Spring doesn’t mean a lack of snow in many parts of the country. With an annual average of 43 feet a year, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is one of the snowiest places in the U.S. Snow may linger in the park until May and June even though the park’s official winter season is only through April. This shot is from Discovery Point and shows off the incredible grandeur of a snowy sunrise. Photo by Greg Nyquist (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A rare winter scene from Congaree National Park in South Carolina gives a different perspective of the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America. The park’s boardwalks provide an exciting way to immerse yourself in this vital ecosystem. As you walk, you will discover Congaree’s cultural history and its natural beauty. The accessible boardwalk makes it a good place for wheelchairs, strollers and leashed pets. Photo by National Park Service.

Zion National Park in Utah delivers winter charm with a peaceful elegance. Nearly half of Zion Canyon’s annual precipitation falls between December and March and when the temperatures drop, that means snow and frost display beautifully. Depending on elevation, the snow may accumulate or melt away quickly – either way - it’s a special time to experience the park. Check on the current conditions from the website and prepare accordingly. There’s nothing like experiencing Zion’s trees illuminated with hoarfrost and its  2,000-foot Navajo Sandstone cliffs, seeps and streams decorated with a fresh coat of snow. Photo by Shauna Sprunger (www.sharetheexperience.org).

It feels unreal to roam through the land of the giants. The stately trees of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California inspire us to crane our necks and contemplate all they’ve witnessed. Giant sequoias are among the oldest living organisms on Earth, often living over 3,000 years old. To us, they seem so still, yet they are constantly in motion, growing skyscraper tall and contributing to a canopy habitat we’re still only beginning to understand. Since 1925, community members have gathered at Kings Canyon National Park every December to celebrate the General Grant Tree – which is known as the nation’s Christmas Tree. It’s no surprise research suggests that being around trees is good for our mental well-being, as being in the presence of these trees is nothing short of astounding. Photo courtesy of Vitor Rodrigues.

This black bear got caught in a November snow at Yosemite National Park in California. While known for its towering granite cliffs and waterfalls, Yosemite is also home to fascinating wildlife. Between 300 and 500 black bears live in the park. Brown bears are no longer found in California, so any bear you see in Yosemite is a black bear, even though their coats are brown in color. Truly black-colored bears are rare in the west. No matter its color, the snow has made this bear frosty. Photo courtesy of Mark Bouldoukian. 

Happy National Bison Day! Our national mammal is a shaggy symbol of strength and resilience. Their thick coats and powerful necks allow them to bulldoze their way through deep snow and find food even in the dead of winter. Social animals, they gather in large herds – their collective grunting and breathing make quite a noise. Adult males can weigh over a ton while still being able to run 35 miles an hour and jump 6 feet in the air. Most impressive. Photo of a bison at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

It’s only October, but Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is already getting some snow. These first flakes are just the beginning. Due to the park’s location at the crest of the Cascade Mountains, the area gets a tremendous annual average of 42 feet of snow. Because Crater Lake is fed entirely by snow and rain, the pure and deep water shines with an intense blue color. Surrounded by cliffs, the lake rests in the belly of a dormant volcano. The volcano once stood 12,000 feet tall, but it collapsed after a major eruption 7,700 years ago. Later eruptions formed Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises from the water. Photo by National Park Service.

A wonder to behold in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park, crowns the Cascade Mountain Range with unparalleled beauty. The water is remarkably clear, deriving only from the rain and the area’s abundant snowfall. Standing on the rim, looking at the brilliant blue color of the water is simply awe-inspiring. Since June 8, the park has been increasing recreational access and services while keeping public health in mind. Check the website for road closures and additional suggestions, be safe and enjoy your visit! Photo by Patricia Lockett (www.sharetheexperience.org). 

It’s National Park Week and we’re excited to share virtual visits to some of our country’s greatest treasures. Our first national park, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, was established in 1872 to protect the area’s incredible natural scenery, unique geothermal features and wonderful wildlife. Every day, bison herds move through picturesque valleys and geysers erupt in towering clouds of steam. Each visit to Yellowstone – and all our national parks – is a chance to see something new and connect yourself to the natural world and generations of human history. Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

Does this make you shiver behind your screen? Due of its high elevation climate, weather at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah can be highly variable. The park typically experiences its coldest and snowiest periods from December through February, but spring storms in March and April can still produce heavy snowfall that leaves the red rock formations smothered in white snow like a cake piled high with sugary icing. Photo by Keith Moore, National Park Service.