| National Parks Traveler

2 tips I would add, buy a National Geographic road guide. Don't wait until you get there either. Buy it now and check out what is at every turn-out ahead of time. This way you won't miss the ones you are interested in and not waste time at the ones you aren't. There are several one way side roads, they are all worth driving on if you have a car and a little extra time. No RV's allowed.

National Park Service Renews Partnership With Mountain Bike Community

Apr 4th - 03:01am | Mike Vandeman

How about telling the TRUTH, for a change? A mountain biker does NOT experience the park, any more than the driver of a motor vehicle experiences the park. If you don't give 100% of your attention to controlling the bike, you will crash! Permissing bikes on trails benefits ONLY mountain bikers, and harms the wildlife and other trail users. So where's the net benefit? There ISN'T any!

Apr 3rd - 19:40pm | Zebulon

A step in the right direction. Cycling opportunities at Point Reyes are still a joke though, but then again, it's in the heart of Marin, a hotbed of bike haters.

Next Time You're In Washington, Stop By the Old Stone House

Apr 3rd - 18:30pm | NPSfan

I too lived in the DC area for quite a few years, and visited the Old Stone House often. On the rare occasions that ranger led tours were offered, they were never in costume. Pardon my assumption that is still the case.

Apr 3rd - 10:30am | Rebecca Johnson

@NPSfan

Apr 2nd - 17:15pm | NPSfan

A couple of corrections are in order. Eastern National, the cooperating association for the National Capital Region, operates the store, and thanks to the EN presence the building is actually open to the public seven days a week. Also, I think it's been quite a few years since anyone has done costumed interpretation.

Apr 2nd - 07:04am | Anonymous

I walked right by this place on Wednesday. Thanks for the information. Next time, I'll stop in and take a peek.

Apr 2nd - 05:20am | Raoul Pop

We visited the Old Stone House in August of 2006, and it was certainly an interesting experience. We posted our photos here.

Plan An Earth Day Visit To Olympic National Park to Help Clean Up the Park

Apr 3rd - 11:57am | tahoma

Visitors not staying at the above lodges can still participate in this annual effort to help clean up the entire Washington coast. I believe a few spots are still available for the Olympic wilderness beaches further north: http://www.coastsavers.org/

National Park Service, Alaska Game Officials Publicly Settle Differences Over Wolf Killings

Apr 3rd - 11:51am | Jim Bob

I find it amazing that the state of Alaska doesn't just fess up to their mistake - in their zeal to kill wolves, they shot collared NPS wolves knowing full well that they were most likely the very research wolves they said they would not shoot. Instead they cajoled the Park Service into this story about lost paperwork. Come on.

Creature Feature: The Banana Slug is Living Proof that a Slimy Little Gastropod Mollusk Can be Loaded with Charisma

Apr 2nd - 17:32pm | Kurt Repanshek

Geez, guys, at least you could have left us with a song......like this one:

Apr 2nd - 17:27pm | Ahem, Banana Sl...

We are delighted that you have recognized and publicized our charisma. Thank you, thank you! ... Seriously, though, thanks for your great fun facts on our namesake, the banana slug. Keep up your great blog.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement on ORV Use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Released

Apr 2nd - 14:52pm | Anonymous

>Yes/no? I will say I am on the side of the ORVs Got it, I know Dapster does not give anyone that does not believe in his agenda any slack whatsoever, so that clears it up for me.

"Upper Lot" At Ridge Trailhead on Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park To Be Permanently Closed

Apr 2nd - 13:36pm | Anonymous

In response to the anonymous response from 3/17: ... If our elders and young can't manage the shallow grade/paved hike from the lower parking lot to the trailhead, they should never, ever be attempting to hike Old Rag itself. Americans (well, in fact, anyone) can continue to enjoy OR for what it is -- a beautiful and exciting adventure, albeit from a more manageable parking lot.

Collapse of "Wall Arch" Proves Gravity Does Work at Arches National Park

Apr 2nd - 11:03am | Anonymous

We were in the Canyonlands this week and we saw a couple pose for a picture at the top of this bridge. The mom was holding twin toddlers!!!!! There is nothing below that bridge but air and the bottom of the canyon. I was amazed at the stupidity of such a move!

Dining At The Parks: Jalepeno Cheese Cake from the Furance Creek Inn in Death Valley National Park

Apr 2nd - 07:06am | Death Valley is...

Death Valley is an amazing National Park - there is no where in the country which I have been that looks like this moonscape. This is another way to show how unique of a place this really is!

"Wall Street" In Bryce Canyon National Park Closed By Rockfalls

Apr 2nd - 05:13am | dennis g.

That's really a shame, but it's nature at work. And who knows, after things settle down it may well prove to be even more photographic. I'm just glad I have all of my pictures to remind me of one of the nicest 'walks' I've ever taken.

Reader Participation Day Bonus Survey: What Do You Think Of The President's Off-Shore Drilling Plan?

Apr 1st - 22:35pm | Anonymous

Please, let's look at alternative energy sources. How about wind, wave, solar....before drilling!

Apr 1st - 21:23pm | RLMiller

It's a horrible idea for political, policy, and moral reasons.

Apr 1st - 19:13pm | MIN

Not a phony. Just smart enough to realize that it is a bad idea to rely on others for our oil, that while we grow our alternatives, oil will still be needed, and that when it comes to social and environmental impacts drilling platforms out at sea appear, and in many ways are, minimal.

Apr 1st - 16:08pm | MAX

He's a phony,there will never be one drill rig put up while he is there. You really can't see through this? Come on people.

Apr 1st - 15:58pm | RoadRanger

What do I think of the plan? I'm surprised that Obama would risk the outrage from far left enviros by appealing to the center through off-shore oil and gas extraction.

Apr 1st - 13:15pm | Dennis P Lima

I'm just wondering what the reaction would be if this were a Republican making this decision. Methinks it would be quite different. As for being light years better, really? Escalating the Afghan war, extending the Patriot Act, coming up completely empty in Copenhagen, now offshore drilling. Sounds like Bush III.

Apr 1st - 11:57am | Rick B.

I have to agree with Kevin, above. I was surprised to hear the announcement, but until I see the details can't really make an informed decision. Random Walker - I call him light years better than the one he replaced.

Apr 1st - 11:32am | Random Walker

What do you call a President who escalates war, kills a public option and wants coastal oil drilling? The GOP calls him 'Liberal.'

Apr 1st - 08:27am | Kevin M

I far prefer this to drilling in ANWR or shale drilling in Utah. As long as commercially reasonable, offshore drilling near population centers is something I can support, since there is a built in mechanism to not screw it up. I am a believer in the behavioral concept that sunshine is the best disinfectant.

Apr 1st - 07:59am | dennis g.

At my age I doubt that I'll see it, but I'll be happy when the day comes where we no longer need oil or coal and get our 'power' exclusively from the sun and wind, etc. However, we're a long, long way from that day. Therefore, this move by Obama is the right thing to do - at this time.

Apr 1st - 05:33am | Volpe

Yes, the risks are worth it. Oil is a necessity and you can’t let our country be beholden to any countries that use it as a weapon or tool. The chances of danger to the environment are quite small looking at the record for offshore drilling and the sight of a drilling rig is no more offensive than a very obese woman wearing a thong.

Reader Participation Day: Which National Park Are You Heading to This Year?

Apr 1st - 22:01pm | Jason Daniel Brown

I'll be moving to Los Angeles in August/September. I'm looking forward to hitting up Joshua Tree and Death Valley ASAP--hopefully this year. Will be great to be so close to Sequoia/Kings Canyon and Yosemite too!

Apr 1st - 19:26pm | Sharlene

Definitely Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Hopefully Olympic. Probably Joshua Tree. And many more possiblities incluiding Zion come fall.

Apr 1st - 15:23pm | Anonymous

Headed to Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras National Seashores, Ft. Raleigh National Historical Park, and Wright Brothers National Memorial in September. And as always, Grand Teton and Yellowstone all summer long.

Apr 1st - 09:47am | Anonymous

Taking my 7 year old Grandson to Yellowstone. His first National Park Visit.

Apr 1st - 07:04am | Connie Hopkins

Hey Sparky, Glad to see a fellow St Louisan on here! I was born and raised there myself, in the inner city, my folks and our oldest daughter are still in the area (St Charles County). Have a wonderful time at Crater Lake, that one is still on our bucket list!

Commemorative Quarter Places Old Faithful Geyser, Bison On a Quarter

Apr 1st - 21:41pm | Jason Daniel Brown

I'm excited to to collect all of these. I have a cardboard book I got at Barnes & Noble to collect them all in. Apparently the dates changed though, because I bought the book in December but it showed that the first quarters were to already be out by now.

Pruning the Parks: Platt National Park (1906-1976)

Apr 1st - 20:43pm | Jason Daniel Brown

Thanks for your comment, Bruce. You beat me to it. Mr. Janiskee's account shows a complete bias against the "flyover states" and our particular brand of scenery and quite frankly, I'm offended by it, especially the part you pointed out regarding the Chickasaws' deeding of the land.

Botanists At Grand Canyon National Park Working to Bring Plant Back from the Brink

Apr 1st - 18:42pm | Dad/Douglas

Hi Red, Congratulations on your work, it is especially gratifying to me that your hard work, (at ASU) is paying off and that you are involved in something that is building on something for the future. Kuddo's kiddo...Love, Da

By the Numbers: Crater Lake National Park

Apr 1st - 16:41pm | Ron Mastrogiuseppe

Owen, The Crater Lake Institute still has copies Why Is Crater Lake So Blue ? (depression blue ! not Lake Transparency)) from the first printing: Price approx: $18 incl. shipping PO Box 2, Crater Lake, OR. 97604

Apr 1st - 09:34am | pkrnger

By the way, an excellent, abiet "fictional," account of the days of the 1975 water crises at Crater Lake is described in the book, "Why is Crater Lake so Blue?" by Michael Lalumiere. Unfortunately, there are only a few copies of this book available online, as it has recently sold out.

Apr 1st - 09:15am | pkrnger

Thanks Bob for alerting me to this fine article. Here are some modifications to the facts you have quoted above: (1) The filling of Crater Lake is estimated to have taken many centuries, perhaps more than 1000 years, due to fluctuations in climate and precipitation and the presence of subsurface seepage.

Though Revered As America's Iconic Long-Distance Trail, the Appalachian Trail Could Use Some Help

Apr 1st - 16:31pm | Kurt Repanshek

Jeff, Don't blame the messenger. The comment pertaining to mountain bikes was included in NPCA's report, it was not my observation. That said, I'm not familiar with Mr. Marion's study. Perhaps you could provide a link to it.

Apr 1st - 16:11pm | Jeff

As someone who maintains multi-use trail networks in NJ, I can appreciate the challenge that the AT trail must present. Its a monumental task due to its shear size and complexity due to the associated groups being responsible for sections throughout. That said I don't understand your statement:

Updated: NPS Employee Sentenced For Guiding Moose Hunt in Denali National Park and Preserve

Apr 1st - 13:27pm | Anonymous

I'm a state of Michigan employee. We have a clause in our civil-service contract called 'Conduct unbecoming'. If I took vacation time and robbed our office, I'd be fired. That's in effect whan this woman did. Can her.

Federal Judge Issues Scathing Opinion in Blocking "Concealed Carry" In National Parks, Wildlife Refuges

Apr 1st - 10:44am | Kurt Repanshek

The law did indeed take effect in February, but it was specific to national parks and national wildlife refuges. Not sure what your local national forest rules are, however, so you'd best check with them directly.

Apr 1st - 10:40am | Chris

Did it take effect in Feb? I'bve gotten so much confusing and conflicting info on the subject. I visit the Uwharrie National Forest frequently and just want to know if it's legal for me to carry there.

National Park Quiz 80: Water

Apr 1st - 10:26am | Kirby Adams

Good point, and still a more sporting method of lake building, in my opinion. Now, I just have to get there to see the darned thing. May of next year, it looks like, if all goes well. Tanganyika (and Malawi) and Baikal are on my bucket list as well, but a bit more difficult to pull off trips to see them.

Apr 1st - 08:50am | pkrnger

Kirby, actually, the "crater" of Crater Lake isn't a crater at all, but a 4000 foot deep caldera formed from the inward collapse of ancient Mt. Mazama, a 12,000 foot high strato volcano of the High Cascades that emptied much of its magma chamber during its climactic eruptions, some 7,700 years ago.

Apr 1st - 08:33am | Kirby Adams

Those stats are even more impressive in the light of Baikal and Tanganyika both being rift lakes, essentially knife gouges in the earth. Crater is...well...a crater. Somehow, getting your depth with the help of fault rifts seems like cheating to me. Crater's doing it right, in my book of lake etiquette.

Apr 1st - 05:52am | Bob Janiskee

Those sure are interesting statistics, Owen. Thanks for sharing. For more Crater Lake statistics, see my October 16, 2009 Traveler posting "By the Numbers: Crater Lake". Bye-the-bye, Crater Lake contains about four cubic miles of water.

By the Numbers: Yosemite National Park Visitor Use

Apr 1st - 08:59am | Bob Janiskee

Thanks for straightening me out on that photo caption, Owen. The error was mine, not the photographer's. That ratio of warnings to citations does seem high. I'm afraid that I'd have to do a bit of digging to see how YOSE compares with other NPS units in that regard.

Apr 1st - 08:41am | pkrnger

Bob, those are very interesting statistics. You might note that your photo is of Washburn Point, not Glacier Point. [Ed: The correction has been made in the photo caption.] It's easy to discern the difference. When you are at Glacier Point, it's possible to see the north face of Half Dome, while at Washburn Point, the north face of Half Dome is perpendicular to the line of sight.

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