Despite its continental breadth, the United States sometimes seems to many travelers like a handful of famous movie locations: the California coast, the New York skyline, Disney World, and the Grand Canyon. But there's so much more to do and see in this vast and diverse country. It's here that you can discover America's fairytale forests and the cities of the Wild West.
In the US, you can visit national parks and untouched islands that have managed to escape public attention. Here you can discover the interiors and hidden corners of the United States.
Olympic National Park, Washington
When visiting Olympic National Park, the views of Quinault Lodge Lake are especially stunning. Hummingbirds are found in the park, but they are territorial, so a guide will help you see the tiny birds.
Olympic is a charming place. The pristine coastal peninsula contains one of the richest ecosystems in the U.S., largely untouched by humans. You'll find crystal lakes and glacier-clad mountain peaks, pristine alpine meadows and fast-flowing rivers, as well as driftwood beaches, abundant wildlife, and such species as the majestic Roosevelt elk.
If it’s a clear day, the most accessible mountain area in the park is Hurricane Ridge, which offers panoramic views of deep valleys and snow-capped mountains disappearing into the distance. From here, you can choose from a variety of routes that range from short, level roads to narrow dirt trails, dropping 1500m to subalpine lakes.
A great option is a hike through the mosslands of the Hoh Rain Forest. Misty footpaths and wooden bridges are shaded by towering cedar ferns. This short hike is like walking through the wilds of a fairy tale land.
Molokai Island, Hawaii
Hawaii's most popular islands are often very crowded. If you want to experience the tropical pleasures of Hawaii without the crowds, head to Molokai, the fifth largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago.
Known as the “friendly island,” this is where you can enjoy your privacy, strolling along the soft sand of the palm-fringed beaches without ever bumping into another visitor. If you’re the more active type, you can take a walk through the rainforest to see silvery waterfalls and steep mountains covered in greenery.
The island's rural nature means you won't find any luxury resorts or upscale shopping areas on Molokai. There's just one main road and the island's lone hotel. Visitors fly in a tiny plane and land on an airstrip, where cattle sometimes wander and graze alongside.
Despite its slow pace of life and relative isolation, Molokai has a fascinating history. Tradition holds that the art of hula dancing originated here. The island hosts an annual Molokai Ka Hula Piko festival celebrating the dance.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Walking down Main Street in Deadwood, South Dakota, is like stepping back in time or arriving on the set of the TV series of the same name.
Originally an illegal camp on Native American land, Deadwood became a centerpiece thanks to the Gold Rush of 1874. Wild, raw, and almost completely lawless, this frontier town was one of the few places that epitomized the Wild West.
The USA is a real find for the curious tourist, as each state is famous for its many amazing places to visit.
