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Jon MattrischExplorer

Outdoor enthusiast and photographer from Milwaukee, WI. Camping, hiking, biking and more. I love it all and I try to capture as much of it as possible. Exploring my home state and more, exhausting all there is to see. See more: https://www.jmkephotography.com/

It's really cool to see the floating icebergs that have broken off from the glacier. The color and shapes of each are very unique and impressive to look at. Unfortunately, we had an extremely foggy morning so I couldn't see much of the actual glacier. Hopefully that won't be the same for you!

This was a really neat spot, right off the road and easily accessible. The hike up to the crater rim is an easy one with newly built stairs that make it a breeze. At the top of the crater, you're rewarded with some striking views of the vast landscape around you. There's a mountain in the distance that seems to jut up out of the earth out of seemingly nowhere. Seeing the adjoining, smaller crater from a short distance was also a really cool sight to behold.

While the sign at the parking lot states it'll take 4-5 hours, it really will take you about 2 hours, 3 max. This walk is DEFINITELY worth it. It's flat and relatively easy, but you might want to bring water or a snack along with you. Also, make sure you go to the bathroom BEFORE you start the trek. There should be some portos located in the parking lot. Once you get all the way to the wreckage, you'll be able to walk around and in it, but PLEASE, be respectful and cautious. If you've ever wanted to claim "I've walked around a plane wreckage before," well this is your chance. Do this, you won't regret it!

Kerið Crater is really interesting to see in person. The size of the crater is very impressive, bu it's still very accessible, located just off the side of the road. You can hike around the entire crater in less that 10 minutes, but I recommend taking your time to take in the views from everything around you.

We tried this during the end of spring while there was still a lot of snow at the entrance of the canyon. We went only a little ways into the canyon-area as the snow was a little too difficult to pass. However, the views from up here were incredible. Located on the western peninsula of Iceland, you can overlook the ocean and the many cliffs and mountains surrounding you. I definitely recommend!

Myvatn beats the Blue Lagoon, hands-down. It's massive, but not overcrowded. The temperatures are consistent and very warm. There is also a hot-tub like area that is perfect for sitting fulling down in and enjoying a beer or two. Additionally, it was very easy and convenient having the staff serving you beer wherever you were within the spa. Loved this place!

While this may be a bit hyperbolic, I truly think this was the most amazing experience I had on my ring road trip of Iceland. Standing on top of this boulder at the base of such a massive waterfall was an incredible experience. Looking up at the water above and feeling so small was truly amazing.

Seljalandsfoss was my favorite stop in Iceland, which is saying quite a lot! We did the ring road over a 5-day period and this was one of the most stunning sights we had. You can walk behind the main waterfall, but just a bit down the road from that is a waterfall behind some cliffs that is even more incredible to see. Additionally, this was the perfect spot to camp and gave us an incredible backdrop with the waterfalls behind our tent.

This is a really neat little waterfall that's a short walk from the road. It's quiet and has nice scenery, but that's about it. I still recommend checking it out as it won't take you long!

Diamond Beach is a no-brainer. It's right off the road, has accessible parking, and is gorgeous to look at first-hand. These chunks of ice are so incredibly clear and free of air-bubbles and other dirty particles that they really do look like diamonds. Also, the river flowing out from the glacier is constantly carrying mini-icebergs out to the ocean. It's amazing to see!

While at Devil's Lake, make sure to check this trail out. It's not as strenuous as some of the others, in my opinion, but it gives you some really cool areas to explore. You won't be getting as much of the views of the lake as the East Bluff or Balanced Rock, but this is still very much worth it.

What more can I say? I am in absolute love with Devil's Lake State Park. From a photographer's perspective, it doesn't get much better than this. The scenery is incredible and the views are outstanding. The hike is easily worth it and is so much fun. I want to come back here many more times to continue experiencing the beauty it has to offer.

Seven Bridges truly feels like you've stepped into some kind of fairyland. The twisting paths and old, rustic bridges make you feel like you've been transported into some sort of magical world. Even the entrance bridge has a story about entering into the woods and experiencing the haunts that are in store. I've always loved coming here and won't stop any time soon!

The Dunes, as they're called in Wisconsin, is one of the coolest areas in the entire state. With miles of "cordwalk" and twisting trails the follow the contours of the sand dunes, you can't go wrong visiting this park really at any time of the year. Plus, there is also tons of forest area and marshland to check out, too.

Explorer

10/20/16

Glacier National Park was one of the most incredible places I ever visited as a kid. The journey up the mountains to the lake was amazing and I remember being in pure awe of how beautiful the landscape was. I hope to get back there again some day very soon. To all that live in Montana, please, do yourself a favor and take a trip to GNP.

The Badlands is one of the most underrated National Parks in the country. South Dakota is home to some incredible scenery and nature, and the Badlands are the perfect example of this. It's otherworldly at times and doesn't feel like you're even on planet Earth. The scenery and landscape is dry and intimidating, but utterly beautiful. This is a must do.

Garden of the Gods is one of the most amazing places not only in CO, but in the country. From the red rocks to the lush green plants and cacti, this place is beautiful in every way. You can climb and hike all over the rocks, spending hours exploring areas of the park. It's family friendly and accessibly to all.

I had no idea what to expect when my sister-in-law told me to visit this place. She had said how they used to take field trips here when she was in grade school and it was always the coolest thing. Well, that is certainly true. Enchanted rock is one of the most amazing places I've ever been to in the United States. Really, it's that incredible. Hiking up the somewhat steep side of the giant rock is absolutely surreal. Your equilibrium almost seems out of whack when you look back down at the base of the mountain. But once you're up on top, the view is astounding. You can see for miles around. Traveling back down the other side of the rock leads way to caverns and crevices which beg to be explored. Then, once back on the ground, you can explore the almost southwestern-desert nature of the surrounding trails. This is one MUST DO when in Texas.

Even though it's at the very tip of the state, it's worth the travel because this is an incredible place. The hiking alone and scenery is above anything else that Wisconsin has to offer. Being isolated on an island -- albeit with a tiny town nearby -- makes it feel all the more special and unique. Definitely put this on your bucket list. Also, the stars and night skies are AMAZING. Simple as that.

My family and I went up to visit Mackinac Island when I was a kid and we decided to do the biking last minute. It turned out to be a great decision as this was one of the most fun things we did. The old setting of Mackinac really adds a lot to the trip, too. This should definitely be something that you consider if you're heading up to Mackinac Island.

I've been going to Governor Doge State Park since I was a little kid and I've always loved it. The park is massive with tons of things to do. You won't be bored, believe me. Hike. Swim. Explore. Fish. All that and more. The scenery is beautiful, too. Go out and enjoy it!

Stayed up here in April with a few friends. Went mainly for photography and exploration and was not the least bit disappointed. Big Bay State Park made for an amazing camping trip.

I came up here from Milwaukee in late April with some friends and could not believe how gorgeous it was. From the forests to the rivers and all the waterfalls, it's an amazing place that must be visited. The observation tower also made for some stunning vistas. If you are into photography at all, this is one of the best places you can go. Take a day and explore all that Copper Falls has to offer.

This is an amazing place to overlook all of Austin and the surround metro area. While it's not huge, it does offer a lot of different views. The hike is very easy and manageable for all family members. If your looking for something easy and outdoors to do while in Austin, here you go!