Crooked River in central Oregon almost sparkles as snow blankets the landscape. This time of year is both brisk and beautiful. Originating in the lush Ponderosa pine forests of Central Oregon’s Ochoco Mountains, the Crooked River flows straight through diverse terrain. In an area of the country where streams and springs are rare, the Crooked Wild and Scenic River serves as an essential life source to both humans and wildlife. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (@mypubliclands)

mypubliclands:

It might be time to plan your trip to Stevens Trail on the North Fork of the American Wild and Scenic River.

The wildflowers were peaking this weekend and lots of people were out. It’s hard to believe that such a wild place is less than an hour from Sacramento. 

- BLMer and photographer Bob Wick   

Stevens Trail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The trail is a popular year-round hiking trail in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Historically, the trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon.  

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia.

Photo: Tyrone Singletary (www.sharetheexperience.org)

Trees blanketed in white, deep powder snow at your feet and sunshine welcoming a blue sky day in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Photo by C. Brindle 2/2/14

The sequoias look pretty nice this time of year.

Photo from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park provided by the National Park Service.

This view never gets old.

Photo of the Grand Canyon by the National Park Service.

Here’s a break from the cold most of the U.S. is experiencing right now. Summertime in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo: Diane Carrigan (www.sharetheexperience.org)

A Grizzly Bear crossing the Snake River at sunrise in the Grand Teton national Park. 

Photo: Donald Higgs (www.sharetheexperience.org)

Can you picture yourself on a trail in Glacier National Park, enjoying the quiet stillness of a winter’s day?

Photo: National Park Service

This stunning sunset is courtesy of Olympic National Park in Washington.

Photo: Marco Crupi (www.sharetheexperience.org)