| Page 1482 | National Parks Traveler

Lone Hiker, I read a biography of Stephen Mather. He, the first superintendent of the national parks, was the mover and shaker behind putting luxury lodgings in the parks. The thinking was that until the elite of Washington, D. C. and the east coast had what they considered to be a comfortable place to stay, they wouldn't support the expansion of the national parks system.

Aug 14th - 12:36pm | pkrnger

My favorite lodge in the Canadian Rockies is Num-Ti-Ja Lodge in Banff National Park. It is located on the shores of Bow Lake, just off the Icefields Parkway. This facility was personally designed and constructed by mountain man, adventurer, guide, and big-game hunter Jimmy Simpson. I highly recommend Room 13.

Aug 14th - 11:50am | Lone Hiker

10 lodges......average MINIMUM cost per room a scant $280.50 per night + tax, (as you'll see noted in the article, room rates begin at the base prices listed and most accommodations within the lodges are notably higher, especially if you require a "room with a view"), min/max for BASE rooms of $85/$550, and 85 bucks doesn't even get you a bathroom.

Aug 14th - 11:04am | Kath

Kurt, you're absolutely right about Curry Village. That is more accurately called a tent slum; crowded, noisy, filthy bathrooms, penned in between the roads and parking lot, large unappealing dining hall with food that provides calories but nothing else. TML and to a lesser extent White Wolf Lodge have a different ambience entirely.

Aug 14th - 10:31am | Kurt Repanshek

I almost mentioned TML, Kath;-) Of course, not all tent cabin accommodations were created equal. While Curry Village utilizes the same tent cabins as those at TML, I'd never put Curry Village on a "best lodging" list.

Aug 14th - 10:28am | Kath

Thank goodness my favorite, the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, a group of tent cabins in Yosemite, isn't on the list. It's hard enough now to get a reservation there. Staying at the TML is a much more authentic national park experience than at all those fancy places far removed from nature.

Aug 14th - 10:06am | Anonymous

Kurt: You established a new word in your blog that has been a important contribution to the National Parks: Parkitecture!

Aug 14th - 09:13am | Kurt Repanshek

Such lists, of course, are entirely subjective. That said, there are some glaring omissions, such as Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn, if you like rustic atmosphere, or Lake Hotel, if you prefer elegance. Either, in my book, surpass Many Glacier, which, though in a spectacular setting, needs some serious restoration work and renovations. The rooms are small and cramped, the furnishings shabby.

Aug 14th - 08:23am | Rangertoo

I agree that including Canadian parks is cheating. And no lodges from Yellowstone? As for Cavallo Point: I know this is an adapted use of Fort Baker buildings, but why was it allowed? The concessions laws say that the NPS should not have concession operations where the service or merchandise can reasonably be secured outside the park. There is no shortage of hotel rooms in San Francisco.

Aug 14th - 08:21am | Donna Hull

I'm from the USA and oddly enough, the only two lodges on the list that I've stayed in are the Canadian ones. Although both were great experiences, Banff Springs Hotel is in town and doesn't really feel like it's in a national park. Jasper Lake Lodge is one of my favorites. High on my "to do next" list are Many Glacier Hotel, Crater Lake Lodge and Paradise Inn.

Aug 14th - 05:27am | Anonymous

To be fair to the writer, it's in the "US and Canada" travel section. Looks to me like whoever wrote the headline didn't read the whole thing.

Seventy-Five Years Ago, the Reorganization of 1933 Impacted the National Park System Like No Other Event Before or Since

Aug 15th - 06:38am | biobot

Interesting article, especially in light of the comments regarding the establishment of the new commission. I wonder whether the big Western wilderness parks still 'dominate' and in what ways (i.e. budget, staff, visitors, etc.)? These articles on history and legislation offer lots to think about.

Congressman Calls for Emergency Declaration to Protect Grand Canyon National Park from Mining

Aug 15th - 00:46am | Ted Clayton

I agree with Sabattis.

Oglala Sioux Just Might Reclaim Southern Half of Badlands National Park

Aug 14th - 23:43pm | Ted Clayton

Bob Janiskee, A fine article on a challenging & historic topic. Here in the Pacific Northwest & Olympic Peninsula, the drama is a familiar one, and few any longer have much doubt of the long-range trend & outcome, viz the Native Tribes and the U.S. Government.

Federal Judge Refuses to Let County Cut Highways in Roadless Section of Death Valley National Park

Aug 14th - 17:46pm | Ted Clayton

Ted Z., Sorry - I did not mean to leave the impression that my aim was to defend Inyo County or weigh the merits of their claims. If Inyo is anything like my home Clallam County here on the Olympic Peninsula, they have approval ratings that make Congress feel well-loved! And they earned them! ;-)

Aug 14th - 12:46pm | Ted Z.

Mr. Clayton makes some correct observations, but I disagree on a few points.

Aug 13th - 19:11pm | Ted Clayton

Kurt, You said of Inyo Co.'s action:

Freak Rockfall Kills Colorado Couple At Glen Canyon NRA

Aug 14th - 12:59pm | Niece of the couple!

Forever in our Hearts they will be. Coming up on a year and still no sign of Uncle Don. Rest in peace! Love you and miss you both still.... We still can't believe you are gone. Thank the Lord, you both knew the Lord. See you in Heaven one day!!!

Traveler's Picks for Where to Get Wet in the National Park System

Aug 14th - 12:02pm | pkrnger

Of course there's the chance to get wet by wading or swimming in the deepest lake in the USA at Crater Lake National Park. Hike down the Cleetwood Trail to Cleetwood Cove and let your feet dangle off the boat docks, or better yet, go for a swim. Take a ranger-guided boat tour to Wizard Is.

Black Bear Attacks Child at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Aug 14th - 10:38am | Lisa

This is a general comment. I am in no way saying this child provoked the situation. I've visited this area many times and have encountered bears several times. I've heard stories about people leaving food out and/or not latching trash containters so they could attract bears. I've witnessed a few dumpster diving bears and they act pretty fearless of humans. Why do people leave food traps?

Aug 13th - 09:52am | janie in MN

I get really tired of reading posts that "defend" the animals more than "human life & safety". YES, I agree, all of us who enjoy observing wildlife need to be VERY careful ... especially in National & other Parks where the wildlife can become accustomed to people.

Aug 13th - 06:10am | Anonymous

I wonder how many of us know what strange behavior from a bear is. We don't hang out with them all day, and most of us are not reasearchers in that field. Killing the animal was excessive. Humans keep encroaching on their lands to build homes, ranches, cottages, we hunt, bike, hike and poach. How about we let them live their lives without disturbance from us.

Aug 12th - 19:00pm | JoAnn

I was in that part of the park last Wednesday on the 6th of Aug. We also encountered a small black bear that

How To Buy National Park-Related Gifts Without Leaving Home

Aug 14th - 06:24am | Karen

I emailed Inner Peace Designs to see when they will be finished with their new National Park Ornaments. They expect them to be online and in stores for sale but the end of September erley October. I already own several pieces they sell. What beautiful work they produce! I've been to Sedona, AZ where they make ornaments of all the red rocks. I haven't seen anyone match their quaity.

Collapse of "Wall Arch" Proves Gravity Does Work at Arches National Park

Aug 13th - 20:11pm | MW

I was at Landscape Arch on Monday around 1:00 pm. I can confirm that it was bloody hot. My other family members made us turn back rather than continuing the final 1/4 mile to Wall arch. I'm sorry now that I didn't push them around the next bend of the trail. We also had some rain that evening where we were, near 4 corners.

Aug 12th - 18:57pm | Anonymous

Why can't we just shoot them? Guns are legal in National parks.

Aug 12th - 17:32pm | Curecanti lover

I am so glad that the Black Canyon and therefore the Curecanti Recreation Area made your list of places to visit!(coming all the way from Australia). I have a great digital photo of my brother under The Wall Arch from a few years back. What a beautiful hike. I am glad Arches is protected land as there are so many incredible places nearby that are up of 'the oil shale grab'.

Director Bomar: Let Science, Not Politics, Decide the Yellowstone Snowmobile Issue

Aug 13th - 18:26pm | Anonymous

Anonynous do you have any idea how much exercise you can get on a snowmobile. You have obviously never been on one and therefore have no idea what it's like, and furthermore snowmobiles are a way to get out and experience nature and if you knew anything about it at all you would realize that that is why alot of people snowmobile and that you can see alot more on a snowmobile than walking.

Star Party Scheduled for June 21-28 at Grand Canyon National Park

Aug 13th - 17:04pm | pkrnger

More than likely they were two bright meteors occurring 1/2 hour apart that were part of the show of the spectacular August 11 and 12th Perseid meteor shower.

Aug 13th - 00:32am | Anonymous

Last night, while star gazing in the Grand Canyon- North Rim, facing the north eastern sky at approxinately between 9:30-10:30pm... we saw a very large shootign star which appeared to have a tail. The star appeared twice in the same place about 1/2 an hour later. Could this have been a comet?

A Sad Sign of the Times: NPS Promotes Body Armor Options To Rangers

Aug 13th - 16:33pm | Anonymous

The Rangers want to go to the party too! I mean, why shouldn't they have armor, APC's and automatic weapons? The police and law enforcement groups have gotten out of control in this country feeding us all crap "we are being outgunned by the criminals!" they say. Oh yeah? Has ANYONE seen any credible increase in the criminals using, carrying and killing with automatic weapons?

Commission Formed To Explore Future of National Parks

Aug 13th - 15:57pm | Ted Clayton

[size=12][color=#80a040]National Rifle Association to Formulate National Parks Future[/color][/size] [color=red]*[/color] [color=red]*[/color][size=9]Not true. This comment is satire![/size]

Aug 13th - 15:43pm | JimB

Earlier in this discussion, Rick Smith made some excellent points. I would hope they come to the attention of this commission.

Aug 12th - 20:19pm | Larry Marquardt

Jim, You make some excellent points, and I am willing to concede most of them. I wasn't intending to advocate a Platonic or neo-Platonic Ideal.

National Park Service Revenues Down $1.3 Million On Transition to America The Beautiful Pass

Aug 13th - 15:46pm | Anonymous

I'll keep my money in my wallet. $80 is not reasonable. Since I was only a parks user, a 60% increase in fees to me is too much. I will take my chances, pay fees at the parks when I go, and probably plan fewer visits.

Yellowstone National Park Bison Unhappy With Photo Shoot Tosses Pennsylvania Boy

Aug 13th - 15:36pm | JimB

Back on the original topic:

Aug 13th - 10:44am | AnonymousKaal

I hear that the diesease is actually coming from the ELK and that info is from a park employee. He said it has to do with the almighty green in that the Elk bring in too much money during hunting season so they wont slaughter the elk. Said its very policital. So because of the almighty green is the Bison that suffer. Supposidly park service knows of this and is going along with it.

The Essential Olympic

Aug 13th - 14:24pm | Ted Clayton

Although the beauty of the Olympic National Park and surrounding Olympic Peninsula is most gloriously showcased during the sunny days of late summer and fall (the region has a fairly reliable annual drought (and with a bit of luck, 'Indian Summer') during this period), the true character & soul of the country isn't to be found in drenching sunshine.

Sierra Club Caught Standing Atop Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

Aug 13th - 13:19pm | bob moore

I have photographed many arches in the Moab area, including those in and around Canyonlands and Arches. Respecting the integrity of these magnificent monoliths is paramount. I encourage any and all not to climb, but there are circumstances and the rights of others that also must be respected.

Aug 12th - 19:34pm | hobblefoot

Donna, I couldn't disagree with you more. If messing up the scene is your intention, humans are exactly what you need. I'm kidding of course, but realistically, if you didn't already know where this arch was, you sure wouldn't be able to identify it from the photo.

Where Are the Best Sunrises in the National Park System?

Aug 13th - 12:54pm | SaltSage236

For me, it's a toss-up between Bryce Canyon and Mesa Arch at Canyonlands. Sunrise at Toroweap at Grand Canyon runs a close third.

Aug 12th - 23:58pm | Anonymous

Myrtle Point near the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Aug 12th - 20:14pm | Brad Hooks

Although Cadillac Mtn in Acadia is spectaular, I have to agree with you. My view of sunrise in the 'glades was from 1/2 a mile of shore on the west coast (i.e. the Ten Thousand Islands) It was absolutley one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen as the sun came over the mangroves reflecting of the water while it painted the clouds.

Rainbow Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Aug 13th - 11:24am | Ted Clayton

I like that this view of Rainbow Falls has only a sheeting rivulet going over the lip! The exposed strata & bedrock, and the alternation of durable & weak layers of rock is interesting. Are the formations visible in this photograph characteristic of the geology in the general region, and are they commonly on display?

Vets To Determine Whether Bear That Attacked Father and Son in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Had Rabies

Aug 13th - 10:36am | Anonymous

Usually I agree with the above comments. Humans ruin everything. But the bear also charged the rangers. So maybe this poor bear had something wrong that made it behave differently. Can't wait to hear what the necropsy comes back with.

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