uniqueamerica, Author at Unique America

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These 5 Places By The Columbia River Gorge Are Out Of This World

By uniqueamerica on December 13, 2016 Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge is essentially Oregon’s little slice of Middle Earth. It runs along part of the Oregon-Washington border, with countless waterfalls surrounded by moss, tall basalt cliffs, and incredible views of Mount Hood in the distance. There’s plenty to see and do in the area, whether you’re a hiker, experienced climber, or just driving up the historic Columbia River Highway. These are some of our favorite, out-of-this-world places to explore across the Gorge. 1. Oneonta Gorge The adventure up Oneonta Gorge couldn’t be more surreal. The relatively easy trail leads through a mossy slot canyon that’s so narrow…

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8 Free (And Cheap) Things To Do Near San Diego

By uniqueamerica on December 10, 2016 California

Some of the best things in life are free, and that’s certainly no exception in San Diego. The seaside city may be dotted with skyscrapers, multi-million dollar homes, and fine dining options – but you don’t need to shell out your whole paycheck to have a good time here, even if it just means laying a blanket out on the beach and soaking in the warm California sun. So forget pricey attractions like Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, and take your family & friends to some of these more affordable (but just as awesome) places around the city…

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8 Hidden Gems You Can Only Find In Washington’s North Cascades

By uniqueamerica on December 9, 2016 Washington

Mount Rainier may be the more popular national park in Washington, but just north lies a vastly underrated expanse of rugged natural beauty. North Cascades National Park – which stretches all the way north to Canada – is just over 100 miles from Seattle, but somehow it still ranks as one of the least-visited national parks in the whole United States. This may be due to the fact that the park only has one main road to access it: the North Cascades Highway (also known as Highway 20), which closes in the wintertime because of snow and avalanches. But with…

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Wake Up To Coffee And Views At These Bed & Breakfasts On Oregon’s Coast

By uniqueamerica on December 8, 2016 Oregon

Hotels can be expensive and usually provide the same experience: plain bedrooms, usually with a TV that gets limited channels, and mini shampoo bottles that we can take back home with us. But bed and breakfasts, on the other hand – those give you a real, home-style experience. There isn’t a better way to wake up than in a cloud-like bed, with coffee brewing and someone already making you breakfast downstairs. Some B&Bs not only make fluffy pancakes in the morning, but others – like the ones on Oregon’s rugged Pacific coastline – add to the experience with ocean views…

Bixby Creek Bridge - California Beaches

The 8 Most Incredible Places To Experience Near Big Sur, California

By uniqueamerica on December 2, 2016 California

When most people think of the California coastline, they only imagine the sun-drenched sandy beaches of L.A. and San Diego. But there’s so much more to see further north. Big Sur is a wild, rugged stretch of the central coast, with world-class beauty that’s been featured everywhere from postcards to blockbuster movies. There’s hiking trails with marvelous Pacific Ocean views, restaurants with a delicious variety of food and drinks, and unique places to stay amid the coast and redwood forest. Try stopping by some of these highlights the next time you’re driving up the Pacific Coast Highway. 1. McWay Falls…

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8 Of The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes In Washington

By uniqueamerica on December 2, 2016 Washington

Hiking is a lot more fun when it’s with a four-legged friend. Especially in the Pacific Northwest! Walking through our lush Evergreen forest with Fido by your side and views of the Olympics or Cascades in the horizon will remind you why they’re man’s best friend. We narrowed down some of Washington’s best trails to take with your furry companion. Keep in mind, they’re all considered “dog-friendly”, but certain ones may have obstacles that some pets may find more challenging than others. So be cautious – and of course, always remember to keep them on a leash! 1. Twin Falls…

These Washington Mountain Towns Are Amazing Summer Getaways

By uniqueamerica on June 24, 2016 Washington

If you live in Washington state year-round, you know how special our summers are. The great weather this time of year opens up a window of opportunity to explore our state, especially mountain towns that are drenched in rain or covered by snow for much of the year. These small communities provide the perfect jump off point for an endless amount of outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, camping, golfing, fishing, boating and kayaking as well as summer concerts and festivals. Here are 5 mountain towns that we highly recommend checking out this summer (in no particular order). Winthrop The town…

What You Need to Know About August’s Total Solar Eclipse Over Oregon

By uniqueamerica on May 24, 2016 Oregon

An extremely rare total solar eclipse is coming this summer, and it will pass over the entire state of Oregon on August 21st 2017. The last total eclipse to pass over the Northwest was on February 26th 1979! However, it did not cross the entire state and even though Portland was in the path of totality, the eclipse was not observable due to overcast skies. Prior to that, you have to go back to June 8th 1918, and even that eclipse did not pass over the entire state like this one will. So this is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you don’t…

Author uniqueamerica