June Lake, California is the type of place that makes you feel like you’re privy to a secret frosty wonderland most travelers miss. Part of its unrecognized and underutilized nature is connected to lack of accommodations and eatery options. But that’s changing. The town is going through a renaissance.

A spirited group of locals, and folks-in-the-know who flocked to June with a desire to see it revived, are creating a town that offers restaurants with attention to deliciousness and quality, boutique accommodations, and venues for world-class live music, weddings, and conferences.

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One thing they don’t have to tinker with (much) is the family-friendly June Mountain – the area’s ski area that’s rarely crowded, and has a maze of groomed runs that can entertain any level of skier or snowboarder for days. It’s how we found June Lake.

Oh, and they also don’t have to worry about gussying up the surroundings. I’ll be so bold as to say it’s encircled by some of the most extraordinary sight you’ll ever see, even when compared to nearby Mammoth Mountain.

June Lake’s dynamic combo of authentic, laid-back vibes, a revival of its adorable downtown area, views that seem more like a painting than reality, and slopes that were made for families, has made it our go-to destination when we’re craving a cozy mountain getaway. We’ve celebrated many holidays and birthdays in the rustic cabins scattered around the edges of town.

To get a better taste for the past, present and future of June Lake, I met with local Jamie Schectman, who’s a member of the June Lake Chamber of Commerce, and owner of the Balanced Rock Saloon. Jamie is like a June Lake encyclopedia, and offered up trivia that provided a more well rounded view of my favorite secret-turning-not-so-secret Cali locale.

• June Lake had its hey day in the 60s and 70s when celebrities would escape LA to recharge on June Mountain’s slopes.

• Kids under 12 ski free at June Mountain!

• Adult lift tickets are significantly cheaper at June Mountain than at Mammoth.

• Popular new businesses include a pizzeria, juice bar, music and event venue, and cannabis shop.

• Locals don’t want June Lake to become an Aspen or Vail. They’re committed to maintaining the no-fuss, small-town vibes.

• The June Lake Loop is 96% public land, essentially eliminating the risk of it turning into a commercialized, over-populated resort town.

• The classic spot for a burger, the Tiger Bar, has been alive and kicking since 1932.

• As it’s only 35-minutes from the east entrance of Yosemite, June Lake is a popular resting spot for those exploring this acclaimed national park.

• The T-Bar Social Club (fashioned after Chicago speakeasies) pulls in Grammy award winners, and other big acts that typically play in massive venues. As June Lake is on the route between many major cities, it’s easier for them to convince these performers to make a pit stop.

• Come summer 2021, the Balanced Rock Saloon will be one of the most coveted event spaces in the area, as it’s being remodeled to accommodate over 300 people, and will feature a large, upscale bar, stage with a mezzanine sky walk above it, catering kitchen, massive deck with amazing views, and a bridal suite.

• It’s in the works for June Mountain to get a new and improved ski lift to transport guests from the parking area to the lodge, and the base of many of the slopes. As the current glacial double lift is one of the only downsides of June Mountain, this would be a big win.

• Accommodation options like Yosemite Gateway Chalet, Double Eagle Lodge, and Victory Lodge provide high quality lodging.

• In the summer, activities like hiking Red’s Meadow to Rainbow Falls Overlook or Devil’s Postpile, paddle boarding or kayaking on June Lake, picnicking at June Lake Beach, water skiing on Grant Lake, and exploring Mono Lake are popular options.

• During the summer, there are over 600 campsites available for use on the June Lake Loop.

The post Why June Lake Needs To Be On Your Mountain Town Bucket List appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

A location with a brand of beauty that makes you feel like you’re looking at a postcard regardless of where you turn, Banff National Park has all the fixings for family getaways flush with unexpected adventure, enriching exploration and a feast of views that make the spirit smile. Everyone likes Banff. Even those kids that roll their eyes at pretty much everything.

Whether you and your brood yearn to explore crystalline lakes and mysterious forests teeming with elk, bears, and wolves, or sweeping glaciers and massive peaks, the 2,564 square miles of Banff National Park will be your fantasyland of nature-made wonders. This place is so good it deserves to skip past all those other locales on your bucket list and claim a spot in your top 5.

To help you craft a primo Banff itinerary, we’ve pulled together many of the best destinations and activities in this hallowed zone.

Tip: When you arrive, head to the Banff Visitor Centre and grab your kids a Parks Canada Xplorers booklet, which will help them stay engaged during your Banff adventure.

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1. Riding the Banff Gondola

During this 8-minute ride you’ll rise 2,292-feet and summit at a mind-blowing overlook featuring views of Bow Valley and six mountain ranges. Stroll along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, distracting the kids with a mission to sketch the views or engage in a photo contest (where everyone wins!), while the adults read information boards chronicling the history of Banff, Canada’s first national park.

Then, check out the interpretive centre offering hands-on exhibits and the multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre that allows you to assume the POV of a bald eagle and experience the wild shifts in the local weather. Top off the adventure with a visit to the 360-degree rooftop observation deck and a bowl of chowder and strawberry shortcake at the Sky Bistro.

2. Hiking Sunshine Meadows

After taking a gondola ride to the gateway of Sunshine Meadows, a web of hiking trails await. These paths wind through an ecosystem of glacier lilies, fire weed, Lady’s Slippers, and other vibrant foliage, and are all backed by commanding views of the Canadian Rockies. While all of the trails in the meadows are spectacular, the most family-friendly include the Rock Isle Lake path (90-minutes), the Grizzly-Larix Lakes Loop (3.5-hours), and the Twin Cairns-Meadow Park/ Sunshine Meadows Loop (2.75-hours.)

Bring your binoculars as wildlife sightings are common in these alpine meadows. Butterflies, hummingbirds, warblers and even bears and elk call the area home.

If you want to get the inside scoop on the flora and fauna of the meadows, hop on one of the interpretive guided walks offered by Banff National Park.

3. Cruising on the Lake Minnewaka

A one-hour interpretive boat cruise on Lake Minnewaka allows you to gain a unique perspective of the emerald waters of this body of water, in addition to the awe-inspiring mountain vistas, lush pine and spruce forests, and if you’re lucky, bighorn sheep, American bald eagles, ospreys, and deer bordering the shore.

The boat captains are well-versed in the history, geology, animals, park-policy and native involvement of Banff, allowing the cruise to double as an in-depth education for those with an interest. When booking your tour, make sure to select the Family Cruise, as it’s geared towards children under 12 with a treasure hunt, games, a kids journal book, and of course, ice cream.

4. Soaking in Banff Upper Hot Springs

Photo from Banff National Park Facebook

After all the exploring you’ve been saying yes to, a dip in these mineral hot springs will soothe your muscles so you can keep charging. The large tub’s unique fusion of minerals, gases and temperature enhance blood circulation, reduce stress and pain, and relieve symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

In addition to the health benefits, the combination of steam rising from the water and the staggering views of the surrounding peaks and forests create an ethereal atmosphere sure to wow even the most blasé of kiddos. So bring your camera.

Tip: Miss the crowds by visiting the springs in the morning.

5. Playing at Central Park Playground

A playground that seems to have sprouted from nature, Banff’s riverside Central Park features a kid-friendly climbing wall, tiny grassy hill, faux mountain, multiple slides, and stumps to climb on. This is an optimal place for the kids to blow off steam while you read a book in the grass.

6. Exploring Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Photo from Banff National Park Facebook

Discovered by railway workers in 1883, this cave, filled with sparkling blue hot mineral water, and surrounded by Middle-Earth-esque rock walls, is a great short excursion for families exploring Banff. Start in the small museum that provides interactive exhibits, and film presentations offering insight into the history of the springs and Banff National Park. Then, follow the tunnel into the cave and snap photos until you can no longer stomach the smell of sulphur.

7. Riding a Sleigh

The most idyllic way to take in snow-kissed Banff, the horse-drawn sleigh rides offered by Banff Adventures last 45-60 minutes and whisk you across the snowy meadows of the area, which dissolve into thick forests and the towering face of the Rockies. Make sure chills don’t ruin your ride by dressing warm, and bringing blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate.

8. Evening Wildlife Safari

As many of the most compelling local creatures, like elk, mountain goats and grizzlies, wait until dusk to get active, Discover Banff Tours offers various evening expeditions to areas that are almost sure to feature wildlife. While this company can’t guarantee your tour will include animal sightings, they have a 95% success rate.

9. Hiking Tunnel Mountain

This easy hike starts in town and weaves up the smallest mountain in Banff. But don’t let the “smallest” descriptor put you off, as the summit gets you high enough to provide spellbinding views that demand you sit and stare for awhile. If your kids are early risers, have a truly memorable breakfast by filling a coffee thermos, grabbing some goodies from Wild Flour Bakery and enjoying your fare at the top. Expect to spend two to three hours round-trip on this adventure.

10. Kayaking or Canoeing on Lake Moraine

As you glide above the depths of Lake Moraine you feel as though you’re floating on turquoise air. The astonishing clarity coupled with the mesmerizing color make this lake one of the most enchanting stops in Banff, especially because it also features views of the Valley Of The Ten Peaks, and occasionally, wildlife sightings if you paddle close to shore.

From mid-July to early October take full advantage of these waters by renting kayaks or canoes at Moraine Lake Lodge or Banff Canoe Club. Banff Canoe Club also offers canoe tours of Bow River, Forty Mile Creek and a branch of Vermillion Lakes.

11. Picnicking on Fenland Trail

Treat your family to a wander along this path that passes through a white spruce forest, and the shores of Forty Mile Creek and Vermillion Lakes. As it’s only a 1.2-mile loop, even the littlest of littles can manage it, especially if you stop for a picnic on the bank of the creek. If you want to extend the excursion, hop on the Bow River Trail that connects with Fenland on Norquay Road and follows the Bow River through downtown Banff.

Tip: This trail can get buggy so bring insect repellent.

12. Dogsledding Tour

Get an authentic feel for what life in the old world Canadian wilderness was like by being pulled on a sled by 12 to 16 dogs, and a musher (the driver.) Banff Tours offers a range of dogsledding packages that range from a short jaunt through the snow-covered meadows of Banff, to a full-on adventure past the peaks, lakes and forests of the park.

Some of the packages include a chance to drive your own sled, and one is even paired with a helicopter ride. If your tot is worried they won’t be able to join, know that all ages are welcome.

13. Driving Icefields Parkway

If you have an interest in taking in both Banff and Jasper National Park, hop on the Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile road named one of the best drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. This scenic drive takes you past more than 100 glaciers, lakes emanating colors so vibrant you’re pretty sure they’re fake (but spoiler, they’re not), jagged spires, dramatic valleys, latch and pine forests, and waterfalls, lots of waterfalls. It’s pretty much the best road trip ever.

Because there’s so much to see along the way, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Highlights include the Crowfoot Glacier at Bow Lake, Bow Summit, Saskatchewan River Crossing, Weeping Wall, Parker Ridge, Glacier Skywalk, Athabaska Falls and so much more.

If you want your kids to be interested in the drive, create a sightseeing scavenger hunt list that contains sights they’re likely to see.

14. Taking Photos at the Top of Rockpile Trail

As it’s only a half-mile loop, this hike is super easy and offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Moraine. The views are so extraordinary they make the absurdly crowded parking lot worth it. Speaking of crowds… they fill up that parking lot fast, so plan to go on a weekday super duper early. Or, one of the adults can drop everyone off, and stay in the car until another adult trades off with them so they can do the short walk.

Fun Fact: This view is so epic it was the image used for the back of Canadian twenty dollar bills issued between 1969 and 1979.

15. Tubing at Mount Norquay

If you’re visiting Banff between December and April you can likely score a ride at this tube park located five minutes from town. With eight tubing lanes, a magic carpet that cancels out the worst part of sledding (walking up the hill), and a kid-zone for littles under four who are too young to ride a tube, this chilly wonderland is a great way to spend an afternoon and tucker out your kids.

The post 15 Things To Do in Banff National Park With Kids appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

Oregon is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re really communing with the birds and the bees when you camp – even if you’re living out of a giant RV on a patch of asphalt.

The fusion of miles of hiking and biking trails in forests so thick and mysterious you wonder if you’ll cross paths with a moody teen vampire, sprawling coastlines uncongested with luxury homes and hotels, and tide pools that can captivate even the most “this is boring” of kids’ attention, make Oregon campgrounds some of the best in the world.

While there really aren’t many undesirable places to camp in this lush state, the campgrounds along the coast offer up outdoor adventures so enchanting you stop caring about Netflix and showering in a non-communal bathroom. We highly recommend packing up your family, and all that gear, and saying yes to a week, or heck, an entire summer posted up on the Oregon coast.

Note: Almost all of these campgrounds fill up fast, especially during the summer months. If you want to camp in the off-season (typically mid-September to mid-May) you’re probably safe booking six to eight months in advance, maybe less. If you’re going in the summer, book 12 to 16 months in advance. We know, crazy… but worth it.

Another Note: Most showers in Oregon State Parks are free – yay! And while firewood is almost always for sale at these campgrounds, it’s pretty expensive. If possible, pack your own wood.

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Best for Swimming: Sunset Bay State Park

Photo by Reserve America

Located in a bay of sandstone cliffs, Sunset Bay State Park offers refuge from the rough water and blustery weather common on the Oregon Coast – aka, it’s not exhausting to have a beach day here. And there are tide pools!

A number of hiking excursions are available from Sunset Bay, such as walks to and in nearby Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park. Many of these coastal trails open to epic views of Gregory Point and Cape Arago lighthouse, and wind through dense forest splashed with the colors of seasonal wildflowers.

Much like some of the other campgrounds in this here post, the sites at Sunset Bay offer a greater sense of privacy than most car camping sites, as they’re encircled by ferns, shrubbery, maples, firs, spruces and a variety of other foliage that make you forget there are over 100 other sites surrounding you.

Amenities: 30 full hook-up sites, 35 electrical sites, over 25 tent sites, eight yurts, hot showers, not-hot toilets, and firewood for sale.

Tip: If you feel like drinking while reading this article, take a sip every time we write “sites.” Bottoms up!

Best for Hiking and Biking: South Beach State Park

Photo by Oregon State Parks

With the largest collection of yurts amongst Oregon state parks (they have 27!), and 227 electrical sites and 60 tent sites, South Beach is able to accommodate a bustling community of Mother Nature enthusiasts. Prime appeals include the paved path leading through quintessential sand dunes to the beach, guided hikes on the numerous trails branching off the campground, and education-masked-as-fun Junior Ranger activities.

For those wanting to take to the water, the park can set up 2.5-hour kayaking tours on Beaver Creek, 7-miles south of South Beach. Head to the Park Store to register.

If you want to mix it up, check out the nearby Yaquina Bay Lighthouse or the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Amenities: 227 electrical sites with water, 60 tent sites, 27 yurts, showers and toilets, firewood and ice for sale.

Best for Beach Walks: Nehalem Bay State Park

Photo by Reserve America

Nestled on a 4-mile sandspit between the ocean and Nehalem Bay, this campground is a (mostly) nature-made playground of sand dunes, wide expanses of beach for exploring and sand castle building, and shore pines that offer refuge to deer and elk. Many of the sites don’t provide much privacy from neighbors, but the abundance of unfettered wilderness surrounding the clusters of sites makes it easy to slip away for a more private rendezvous with Mother Nature.

For those wanting in-depth interactions with the ocean and its critters, kayaking, crabbing, fishing and clamming are favorite activities at this campground. Beach combing is another popular pastime, with agates, shells and (if you’re lucky) glass floats resting in the sand. In addition, a two-mile bike trail skims the perimeter of the bay, and a walking path leads to the nearby beach community of Manzanita.

If you’re planning on coming in on your private plane, the park provides an airstrip for small planes. And if this is your plan, can you please pick us up on your way? Thank you!

Amenities: Showers, toilets, 265 electrical sites with water, 18 yurts, 17 horse sites, amphitheater, playground, and ice and firewood for sale.

Best for Scenic Sites: Beverly Beach State Park

While the sites at Beverly Beach are packed tight, most are surrounded by forest and near a creek you could envision a Disney maiden singing beside. Both factors distract from the fact that your tent might just be close enough to your neighbor’s that you pray they don’t eat beans before bed.

When you crave space to roam, walk the path that leads under the freeway and onto one of the largest stretches of beach of all the campgrounds listed here. In addition to sand ideal for drip castles, the beach offers seemingly endless microcosms to explore in the tide pools. If you begin yearning for a splash of urban-ish life, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is nearby, in addition to Newport.

Amenities: 53 full hookups, 75 electrical sites, 128 tent sites, 21 yurts, showers, toilets and interpretive programs

Best for Sand Dunes: Jesse M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

Photo by Reserve America

This park isn’t right on the beach, but its sand dunes and lake adventures are so good we had to include it on this list. (And if you end up with a hankering for the beach, it’s super close.)

As these grounds sit on both Woahink and Cleawox Lake it’s the optimal spot to go in the summer, as you can get your dune buggy-ing and sand-sledding in during the cooler morning hours, then rent kayaks or paddle boats, or keep it simple with a swim and lakeside nap, in the heat of the day. It’s all paradisiacal and makes us think of the classic summer camp movies we yearned to recreate but never could… until now!

With all that summer stuff said, this is a great place to go during all seasons (with the exception of winter, sorry winter) as pink rhododendrons sprinkle the grounds with color in the Spring, and ripened huckleberries and blackberries offer the strangely thrilling activity of foraging for snacks in the Fall.

If you don’t have your own dune buggies or ATVs, head to Sand Dunes Frontier where you can hop on a sand rails or dune buggies tour, or rent ATVs.

Amenities: 47 full hook up sites, 121 electrical sites with water, 187 tent sites, 10 yurts, showers and toilets, and firewood for sale.

Best for History Buffs: Fort Stevens State Park

Photo by StateParks.com

Pirate loving littles will adore the 4,300-acre Fort Stevens State Park, as the Peter Iredale shipwreck rests on its 20-mile expanse of coastline. Although the ship wasn’t actually inhabited by pirates, we can pretend.

With over 300 tent sites and 150 RV spots, this is one of the largest campgrounds on the Oregon Coast, and one of the most popular because of its awe-inspiring surroundings filled with wildlife, a swimmable lake, and the aforementioned shipwreck and massive shore that’s great for beach-combing. Also popular is the nine-mile network of paved bicycle trails, and six-miles of hiking trails.

In addition, those with a penchant for history will enjoy the onsite Military Museum, and retired barracks, batteries, and bunkers that chronicle the fort’s history from its inception during the Civil War, to its closing at the end of World War II. There are even underground tours available in the summer.

If glamping is more your speed, or you’re on an extended camping adventure and just need a few nights in a real bed, Fort Stevens (like many of the campgrounds on this list) offers 13 yurts and 11 deluxe cabins.

Amenities: Showers, toilets, running water, a 9-hole disc golf course, and an amphitheater that plays educational films.

Best for Photography: Cape Lookout State Park

All 170 sites, and other accommodation options, at this coveted campground are set in one of the most stunning natural environments in the United States, which is why it’s one of the hardest to get a reservation at – book way in advance.

But the early planning is worth it, as the grounds are adjacent to a three-mile stretch of beach with dramatic views, and connected to eight-miles of hiking trails that wind through old growth forests. And make sure to look up, as hang gliding and paragliding are popular pastimes in the area, offering impromptu aerial shows for campers.

Amenities: Hot showers, toilets, an interpretive center and firewood sold between April and October.

Best for Wildlife Sightings: Harris Beach State Park

Photo by Reserve America

Just down the road from Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – an extraordinary 12-mile stretch that features secluded beaches, dramatic bluffs and unique rock formations, including Natural Bridge and Arch Rock – Harris Beach State Park serves up a dynamic platter of outdoor adventure. Beyond the nearby Scenic Corridor, this state park opens to a beach that features its own intriguing rock formations, which include Bird Island, the largest island off the Oregon coast, and a breeding site for tufted puffins.

In addition, visitors can explore a variety of aquatic microcosms via the numerous tide pools scattered across the shoreline. Offering wildlife sightings on a larger scale are the gray whales (during winter and spring migration), Harbor seals, California sea lions, and sea birds that frequent the area.

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Amenities: 65 full-hookup sites, 25 electrical sites with water, 59 tent sites, six yurts, a playground, toilets, hot showers, and firewood for sale.

The post 8 of the Best Family Campgrounds on the Oregon Coast appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

Do you enjoy the feeling of finding a hidden gem that’s often overlooked because it’s in the shadow of a giant diamond? Yes? Then head to June Lake, the often ignored neighbor of the world-renowned Mammoth Mountain.

This idyllic mountain town is undergoing a renaissance, as a surge of creative entrepreneurs have opened up a juice bar, cannabis shop, high-quality pizzeria, music venue, and so much more. In addition, June Lake offers some of the most spectacular views in the area, because of its primo location at the base of the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. However, a tricky thing about June Lake is that many of the accommodations haven’t caught up with the downtown revival. But there are some exceptions.

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When it’s only the three of us heading to June Lake we often stay in the Double Eagle Lodge, which is a cozy, comfortable collection of small cabins and hotel rooms with access to a vintage spa, and a good restaurant. But when we’re traveling with a group it’s all about the Yosemite Gateway Chalet. When Huddy first saw the house he spent 15-minutes running through all the rooms saying, “Oh my gawd,” over and over.

As a fellow lover-of-all-things-cozy, I’m pretty sure he was so stoked because this chalet is what most people envision when thinking of a cabin in the snow. It fills you with the warm and fuzzies.

In addition to being the epitome of cozy-quaint, the house is offered at a pretty affordable rate, and is only three-minutes from June Mountain – our preferred mountain for family ski sessions.

If you’re visiting June Lake in the spring or summer you’re still in for a treat, as this property is surrounded by a large manicured lawn, and sprinkled with aspen and cottonwood trees. There’s also a small creek and adorable mini-bridges winding through the property.

This is the place to go if you’re yearning for a welcoming snow-shelter, or wanting a home base while you explore the beauty of Yosemite National Park and Mono County.

House Stats

• Max Occupancy: 8 people

• Bedrooms: 3 (but people could totally bunk up in the Grand Room or smaller living room)

• Baths: 3.5

• Minimum Stay: 3 – 7 nights

• Cost: $295 – $995 per night

To ensure you have an ideal experience, here are key tips to consider.

Turn the hot tub on ASAP

As it takes a few hours to get the large hot tub to heat up, turn it on as soon as you arrive. There’s a control panel for the hot tub to the left of the sliding doors that lead to the patio. Press “Filter” then “Aux 2” to get the heat started. We recommend bringing beach towels from home so you don’t have to use bath towels.

The classic 80s-cabin-decor works

While many travelers prefer updated accommodations, the vintage vibes of the Yosemite Gateway Chalet create a charming ambiance that makes you feel like you’re on a true mountain getaway. Just let yourself lean into it.

Read all the material they send ahead of time

The info provided by the owner before your stay will give you a head start on how to work the house. In addition, having all the adults read the full manual (not too long) when you arrive ensures everyone’s familiar with what to do, and not to do, during your stay.

Bring an eye mask

Many of the windows don’t have blinds, meaning you can have an early wake up call if you don’t have an eye covering. I was even woken up by the moon one night.

Tip: To revel in stunning views, set your alarm for sunrise and lay in bed taking in the sights.

Bring movies from home

The large television in the Grand Room does not have cable or streaming services – an admirable attempt to get guests to unplug. But they do offer an eclectic collection of DVDs and VHS tapes (kickin’ it old school!) While adults can find good movies in the stash, there aren’t many for kids, so bring some from home.

Plan a full day at the house

This house is so rad you’ll want to spend at least one day savoring its adorable-ness. Stock up on hot cocoa and comfort food fixings, start the fire, grab the board games and settle in.

As jigsaw puzzles are our all-time favorite cabin-activity, bring a few from home and use the backgammon table in the Grand Room as a puzzle station.

Pack toiletries

The toiletries are limited (nothing beyond liquid soap); so bring shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and other essentials. You can also snag these essentials at the general store.

Know that many of the lights have motion sensors

When I first arrived I thought there was something iffy with the power, until I realized that many of the lights have motion sensors and will turn off if they haven’t sensed motion for a set amount of time.

Check out the garage because…

There’s a climbing wall in it! We likely wouldn’t have found it until our last day if we hadn’t been making the tour video. This is such a rare find you have to give it a try.

There’s also a utility room in the garage

Know that adjacent to the climbing wall is a small laundry room with a washer and dryer that can handle a large-ish load.

Utilize the stand up paddleboards

If you’re visiting in the warmer months you must try the multiple SUPs in the garage. June Lake is one of the most primo spots in the area to explore, and a SUP is the best way to do that. But because the water is always cold, bring wetsuits from home if you’re sensitive to frigid water temps. Launch from June Lake Beach.

Buy groceries at the Vons in Mammoth

As the grocery situation is a bit limited in June Lake, you’ll want to stock up at the Vons in Mammoth on your way to June (if you’re coming from the south.) You can also find basics at the June Lake General Store, and the restaurant scene has gotten a lot better in the past year.

Make a rule that all snowy shoes enter through the door to the left of the driveway

This door leads directly into a mudroom with a ton of storage for snow gear.

Bring a portable speaker

If you’re a music lover, bring a portable speaker.

Sigh. Writing this makes me yearn for a spiked hot cocoa by the fire in the Grand Room, whilst I tinker with a puzzle and listen to Hudson marvel at a fuzzy VHS showing of Indiana Jones. #VacationGoals y’all.

But seriously, the Yosemite Gateway Chalet is where it’s at, and should 100% be on your bucket list if you’re looking for the ideal place to spend the holidays, or just need a rejuvenating reprieve from the fast times of the 21st century.

While you have June Lake on the mind, check out some of our favorite establishments and activities in the area.

The post Guide To Yosemite Gateway Chalet – One of The Most Idyllic Log Cabins In June Lake appeared first on Adventure Travel Fam.

I have a recurring nightmare of a tornado ripping through my house. This dream isn’t totally unfounded, as I grew up in Austin, Texas where the threat of tornadoes was present, but not imminent — we have a lot of hills.

But tornadoes ended their Austin hiatus Memorial Day Weekend, 2015, when we were camping at our property by the Pedernales River, outside of Austin. A Super El Nino had been raging for the month of May, slowly refilling the lakes without becoming severe, so we expected rain and not much more.

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Our first day camping was dry until dark clouds pushed in around 2:00 p.m. The rain began and the adults hunkered down under tarps with cards and boxes of wine, while the kids played soccer in a progressively expanding mud pit.

After four hours of mud play I hosed Hudson off and put him to sleep in our tent. Then, the thunder and lightening began, and the sky turned green. My childhood fears reemerged and my intestines felt like they were strangling themselves. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I’m a chronic over-reactor and that Austin doesn’t have tornados. And then my phone blared, displaying the message, “Tornado Warning- Take cover now!” Well sh*t. We were far from any structures or drainage ditches, and sleeping in propped up fabric.

I ran to my parents in search of comfort and guidance. They looked tense but not panicked. My dad drove to the bridge (our only way back to town) and confirmed that it was flooded. No way out.

Luckily, said river was in a canyon and we were camping on the bluff, so flooding was not a pressing threat… but the tornado warning.

While we weighed our options lightening struck a tree thirty feet away and I sprinted across a water-coated field to my sleeping baby.

In the next five minutes the weather worsened and my now-frantic mom appeared at our tent, telling me to grab Hudson and get to a car. I grabbed Hudson and ran to a nearby Prius, which was not my finest moment, as there were ample trucks I could have chosen. I also had no idea where Eric was, and later found out he had sought safety in the port-a-potty.

The rain was so heavy, sky so dark, and thunder so deafening, our only glimpses of what was happening outside the car came when the lightning would strike, every three to four seconds. We had no way of knowing where the tornado was, but continual warnings on my phone assured me that is was still present.

After four hours in the car, the lightning waned and the warnings reduced to advisories. We returned to the tent and gratefully fell asleep.

At 3:00 a.m. I sat up, knowing something new was coming. Again, my phone started screaming with tornado warnings and my Doppler radar app showed a thick boomerang of blood red reaching from Mexico to Oklahoma.

This time, the lightning and moving water was too thick to attempt a dash to the car. As Eric and I lay listening to the increasing intensity of the rain, thunder, and lightning a new sound joined the party — the sound of an airplane, or approaching train… a tornado.

As the rumble grew closer I placed my body over Hudson’s, tucking the blankets tight around us, trying to convince myself that it would make a difference if the tornado ripped through the patch of cedar trees we were camping in.

That’s when I had my first panic attack — my heart began beating so hard and fast it felt like it was going to choke me. My sweat dripped onto my child, and I started shaking. For an hour, the roar, which easily cut through the constant thunder and cracks of lightning, seemed to come closer, then retreat, then reemerge.

I thought we were going to die. Even if an F-1 (the weakest) tornado hit us, our tent would do nothing to protect us from falling trees.

Stuck outside in a storm teeming with tornadoes (there were three in our area that night) was my worst fear realized. But unlike my fears from childhood, my child’s life was now at risk as well. I can come to terms with my mortality, but not my kid’s.

The red band of terror eventually passed, without a direct hit from a tornado. While the twisters only caused minor damage, the flooding resulted in tragedy, as the nearby rivers rose 20 feet in one hour, resulting in a wall of water that peaked at 45 feet around 3am. Survivors reported a black tidal wave slamming into homes, forcing them onto their roofs, praying for rescue. The flood swept homes off their foundations, and claimed 14 lives.

One home that was carried down river contained a family of four. The parents held their young children as they surrendered to the unthinkable. When the house hit a bridge, they were ripped away from one another and the father was sucked out a window.

Only the father survived.

My heart still aches for this family. I can’t imagine what they went through. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I couldn’t stop thinking about how surrender is wholly unnatural for parents, especially when it comes to our kids. Our conditioning to fix, to do, to heal, to protect, is threatened by situations that demand a forfeit of control. When faced with a problem, specifically concerning our children, we feel an unbearable desire to shelter them. “There must be something to do,” we think, but that night taught me the painful lesson that sometimes there is nothing we can do.

The next day was still and clear, but with the river still raging we couldn’t leave.

After a day of waiting, we were able to drive back to Austin as we watched a growing blob of hot pink on the radar roll towards our camp. From the safety of my uncle’s house we watched the newscaster report “a large and extremely dangerous” tornado ripping through the area we had just left. An unheard of seven tornadoes were spotted in Austin that day, with twelve feet of moving water rolling through downtown.

While we’re still crazy enough to continue the tradition of camping on our Central Texas property every Memorial Day Weekend, you can be sure we keep a close eye on the radar and pull up stakes long before we get caught in another ferocious display by Mother Nature.

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Bryce Canyon National Park

Magnificent geysers cascade up out of the ground. Waterfalls tumble into sparkling rivers. Miles of hiking trails wind through forests, circle the borders of impossibly blue lakes, and offer views of towering rock formations. If you need a vacation, a national park trip can provide a spectacular change of scenery.

The national park system includes 419 national park sites protected for their natural and cultural heritage. The sites attract more than 300 million visitorsa year. These federally protected spaces offer something for everyone, including programs for kids, guided tours, scenic roadways, backcountry camping, and four-star historic lodges. To ensure your vacation is picture perfect, we’ve compiled tips for choosing and exploring your favorite national park.

Pick the Perfect Park

You’ve heard of Yosemite, Zion, and Yellowstone. But what about Wind Cavein South Dakota, Voyageurs in Minnesota, or Kobuk Valley in Arkansas? Crowds flock to the most popular national parks. But you may be able to avoid packed trails and roads by visiting a lesser-known park such as one of these.

• Great Sand Dunes National Park

Sandboard or sled down the tallest dunes in North America in this Colorado park and preserve 170 miles north of Santa Fe. Hike through aspen and conifer forests, and explore grasslands and wetlands on horseback. Swim and fish in alpine lakes, and scope out sandhill cranes on their spring or fall migration. Navigate the sand on a fat bike or borrow a dunes wheelchair. And if you visit during May or early June, bring your swimsuits so you can wade and play in shallow Medano Creek, which has a mysterious surge flow that creates ocean-like waves.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park

This urban park in Atlanta, Georgia, invites visitors to walk through the civil rights leader’s birthplace and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King served as co-pastor with his father. Also, tour the King Center, which includes Dr. and Coretta Scott King’s crypt and exhibits on both the couple and Mahatma Gandhi, King’s hero.

• Isle Royale National Park

Visitors to this Michigan archipelago must travel across Lake Superior. There, you can kayak or canoe in a multitude of bays and coves; fish; and scuba dive down to several shipwrecks. Explore the Rock Harbor Lighthouse, and look for moose and wolves as you hike or backpack through birch, spruce, and aspen. Take a wheel-chair-accessible boat tour, and spend the night stargazing at one of the park’s numerous campgrounds.

Read the full article here.

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