While visiting Seattle in July 2025 I also wanted to visit Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks. Due to Timed Entry requirements into Mount Rainier National Park I did not get a ticket soon enough so I had to view it from outside the official entry gate. Tickets were released May 15th and apparently all were taken.
Gotta be a tourist and take pictures to prove where I have been!
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a free activity and has interesting rock formations.
Old Faithful is pretty reliable within a few minutes of the time they display. I waited phone in hand to record this event!