The October water level was too low to float on the Buffalo National River, so we scrambled over the gravel bar looking for crinoid fossils (ancient sea organisms), gaped at the limestone bluffs capped by sandstone that loom over the waterway, and enjoyed leaf peeping along the shore.

Is the National Park Service failing to adequately evaluate air tours over national parks, how is the Great American Outdoors Act performing in the National Park System, and continuing visitation issues in the parks are the topics being discussed in this coming Sunday's podcast at the National Parks Traveler.

The on and off efforts to consider a grizzly bear recovery plan for the North Cascades of Washington state, including North Cascades National Park, is on again.

Thinking of heading to Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota next summer for some camping or houseboating? You can make your reservations next week.