Virtually unchanged except by the forces of nature, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska is as wild as it is vast. Through endless summer days and winter nights colored by the Northern Lights, visitors travel by rivers and mountains yet to be named. With no roads, no trails and very few people, it’s the perfect place for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Photo by Carl Johnson, National Park Service.
#TBT to this spectacular view from Yosemite National Park’s famous Horsetail Fall in 2017 when the waterfall looked like lava flowing down the side of El Capitan. This rare phenomenon “firefall” only happens for a short time in February – when there are clear skies, enough snow for the waterfall to flow and the setting sun hits the waterfall at just the right angle. This year, it doesn’t appear that Horsetail Fall will be putting on its show, but if you want take your chances, be sure to get your permit: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/horsetailfall.htm.
Photo courtesy of William Rainey.
Love is an adventure, especially when it finds its way to national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands. Each year, these special places make the perfect backdrop for proposals and weddings. Today we celebrate the romantic moments loved ones share on public lands. Photo of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming courtesy of Daniel McLaughlin.
Channel Islands National Park in California encompasses five remarkable islands and the surrounding ocean, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth. Besides being an amazing outdoor classroom, it’s also a great place to watch the sunset. Photo by Angela Scolaro (www.sharetheexperience.org).
Join us in celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. From humble beginnings, our 16th President rose to become one of the most influential figures in American history. Learn about his life and legacy at some of our nation’s historic sites: https://www.doi.gov/blog/walk-footsteps-abraham-lincoln. Photo of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall & Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C. courtesy of Drew Geraci.
It seems like everywhere you look, you can see tender moments between couples – including in the animal kingdom. So this Valentine’s Day say, “Awww!” with sweet pics of animals showing affection: https://on.doi.gov/affectionateanimals.
Wooo! This bald eagle at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois is cheering on America in the Winter Olympics. You can easily spot the massive nests of eagles in the bare trees during winter at the refuge. They also make their presence known with daring dives, wide wing spans and screaming calls. We’re glad they’re on our team. Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Are you excited for the Winter Olympics? How about winter at Olympic National Park in Washington? With amazing chances to ski and skate – plus breathtaking views along Hurricane Ridge – this park is a gold medal winner! Photo by Megan Juran, National Park Service.
Located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is anything but dismal. With more than 111,200 acres of seasonally flooded wetland forest and the 3,100-acre Lake Drummond at its center, the refuge contains some of the most important wildlife habitat in the mid-Atlantic region. In the winter, the lake provides a resting place for thousands of migratory birds including Tundra Swans and Snow Geese. In the summer, it’s home to Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets. It’s also an amazing place to witness the start of a new day. Photo courtesy of Tom Hamilton.
Ranging over 4 million acres in southwest Alaska, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offers excellent opportunities for adventure, exploration, learning and just plain fun. However, it can be hard to get a lot done when all you want to do is stare at the epic views. Photo along the Telaquana River by J. Mills, National Park Service.
Sig Nordal 