME!
1
On a naturalist-guided hike in Glacier a few years ago we almost ran into a grizzly bear - it was one of the highlights of my life!
1
Great ideas here. Especially love Stockholm for Paris.
8
Stockholm is beautiful, but you'll eat better in Lyon or Dijon.
7
Spent a week in Paris with my daughter this year. She went on by train for another week in Lyon and raved about the city.
2
The San Juan Islands are so very well visited and known and heavily tourist infested during the summertime. I don't know what this writer is trying to infer by saying it is minus the gridlock. It has long ferry lines, packed everything and island traffic. It is like Martha's Vineyard. Not exactly sedate or 'all yours' during the summertime. This article is ridiculous.
55
There's a reservation system for the Ferries now that is all but mandatory unless you are walk-on only. It's completely changed the dynamic of the whole experience. No more ferry waits but you do need to get your reservations far in advance for the summer. Not sure I agree with you about things being packed since there's such a limited amount of places to stay on the Island and it's too far away from anything for a day trip. It's nothing like Martha's Vineyard in my opinion...
Agreed! Our (San Juan County) tourism planning efforts are aimed at not becoming a Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.
2
At Glacier, as in most national parks, walking a few hundred yards from the road gets you away from the crowds and a in few miles, solitude is yours.
22
Yes and no. The better known hikes in Glacier rival Mt Fuji and Mount Monadnock for endless streams of Trekkers, in ant-like files, going up and down. And the constricted parking and shuttle buses that leave hikers stranded back at the trailhead at 6PM begging for rides back to town and bed / campground are a disgrace to the NPS operation at Glacier.
Yellowstone on the other hand -- walk 1/4 mile from the trailhead and you have the place to yourself.
Yellowstone on the other hand -- walk 1/4 mile from the trailhead and you have the place to yourself.
3
Really true regarding Yellowstone. Jam-packed with cars in the summer, but hike a very short distance off the road, and you will be alone (except for a bear, perhaps. Take pepper spray). Even better, go in early October during the rut, or best, take a snow coach in during the winter. Yellowstone is otherworldly in Winter.
1
Good article but honestly, North Cascades is not on the same planet as Glacier scenery wise. And Friday Harbor on any summer weekend is an anthill, the ferry lines hours long. Suggest Olympic National Park which has mountains like Glacier, beaches like Big Sur, and rain forests and lakes. Totally empty.
for desert lovers you can't beat Bryce to Grand Escalante and on eastward toward Lake Powell and the 4 corners,
for desert lovers you can't beat Bryce to Grand Escalante and on eastward toward Lake Powell and the 4 corners,
25
We just got back from a week in Olympic - loved the rainforests but the beaches were only meh and no where close to big sur or even Mendocino or Laguna beaches I have to say
1
I found Olympic terrific because we stayed on a cliff side house overlooking puget sound and saw all kinds of ocean wildlife every day.
1
There's a ferry reservation system now. I've gone a handful of times over peak holiday weekends that past 2 yrs showing up only 30 min before the departure. You just need to make your reservation months in advance. It's a completely different experience now.