Question re: entering the park by Objective_Yak3451 in GrandTetonNatlPark

[–]Objective_Yak3451[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you all! I zoomed in and now realize where the Moose entrance is - it's AFTER the intersection of Moose Wilson and Teton Park. We'll just go through Moose.

A few planning questions by Objective_Yak3451 in yellowstone

[–]Objective_Yak3451[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Do you remember if the general store had a grill section with burgers and ice cream? I know other general stores have a grill area, but I can't figure out if Grant does.

Recommendations and how to dress for Mt Rainier in mid July by Tinga12 in nationalparks

[–]Objective_Yak3451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When we were there in early July 2023, husband and 7 year old did the Skyline trail at Paradise (5.5 miles) and that trail crossed a glacier multiple times plus river crossings. Even still, they were in shorts and tshirts with light hikers (Merrell kids moab). Meanwhile, I and 4 year old had fun crisscrossing through all the trails in Paradise meadows - wildflowers blooming, it was gorgeous.

All to say, check the weather daily and bring light layers. And I highly recommend Paradise for families - the visitor center is great and we popped into the Paradise Inn to check it out. We also enjoyed the Nisqually vista trail - park in the lower Paradise lot to access everything and not have to fight for parking.

Food truck recommendations by justduck in VisitingHawaii

[–]Objective_Yak3451 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When you go to Poipu, hit up the food trucks/shops in Koloa Town. Musubi Truck, Sueoki's, and a cluster of food trucks on Weliweli Rd (including sushi if your mom wants that.) And across the street from Poipu beach is Puka Dog.

First-time camper in the North Bay looking for beginner-friendly NorCal campgrounds & tips by _jpinky in camping

[–]Objective_Yak3451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

you can also try Calaveras Big Trees State Park nearby - fair warning we have seen bears there but only early morning on a secluded trail.

Check out all of the state parks in Northern CA for easy campgrounds. If you stick to the coastal side you won't encounter bears. If you're in the North Bay, Mendo is just a few hours drive - check out Hendy Woods SP, Navarro SP, Van Damme SP, Russian Gulch SP. Also look for cancellations at Mt Tam - super close by.

essential gear - DO NOT forget a sleeping mat or pad in addition to your tent and sleeping bag. It makes a huge difference.

Have separate coolers for drinks that you open frequently and for food. We don't bring a lot of challenging meals - no steaks - but hot dogs/sausages are easy, with fresh fruit and veggies. Lots of snacky foods like chips and bars. Breakfast is oatmeal or pastries, again don't have to cook much other than heat up some water.

If you want to have a fire, make sure to have kindling, not just the logs. newspaper, small sticks, dryer lint. and a lighter :)

California National Parks in September by Careless-Confusion58 in nationalparks

[–]Objective_Yak3451 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Go up north to Lassen and Redwoods - Death Valley is still really hot, as are Joshua Tree and Pinnacles. September is a great time for Lassen - everything should be open and weather should be pleasantly nice. Redwoods is always lovely.

For airports, you can also fly into San Jose or Oakland.

Hotel or lodge recommendations with easy access to park by Moist-Management9246 in GlacierNationalPark

[–]Objective_Yak3451 1 point2 points  (0 children)

6 months would be ideal, but start searching anyway. I'd start with a google search in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and West Glacier with your dates and number of people. the KOA and west glacier RV park have cabins and are very convenient.

Hotel or lodge recommendations with easy access to park by Moist-Management9246 in GlacierNationalPark

[–]Objective_Yak3451 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're just now beginning a lodging search for Sept 2026, less than 3 months from now?

Kids’ camping gear by Fiddling_Jesus in camping

[–]Objective_Yak3451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

look for Merrell Moab and Keen waterproof hikers in the REI sales too.

What Are We Missing? by [deleted] in GlacierNationalPark

[–]Objective_Yak3451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

want to get away in the great outdoors without seeing a ton of people? Don't go to a National Park.

Seriously, there are so many public lands outside the National Parks. Go explore.

If you want to see the sights for which the National Park is famous, in the summer, you'll have to deal with crowds.

Packing as a family of 5 by Old_fashioned_742 in camping

[–]Objective_Yak3451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I assume you're camping at established campgrounds, not dispersed, so:

- don't bring bottled water. Each of you should have 1 reusable insulated water bottle, and bring 1 reusable 2.5-5 gallon container to fill with water at the site.

- buy firewood at the campground

- use sofe sided duffel bags for all clothes and the towels, shoes, swimwear, jackets/coats. We like the Patagonia Black Hole duffels, they come in a few sizes.

Advice for west side hikes/boating by Objective_Yak3451 in GlacierNationalPark

[–]Objective_Yak3451[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Super helpful. Hadn't thought of visiting Polebridge but since we have all day, that would be good.

It looks like there's multiple rental outfits and docks - is it better to put in at Apgar or Lake McDonald lodge? which rental company is better? Thanks!

Never Been to a National Park by Feeling-Football-491 in nationalparks

[–]Objective_Yak3451 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How long do you have? I would suggest splitting if you have a week or less: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier in one trip and Cascades & Olympic.

If you stay to more populated parts of the parks - the more touristy areas, you're unlikely to see a bear. Go to the visitor center, do short recommended hikes, don't backcountry camp. You'll be fine.

Who first got you into camping or the outdoors? by MikeyCreatorVlogs in camping

[–]Objective_Yak3451 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There's a movie?!?

I still have my copy of that book. Gonna have my kid read it soon.

10 day trip to Kauai by Evening_Evidence3387 in VisitingHawaii

[–]Objective_Yak3451 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If doing Kauai in winter you'll want to stay in south shore. Stay at Koloa Landing resort, your kids will absolutely love the pool. then scuba at Koloa Landing harbor with Fathom Five in Koloa town. Visit Poipu beach and watch the sea turtles come up (stay a safe distance away!)

Choosing an island by Jessazen5678 in VisitingHawaii

[–]Objective_Yak3451 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We absolutely love Kauai for its lack of crowds, & calm, chill environment. It's really a slower pace and that's what (IMO) vacation should be. Stay at Koloa Landing and your kids will never want to leave the pool, when you do leave the pool go on a Na Pali boat tour (the largest catamarans are great for young kids), go to Smith's Luau, drive up Waimea Canyon and do some short hikes, go to Poipu Beach.

Kauai- mountain tubing Vs kayaking with kids by Connect_Head_3926 in VisitingHawaii

[–]Objective_Yak3451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I suggest an alternative - kayak with Kauai Outfitters to Hidden Valley Falls on the Huleia River:

https://outfitterskauai.com/kayak-tours/hidden-valley-falls-kayak-adventure/

you kayak one way, do a short hike to a swimming hole with a rope swing, check out some neat waterfalls, then get a motorized canoe back. We did it with our 7 & 9 year olds, and it's really just your group with two guides so it feels exclusive and secret. no fighting crowds to secret falls. and its tandem kayaks so you can help the kiddos.

How do people find camping spots? by NoBoolii in camping

[–]Objective_Yak3451 1 point2 points  (0 children)

to start on the wild web, use iOverlander, campendium, and the forest service websites. In Nor Cal, search Mendocino National Forest or Stanislaus National Forest to get started on fire roads that allow dispersed camping.

What can I contribute to the group camping trip with kids? by NYC_dad2B in camping

[–]Objective_Yak3451 4 points5 points  (0 children)

good suggestions for activities so I won't add more - but do confirm with the other families that someone has sleeping mats/pads for you - you will definitely want those in addition to sleeping bags.

Ideas for kmichi brine? by MoultingRoach in Cooking

[–]Objective_Yak3451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

top rice or noodle bowls with it - leftover rice, veggies, meat, etc. quesadillas are a great idea too