Dive into sunken ships, explore Earth’s wrinkles—7 must-visit U.S. national parks

By Rita

National parks differ from ordinary attractions in that they must meet specific criteria to be established, such as unique natural landscapes, terrains, flora and fauna, and more. Only by visiting in person can travelers truly witness these one-of-a-kind sights.

Taiwan has 8 national parks, each representing Taiwan’s rich terrain, while the vast United States boasts 56 national parks, including the world-renowned Yosemite and Yellowstone. What awe-inspiring wonders await you inside? Check out the Huffington Post’s roundup of “Seven U.S. National Parks You Have to Visit in Your Lifetime”.

▲ Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Photo / Wikipedia)

1. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Located 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, this park is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the park’s three major mountain ranges, two active volcanoes, and lakes, with opportunities to hike, raft, or kayak. In winter, there’s a good chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

▲ Biscayne National Park (Photo / Wikipedia)

2. Biscayne National Park, Florida
A must-visit for underwater adventurers. Covering 172,000 acres, 95% of the park is underwater, offering activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, and boating. There’s also a great chance to spot cool wildlife such as manatees or alligators. The most unique feature? There are shipwrecks on the ocean floor to explore.

▲ Isle Royale National Park (Photo / Wikipedia)

3. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Access to this park is only possible by boat or seaplane, but it’s definitely worth it. In addition to Isle Royale itself, the park includes over 450 smaller islands surrounding Lake Superior.

▲ Capitol Reef National Park (Photo / Wikipedia)

4. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
The geological features here are incredibly unique, earning it the nickname “Earth’s wrinkles.” Exploring by car, hiking, or rock climbing are all great ways to experience this area.

▲ North Cascades National Park (Photo / Wikipedia)

5. North Cascades National Park, Washington
About a three-hour drive from Seattle, the North Cascades National Park is home to layered mountains with around 300 glaciers, which form waterfalls. Hiking and rock climbing are highly recommended.

▲ Channel Islands National Park (Photo / Wikipedia)

6. Channel Islands National Park, California
Nature enthusiasts can snorkel or scuba dive in the Pacific waters, with chances to see whales, dolphins, and seals. Hiking, tidepool exploration, and camping are fantastic options, and you can also enjoy fields of wildflowers.

▲ Great Basin National Park (Photo / Wikipedia)

7. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
If you consider yourself a solitary traveler, climb this 13,000-foot-high mountain where a cave awaits to let you enjoy the solitude of the wilderness. If caves aren’t your thing, try the Bristlecone Pine Trail, where you might spot fossils.