Nestled near the foot of Mount Adams in Washington’s Cascades Range, Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic gem. Conboy Lake’s lush seasonal marshes and vibrant forests beckon to both visitors and wildlife. Located within an easy drive of Portland, Oregon, the refuge is a great escape for those seeking diverse scenery, idyllic recreational opportunities and a link to the history of the Northwest. Photo by Henry Kammetler (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho is internationally renowned for its rock climbing. If you’re just getting started, try the Climbing Experience Program, which offers equipment and instruction for beginners. If you’d rather stick to trails, there’s plenty more activities like hiking, birding and horseback riding. Photo by National Park Service.

A vital wetland in the Mississippi River watershed, Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas is a haven for a terrific variety of native wildlife and migratory birds. Its fertile forests and some three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, swamps and bayous. The refuge also shows off some pretty fall colors. Photo by Rita Szabo (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Orange sandstone towers stand brightly against a stormy sky at Canyonlands National Park in Utah. The Needles – named for the sandstone spires – form the southeast corner of the park and offer long day hikes and overnight trips. Photographer Bryan Moore caught this striking image after a refreshing dose of desert rain early one evening while camping in the Chesler Park area. Photo courtesy of Bryan Moore.

Last night’s supermoon appears as a huge, glowing orb over Cronan Ranch. At nearby Sutter’s Ranch, the discovery of gold started the California gold rush. Now, the area is famous as one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the United States, and also features 12 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and bird watching. If you missed the moon last night, be sure to check out moonrise tonight, which is projected to be equally spectacular. Photo by Bob Wick, @mypubliclands.

Much of the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier National Park in Montana is closed to vehicles for the winter. A fall snow storm dusted the mountains with white and brought silence to this recently bustling road. Accessible only by bike and on foot, visitors will have to work harder for these amazing mountains views now. Photo courtesy of Steve Muller.

Colorado’s San Miguel River Recreation Area protects rare plant communities amid beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy this spectacular area by navigating whitewater and stopping along the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway, which runs through this remote land of turbulent rivers and snow-capped peaks. Photo by Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands.

This Veterans Day, remember to honor all the men and women who have worn the uniform and fought for our freedom. To all who answered their country’s call, we appreciate your sacrifice and thank you for your service. Photo at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall & Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C. by National Park Service.

Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Peninsula offers many ways to discover Maine’s rugged coast without the busyness of Mount Desert Island. Photographer Will Greene caught this amazing #sunset photo while working this summer at the park. For more great photos of Acadia from summer interns, visit http://on.doi.gov/Acadia.

It’s gorgeous scenes like this sunrise at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming that remind everyone how beautiful your public lands are. From sea to shining sea, from snow capped mountains to cool, green forests, these special places offer a moment of zen. Foggy fall morning at Oxbow Bend by D. Brent Young (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).