Top 10 Stunning Locations for Women in the Western and Midwestern United States

These extraordinary destinations are each inspired by their own distinct charm and allure, offering unique adventures, waiting to be explored. I’ve compiled this list of my favorite parks, for female travelers seeking to explore with confidence and a positive mind set. These are also places I felt completely safe while traveling alone.

1. Hoh National Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge

This mystical North American rainforest, located in the western part of Olympic National Park, was the sole reason for my journey to Washington. Strolling through this fairy-tale like forest was like entering another world: raindrops gently tapping against vivid greenery, while the earth released a divine petrichor scent, massive old-growth trees draped with hanging moss, and giant beautiful arches each way I turned. My arrival was at the beginning of Autumn, and I marveled at the cascades of golden-orange leaves, softly floating to the damp forest floor. I will always remember the feeling of admiration I experienced while gazing up at these creature-like mossy trees. It was like something out of the movie FernGully, or a Dr. Seuss book. Time seemed to stand still there, with lush foliage towering over me, and the sound of the rain against the trees soothed every fiber of my being.

For those who live for dramatic mountain views, Hurricane Ridge is a must-visit. This destination is in the Northern part of Olympic National Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains, rich dreamy hues, and the most beautiful picnic areas I’ve ever seen. The friendly deer add to the charm, and I was delighted at how close they approached when I sat to soak in the view.

Thinking of this National Park brings a smile to my face every time. Mount Rainier holds a special place in my heart. Standing at 14,411 ft above sea level, this snowcapped mountain is simply breathtaking. Waking up to a colorful sunrise right below its peak, and strolling through the pine trees first thing in the morning, was a dream come true for me. During this visit, I embarked the Skyline Trail Loop alone. There was never a moment where I didn’t feel safe, and I even met other friendly adventurers throughout the trail. The climb seemed much longer than I thought it would be, but luckily it was very beautiful; I wandered across idyllic meadows, sprinkled with sunny wildflowers, vibrant sprawling valleys, and glaciers revealing a cascading waterfall. I climbed on and on and saw a pure-white mountain goat, and magnificent views of the rugged Olympic peaks. It was a bit challenging, but once I finally reached the summit, soaring 5,500 above sea level, I felt my pain and discomfort melt away. The crisp mountain air and heartfelt gratitude swept through me as I sat down to bask in my accomplishment, and soak in the majestic landscape.

Another gem in WA! I will likely create a guide for this magnificent state in the future, seeing as I have become so enamored with it. This park left me yearning for more, and I dream of visiting its dense forests again in the near future. I drove here on a spontaneous same day trip from Seattle, specifically for Diablo lake. It exceeded all expectations. Never had I seen such clear emerald green waters, and the scenic drive there filled me with a sense of elation and tranquility. I’d embarked on this last-minute adventure on a hot summer day, and though I did make my way down to stick my feet in the lake, I spent most of it at the top of the cliff, reading and filming, while awaiting the sunset. 

It’s impossible to describe the overwhelming feeling of awe I experienced the first time I saw a red wood tree. That moment had lived in my imagination for years, and finally being there alone, with nothing but my camera and guitar, seemed destined. I only wish I would’ve filmed myself approaching them, because I was truly captivated in all the details; studying them in amazement as I ran my fingers over their auburn bark. They were dusty and majestic, with silky spider webs woven in between the cracks and crevices. I remember feeling a rush of euphoria, as I looked up at these majestic stems. It was an invigorating, humbling experience, and I can still recall the sweet earthy scents of the bark and fallen needles.

I’ve visited Yosemite several times now, and I believe everyone should visit this park at least once in their lifetime. I am in love with all it has to offer: sparkling granite cliffs, enormous mountains looming against the picturesque landscapes, dazzling waterfalls, and the crystal-clear rivers, filled with vibrant stones and pebbles. My first year coincided with wildfire season, and though my trip was cut short, I was blessed with some unforgettable memories, and gorgeous pink sky photos. The west side of the park is my favorite for challenging hikes, waterfalls, and iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome. However, I also feel a deep connection to the east side of the park for its pristine lakes, dreamy meadows, and serene BLM camping locations. Continuing further from the east entrance unveils several new treasures. Cute little mountain towns, the impressive Mono Lake, scenic horse pastures with stunning mountain vistas, and my favorite dispersed camping sites and hot springs. I feel at home in the Eastern Sierras, and could easily spend months camping there.

Multnomah Falls is located in eastern Oregon, and it is one of the most accessible and beautiful hikes I’ve found so far. If you’ve ever watched Homeward Bound, you’ll recognize it as the same waterfall the pets encountered while navigating their way home. A short stroll from the parking lot will lead you into the roaring waterfall, and the easy hike down leads you to a second waterfall, with gorgeous crystal-clear pools along the river. Sunlight filters through these clear waters, creating an enchanting display of blue, while the scent of the surrounding trees adds to the magical feeling of this destination.

My first time at Joshua tree was on my birthday, many moons ago, when I was getting into rock climbing. Since then, I have experienced both the strenuous and challenging aspects of this terrain, while also reveling in its relaxing and serene ambiance. The park is vast, and I have yet to explore all of it, but what draws me back are the mesmerizing sunrises and cotton candy pink sunsets. The desert’s golden light creates a beautiful glow over the vast wilderness, and the rock formations, cliffs, and boulders are all remarkable and distinctive, some even bearing an uncanny resemblance to human forms. My first time camping out there was with a friend; we went on a motorcycle ride at sunset, cooked a delicious steak dinner with margaritas, and pondered our existence beneath the canopy of shimmering stars.

This was one of the most magical last-minute experiences I encountered on my roadtrip east. So much so, that I vowed I would return someday, with a better drone, and for a longer period of time. I’d heard of the badlands, and seen a few photos, but I didn’t make up my mind about going until a dear friend of mine, who also happens to be a serious landscape photographer, told me it was absolutely worth visiting. Let me tell you, I could stare at those mountains and hills for hours. Here, I witnessed some of the most dramatic jagged mountain peaks, looming hills of clay and rock, painted with golden yellows, transitioning into blood red clay, plum shades, and deep burgundies. I visited during late October, and found myself completely alone, the only car for miles several times throughout my stay. In these moments, I felt complete peace of mind, and experienced some of the dreamiest sunsets and silent nights, under the diamond-like stars. If you are a landscape photographer, or aspire to be, this is simply a park you can’t miss. The golden hour there is unmatched, as the light reflects off all the cracks and crevices of the rock formations, with Badlands stretching as far as the eye can see.

Otherworldly. That’s the first word that always comes to mind when I try describe this park. Yellowstone had been on my list for years, and when I finally arrived in the late afternoon, I enjoyed a delicious tofu salad, paired with a glass of red wine, at a picnic table by a flowing river. The drive in had been mostly flat and uneventful, yet I was filled with happiness; I had finally made it to Yellowstone. The sunset was my reward after the long drive, as the sky exploded in sherbet oranges and rosy-hued clouds. As the rays shone down and intensified, the river seemed to soak in the, and I spent the next few minutes filming this brilliant display. Once the sun went down, I drove to the quaint little village right outside of the park, and went to bed early, parked outside of a country saloon.

I woke up before sunrise, drove back further into the park, and saw visions beyond my wildest dreams. Honestly, I must’ve stopped over 10 times on the way to my destination, that’s how incredible the sights from this morning were. It was freezing cold, so I’d run out and take photos for as long as I could bear, then run back to my car to blast the heater. I hadn’t seen a landscape like that in my entire life, and the earth seemed to come alive; geothermal features erupting, bubbling steam creating tremendous clouds against the indigo sky. I was en route to see the famous geyser I’d always seen online, when I approached a straight road, and was able to witness the sun on my right side, and the moon on my left. Waking up to these sights first thing in the morning was so surreal, and delightfully refreshing. It felt like I’d driven into an entirely different planet. I saw pools of colors I didn’t know existed, glowing neon rainbow-colored hues, peaceful meadows leading to cracked pink earth, and dusty clay terrain. Yellowstone is a place where you will surely be shocked and amazed by the wonders this earth has to offer.  

10. Big Sur

I have a special connection to this place stemming from my very first solo road trip. I’d taken off from LA a bit later than expected, and ended up on a late-night drive to my first stop, Big Sur. The fog was so dense, so thick, that I couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of me as I drove up Highway1. For those unfamiliar, this highway winds around cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with the highest point being 5,000 feet up in the air. Veering off course could easily be fatal. It was a nerve-wracking experience for a Socal girl like me, who, up until that year, had only driven a motorcycle for a decade, and had never driven alone past LA. Thankfully there were almost zero cars out that night, allowing me to drive slowly, windows rolled all the way down to avoid falling asleep. I’d hit the road without a solid plan, so I had no idea where I’d be setting up camp that night. My only option was to continue driving into the misty abyss in hopes of finding a safe place to park, or camp. Eventually I found a campsite, but it was full, and with zero cell service, looking for alternatives wasn’t an option. I ended up parking on the side of the road in my little mazda, covered up my windows, and called it a night.

Arriving at your destination in total darkness, means you’ll be receiving a beautiful surprise first thing in the morning. I remember getting out of my car and breathing in my first taste of the fresh misty air, tinged with traces of musty vanilla from the nearby redwoods. Then I remember walking towards the edge of the cliff of where I’d parked, and gasping at the sight. Below me, gorgeous dark turquoise waves crashed against shimmering black sands and rocky cliffs, creating a scene straight out of a movie. It was still foggy, but the road looked much less sinister in the daylight. 

Later that day, I pitched my first tent at a lovely campsite, which actually looked shockingly similar to the background of a painting I’d been working on. A short trail west of the campsites led to a babbling river, adorned with small crystalline pools where one could sit and admire the vibrant rainbow-colored stones. These pools leaked out a smaller river that flowed into the ocean. To the east of the campsites, there lay a lush forest, teeming with redwoods, with a shaded trail leading to a beautiful waterfall. To this day, I have yet to return to that campsite, but sometimes I think that leaving a significant amount of time in between treasured experiences can be very rewarding. When I close my eyes I can still picture the rocky landscape, and imagine the distinct, misty scent of the fog, ocean and redwood trees.

BONUS

Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in all of North America, and the temperatures in the summer can be deadly, so timing is crucial when visiting. This park had been on my list for several years now, and when word got out that the rare Lake Manly had reappeared, I knew I had to see it. Since I’d flown in to visit family and friends in California that month, I asked another outdoor-loving friend to join, and we set off on our wild west adventure. Our timing couldn’t have been better, as the weather was absolute perfection that weekend. The first night we arrived right before sundown, and witnessed a brilliant blush-colored sunset as we unloaded the car. We managed to set up our tent right as the sun slipped behind the mountains, and cooked a delicious smoked salmon dinner with veggies and potatoes, which we paired with a sauvignon blanc. The second sunset gave way to deep cerulean blue skies, adorned with the violet hills surrounding our campsite, and the last sunset was spent at the lake, which served as a mirror, reflecting magical periwinkle tones, soft pinks and pastel lilacs glowing against the crescent new moon. We basked in the silence, nothing but the sound of crickets for miles, and once the darkness enveloped us completely, the sky transitioned into a jaw-dropping painting of celestial stars. I will always cherish the serenity of that moment.