Don't miss visiting State Parks when you vacation

Sometimes when we are vacationing we overlook some of the most scenic and easily accessible sites. I am talking about state parks. They are the perfect place to visit if you are interested in beautiful scenery. When traveling in the western part of the United States, there are four state parks to visit that have outstanding scenery. They are Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah, Big Basin Redwoods State Park in California, Deception Pass State Park in Washington and Malibu Creek State Park in California. Dead Horse State Park consists of 5250 acres and visitors there can enjoy the views of the Colorado River Canyon as well as the Canyonlands National Park. This state park also has camping facilities with 21 campsites, electrical hookups, covered picnic tables, restrooms and a dump station. Camping is limited to two consecutive weeks per month. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of Old Growth and recovering Redwood Forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. There are more than 80 miles of trails in this park. There is a nature lodge, outdoor theater, cabins, footbridge, and hiking trails. Deception Pass State Park is Washington's favorite state park. Many visitors come each year to see the spectacular pass and bridge. Because of Whidbey Island's temperate climate, many birds and waterfowl winter here, including an abundance of bald eagles. Fishing is popular in Cranberry Lake and in waters surrounding the Island. Sightseeing, dinner, and whale-watching cruises are available from many nearby businesses. Tent and RV camping are available year round. This park also boasts giant old growth forests, 30 miles of hiking trails. 19 miles of of saltwater shoreline, 3 freshwater lakes, 320 campsites. Scuba diving, saltwater and freshwater fishing. Malibu Creek State Park is only 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles and has hiking, fishing, bird watching and horseback riding opportunities. There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands an chaparral covered slopes. Twenty-five-mile Malibu Creek in the park is the principal water-course of the Santa Monica Mountains from Boney Mountain to Malibu Lagoon. The park was the center of Chumash Native American life for centuries and was once used to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H. In upcoming articles I plan to discuss more good vacation spots, but in the meantime be sure to check out the ones mentioned here. Lots of lovely scenery, hiking trails, streams, beautiful old trees, and so much more. Be sure to check out any state parks when you are traveling. They are one of the cheapest places you can visit on your vacation!