Recommendations
 

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to plan a vacation for next year and I am looking for some recommendations from the board. My husband and I (late 30's) would like to visit a National Park next year. We LOVE wildlife and beautiful outdoor scenery. We have been to the Grand Canyon & Sedona (and all things in the surrounding area), Yellowstone & Grand Teton and an Alaskan Cruise. We are not avid hikers, although we don't mind a liesurely walk on trails, etc. I would love one day to return to Yellowstone & Grand Teton, although I know there has to be others out there that you will recommend. So, where would you send us in this great country of ours?

Thanks for any and all recomendations.

Nancy

Nancy - what time of year? Think that would help people know what to suggest.

Mount Ranier. If you go late spring summer, is beautiful. You can add Seattle to the itinerary and have a great trip. You can also take the hydrofoil to Victoria Island and visit Berches Gardens.

Summer, early fall?
Glacier national park

How long do you have and do you have any preference for season?

Off the top of my head I would say Mt. Ranier combined with Olympic if you have at least a week. Olympic has the Pacific coast, rainforests and mountains all in one park. Mt. Ranier should not be missed if you're going to be so close already.

Thanks for the responses thus far.

We are open to time of year, although we would love to avoid the summer months because of crowds. We would be looking to spend about 10 days.

Thanks to everyone so far. Your suggestions are much appreciated.

Nancy

Baniff and Jasper National Parks in Canada have both the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Utahtea

I agree that a side trip to Victoria would be great. Butchart Gardens <http://www.butchartgardens.com> is simply spectacular.

Utah! :)

Hi Nancy---I would suggest you look through photographs of our national parks and see what "grabs" you---as in "I have to go there and see that!" They are all beautiful, but have different appeal to different people.

A few comments---

As much as I love Rainier (I live right near), you couldn't spend 10 days there unless you are backpakcing the Wonderland Trail. But you could combine Rainier with Olympic national Park, Seattle, Victoria, San Juan Islands, etc. for a nice 10-day trip.

However, if you want to enjoy the best that Rainier offers (flower fields or fall colors), you need to visit between late July and late September (unless you want to ski).

Glacier National Park comes to mind. For gorgeous scenery and lots of wildlife, plus spectacular drives (Going to the Sun Road) and a variety of easy walks, it is tough to beat. Stay in the old historic lodges and be sure to include the Prince of Wales (in Canada). But again, this is a summer visit. . .

The parks of the Canadian Rockies are equal to Glacier in beauty, and offer a variety of lakes and fine lodges, as well as more rustic lodging. But again. . summer or early fall.

Utah, on the other hand, is a great place to go off-season. Spring and fall are a great time to visit Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, and Bryce. There is a nice roadtrip loop you can do.

For a summer trip - how about Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Beautiful scenery.

Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii! Absolutely amazing!!!!

Yellowstone is next up on my list of parks, but since you've been there already, the three runners-up for me would be:
Banff
Zion
Virgin Islands Nat'l Park (okay, so that one's a little gratuitous...I just want an excuse to head south)