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The National Parks of the West, specifically the parks of that are in Montana and Washington State, offer some of the most wild and diverse landscapes in the world. Full of wonder and awe, the five National Parks in these states give visitors experiences they can’t find anywhere else in the world. Whether in Yellowstone or the North Cascades, Glacier, Rainier or Olympic, your trip to these National Parks will give you a five senses all the adventure they can handle.

Wilderness always heightens your senses. The fresh air, the views, the sights and sounds, and even the touch all become more rewarding, reconnecting us to a more primitive, wild and free version of ourselves. For many, the heighten sense in nature remind of us our childhood, the smells of summer in the rainforest bringing us back to our 9 year old selves. For others, the sensory experience in our protected lands is something new, sending sounds, smells and sights into the happy part of your brain, allowing you to recall your trip with the simplest of daydreams.

The National Parks of Montana and Washington reward each of your five senses in a way that must be experienced. Home to some of the most iconic images in America, take a tour of the region’s parks and realign your mind, soul and five senses to nature. You won’t regret it.

Wildflowers and Lake Constance in Olympic National Park
Wildflowers and Lake Constance in Olympic National Park via Doug Scott

Olympic National Park

See glaciers from Hurricane Ridge, the waters of the Sol Duc, the amazing Shi Shi Beach sea stacks and tide pools, the mosses of the Hoh Rainforest, and stunning sunsets on the coast

Smell the dampness of the rainforest, the melting snow in the mountains, and the salty air along the beaches.

Hear the crashing waves, the wind through the trees, the bugle of elk, and the rain.

Taste the smoked-salmon at any of the cities around the Olympic Peninsula, or the Smoked Oysters from Hama Hama Oyster Company.

Feel the moisture in the air, the damp moss, sea anemones, mountains and old-growth trees.

Plan a Trip to Olympic with these Awesome Guidebooks!

A meadow of wildflowers above Paradise. From partridge foot, to lupine, to paintbrush and daisies, the subalpine meadows break forth in a variety of blooms. NPS Photo by Jasmine Horn.
A meadow of wildflowers above Paradise. From partridge foot, to lupine, to paintbrush and daisies, the subalpine meadows break forth in a variety of blooms.
NPS Photo by Jasmine Horn.

Mount Rainier National Park

See a stunning, glaciated, volcanic peak from a snowy ridge, or dip down into the old-growth forests and explore canyons, waterfalls and valleys.

Smell the acres of gorgeous wildflowers near Sunrise during a warm summer day as the park celebrates its birthday.

Listen to the sounds of mountain solitude along a windswept bridge, or the babbling of rivers and creeks through old-growth forests.

Taste the mountain air, the lack of oxygen, and maybe a can or two of the beer named for the mountain. Just stay away from yellow snow.

Feel a glacier, or the rocking of one of there parks many suspension bridges on the Wonderland Trail.

Plan a Trip to Mount Rainier with this Awesome Guidebook!

Lake Diablo from Sourdough Mountain. NPS-Michael Silverman.jpg
Lake Diablo from Sourdough Mountain. NPS-Michael Silverman.jpg

North Cascades National Park

See majestic mountain views of the incredible peaks of the North Cascade Mountain Range from the backcountry.

Smell the melting snow along the cold, refreshing streams and rivers, as well as the smell of true wilderness. .

Hear the wind from the lookout above the amazing blue waters of Diablo Lake

Taste the world’s best cinnamon rolls at The Eatery outside of the western entrance to the park.

Feel the lookout tower at Desolation Peak, where Jack Kerouac stayed for a summer, inspiring him to include it in three of his books.

Plan a Trip to North Cascades with this Awesome Guidebook!

Avalanche Lake. Photo by Tim Raines of the NPS
Avalanche Lake. Photo by Tim Raines of the NPS

Glacier National Park

See Lake McDonald, the Going to the Sun Road and some of the most beautiful backcountry in the National Park system

Smell the melting snow, the wildflowers and quite possible a whiff of a grizzly or mountain goat.

Listen to the birds, and the bugs from Grinnell Lake and the Goat Haunt Region of Upper Waterton Lake

Taste the Canadian cuisine at the impressively gorgeous Prince of Whales Hotel. You will never forget the views and the experience.

Touch the beds during a night at the Granite Park Chalet, or hike a little further to touch the lookout tower above Swiftcurrent Mountain.

Plan a Trip to Glacier with this Awesome Guidebook!

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. via Doug Scott
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. via Doug Scott

Yellowstone National Park

See the animals of the American Serengeti, hot springs, and the mountains and forests of a super-volcano.

Smell the stink of sulfur from the 10,000 thermal features spread around the world’s first National Park.

Hear a pack of wolves howl in Lamar or Hayden Valley in as the sun is rising or setting.

Taste an Old West Cookout after a wagon ride to a remote location in the wild lands of Yellowstone.

Touch the Archway that greets visitors to the north entrance, dedicated in-person by President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, it bears the incsription “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.”

Plan a Trip to Yellowstone with this Awesome Guidebook!