"Termination dust" refers to fall snow, signaling the end (or termination) of summer and the imminent arrival of winter.

"The expansive green space of Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides a refuge for many types of mammals. Forty-one mammal species have been documented in the park."

"The Chimney Rock Trail highlights Capitol Reef's geology, in both up-close views and broad panoramas. The trail initially climbs steeply alongside a fault ... once atop the bluff, hikers are rewarded with excellent views of Chimney Rock, the western escarpment of the Waterpocket Fold, and the high, volcanic plateau of Boulder Mountain to the southwest. The landscape's intense colors are at their peak just before sunset. This shadeless trail can be hot in summer; carry water, and use caution near cliff edges."

After 38 years of keeping quiet, Mauna Loa, in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, decided to act up with a stunning light display of lava, the glow of which can be seen from homes in HIlo, Hawai'i.

If you have any energy left, you should hike down the trail into the depths of Cinder Cone crater to say you've hiked up onto and into a volcano. If you don't have the energy, then capture a few photos of the intersecting trails the people lending scale and perspective to this volcanic wonder in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Bumpass (pronounced bump-us) Hell is the largest of eight hydrothermal areas in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Covering 16 acres, there are approximately 75 thermal features consisting of boiling acid-sulfate ponds, mud pots, and superheated fumeroles. This area was named after one Kendall Bumpass stepped through the thin crust and severely burned his leg in a scalding mudpot. There were no boardwalks back then, but it's a really good idea to stay on the boardwalk now, wouldn't you agree?

Manzanita Lake was created when an avalanche off the slopes of Chaos Crags dammed Manzanita Creek. Now, this tranquil lake is perfect for boating, fishing and swimming. A 1.9-mile easy trail circles the lake for different views of the landscape over which Chaos Crags and Lassen Peak tower.

As you drive along the park road, take note of the tall green trees and vegetation bordering one side of the road, and the charred skeletons of the same tree species on the other side of the road. This curving highway built between 1925 and 1934 acted as a "built-in firebreak" during the 2021 Dixie Fire, according to Park Superintendent Jim Richardson. 

"Outstanding views of Lassen Peak are visible from highway turnouts near Kings Creek Upper Meadow. This meadow is frequently photographed in its vibrant seasonal colors from the snowy white of spring to the golden hues of fall.

After hiking the "heart-pumping" final 200 feet to the top of 750-feet tall Cinder Cone, you'll be greeted with a view of Cinder Cone's double-rimmed crater. Turn to face away from the crater view and you'll be rewarded with vistas including Lassen Peak, Painted Dunes, Snag Lake, Butte Lake, and the Fantastic Lava Beds.