Category Archives: National Recreation Areas

National Park Free Days 2013

Posted on November 15, 2012

At the time of me writing this post, there are 398 parks within the national parks system. While many of the most popular national parks charge an entrance fee, there are a large number of parks within the system that are free of charge year round. For the parks that charge an entrance fee, the national parks service designates certain days throughout the year when they waive this fee and offer entrance into all of the parks at no charge. … Continue reading →

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Hawk Hill Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Posted on May 11, 2012

If you are looking for a beautiful and unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge, you definitely want to head to Hawk Hill in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. When driving north, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Avenue exit which is immediately after the Golden gate Bridge Vista Point turnout where you park to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. After exiting, turn left and go under the highway. You will then make a right onto … Continue reading →

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Rare California Pitcher Plant Bog Smith River National Recreation Area

Posted on April 30, 2012

I love finding wonderful little gems in the National Park system. There is one of these hidden surprises at mile marker 17.9 along California highway 199 in Smith River National Recreation Area, but it’s extremely easy to miss. The entrance to a gravel parking area is only marked with a small, easy to miss, nondescript brown sign at the side of the road which says “Botanical Trail.” To the left side of the parking area is the trail head to … Continue reading →

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Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Posted on April 25, 2012

While nearly everyone that visits San Francisco makes sure to visit the Golden Gate bridge, they often miss the other scenic areas of Golden Gate national Recreation Area that they certainly would want to see if they were a little better informaed and knew were just a few miles away. One of these is the Point Bonita lighthouse and hike. While the main goal of doing the short hike to make your way to Point Bonita Lighthouse and the new … Continue reading →

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Point Bonita Lighthouse New Bridge Photos Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Posted on April 18, 2012

After a two year wait, people can once again visit the Point Bonita lighthouse located in Golden Gate National Recreation Area via a newly built $1 million dollar, 132-foot-long bridge which spans rocky cliffs to the lighthouse. The old bridge became unsafe and the lighthouse was closed to the public until this new span could be built. The sparkling white, narrow bridge is a much safer replica of the previous bridge and was built to withstand the high winds that … Continue reading →

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National Park Free Days 2012

Posted on October 19, 2011

Update: The national park service has announced National Park Free Days 2013 Many people don’t realize that most parks within the National Parks system don’t charge any entrance fee at all. That being said, some of the most popular National Parks do charge entrance fees. While these fees are applicable most times of the year, National Parks, National Monuments, National Recreation Areas, National Preserves, National Seashores and National Lakes designate several times a year when they offer free access days. … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical Parks, National Forest, National Lakeshores, National Monuments, National Parks, National Preserves, National Recreation Areas, National Seashores | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

National Park Fees List

Posted on August 29, 2011

What is not commonly known is that the vast majority of the nearly 400 parks in the National Parks system do not charge any entrance fee at all. Of those that do charge an entrance fee, there is usually a fee per car and or a fee per individual entering the National Park. The following is a list of all the parks in the National Parks system that usually charge a fee to gain entrance to the park. The parks … Continue reading →

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National Park Wilderness Photo Contest For National Park Service

Posted on August 18, 2011

If you have quality photos from your recent National Park trips, the National Park Service would love to take a look at them for possible inclusion for an upcoming wilderness section of Park Science. The beauty of the National Parks wilderness has inspired millions of people who have visited them, but it’s often difficult to capture the spirit of wilderness in words. The National Park Service is hoping to capture wilderness in photos to share in an upcoming issue of … Continue reading →

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Lees Ferry Grand Canyon National Park Rafting

Posted on July 29, 2011

The official beginning for most Grand Canyon rafting trips is at Lees Ferry (also commonly referred to as Lee’s Ferry or Lee Ferry) in Marble Canyon which gives a wonderful preview of what’s to come with the Colorado River surrounded by magnificent canyon scenery: Since this is where the Grand Canyon rafting trips launch, this is where you get your initiation to what the rafting trip will be like. You meet the crew that will be guiding you down the … Continue reading →

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Share Your National Parks Story: NPCA Wants Yours

Posted on June 20, 2011

If you love our National Parks, take the time this summer to do something to make sure that the remain a part of future generation lives. With the constant budget battles being waged in Washington DC, it’s important to let Congress know what the National Parks mean to us as a nation. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) wants to pass your National Parks messages onto the members of Congress and they are asking for your help. When you visit … Continue reading →

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