Dirtbags with Furbags

10/22/2026

Golden hour at Beartown Rocks 🤩

10/21/2026

Ready to leaf peep around the Cook Forest Area? Our article has the top 10 places to see unbelievable views of the fall colors near Cook Forest PA.

Check out the guide here 👉️ https://www.dirtbagswithfurbags.com/fall-colors-near-cook-forest-pa/

The Northeast is known for its beautiful fall foliage, but one state that often gets overlooked is Pennsylvania. It’s not on most people’s fall color destination lists, but it should be! And one specific area in Pennsylvania puts on one of the best shows: Cook Forest. There are 10 places to see ...

10/21/2026

There's something special about hearing a waterfall before you can see it.

The anticipation builds with every step along the trail until the trees finally open up and reveal a rushing cascade. It's one of my favorite hiking experiences. Now, don't get me wrong, PA isn't known for their waterfalls, but you'd be surprised at all the beautiful cascading falls you can find just in southwest PA!

If you're searching for your next outdoor adventure, I've put together a guide featuring some of the best waterfall hikes in the region, including everything from family-friendly walks to scenic trails that lead to spectacular falls.

💦 Read the article here: https://www.dirtbagswithfurbags.com/best-hikes-with-waterfalls-in-southwest-pa/

Save this for your next hiking trip and share it with a fellow waterfall lover!

Some of the most notable hikes with waterfalls in southwest PA include Mineral Springs, Jonathan Run Falls, Buttermilk Falls, the Great Gorge Trail, Cucumber Falls, and Hell’s Hollow. Some waterfalls are easy to find, while others are tucked deep into a trail!

10/20/2026

Pawdrick and G have put their paws down in over 30 states. They've seen the Rocky, Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Smoky Mountains. They've seen black bears, brown bears, desert foxes, coyotes, elk, bison, deer, and plenty of chipmunks. They've eaten grass in every state they've visited (yes, even Arizona! We found some grass at a truck stop 😆 ) and they're proud to say they've BOTH marked every state they visited. (Yes, G pees outside like a wild animal when she's traveling).

Needless to say, these two furbags are professional adventure pets!

10/19/2026

🍂 Chasing Fall Colors Near Cook Forest State Park? Start Here! 🍂

If you're planning a fall road trip through Northwest Pennsylvania, few places can match the beauty of the Cook Forest region when the leaves begin to change. Towering old-growth forests, scenic overlooks, rocky outcroppings, winding backroads, and peaceful creekside trails create some of the state's most breathtaking autumn scenery.

In this video, I'm sharing 9 of my favorite places to experience fall foliage near Cook Forest State Park, including:

🍁 Beartown Rocks
🍁 Cook Forest Fire Tower (Old Fire Tower #9)
🍁 Henry Run Sawmill Dam
🍁 Minister Creek
🍁 River Road
🍁 Forest Cathedral & Cook Forest Swinging Bridge
🍁 Seneca Point
🍁 Scurry Overlook
🍁 Rail 66 Trail

These locations showcase the very best of autumn in the Pennsylvania Wilds. It's a mixture of rocky outcroppings, forest trails, and drivable views suitable for any age.

🎥 Watch the video to see all nine destinations and discover which spots deserve a place on your fall bucket list this year!

10/15/2026

One of our favorite hikes during vanlife? Ape Cave, Washington. 🫈

If you're looking for a unique Washington stop that’s part geology lesson, part adventure, and totally un-touristy, then Ape Cave is worth stopping. Although it's called a 'ape cave' it's actually a lava tube on the south side of Mount St. Helens and is one of the longest lava tubes in the U.S. It’s perfect for travelers who want something different from the usual overlooks and forest trails 🌲

The basics:

🌋 Ape Cave is a massive lava tube formed 2,000 years ago by Mount St. Helens.
❄️ Cool year‑round (around 42°F), dark, and full of volcanic history.
🚶‍♂️‍➡️ A choose‑your‑own‑adventure kind of stop.

2️⃣ Two cave options:

Lower Cave — 1.5 miles. Easy to moderate. Wide, flat, great for families and casual explorers. Best if you want the experience without scrambling

Upper Cave — 1.2 miles. More challenging. Includes an 8‑foot lava fall you’ll need to climb. Best for adventure‑seekers who don’t mind getting a little dirty

Ape Cave is perfect for road‑trippers looking for a unique stop near Mount St. Helens, those who love geology, caves, or anything a little weird, and people who want a memorable experience that’s not crowded or commercialized.

💡 Tips for your visit:

🔦 Bring two light sources — it’s pitch black inside. There are NO lights in Ape Cave. You will be walking over a mile in pitch darkness.
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes; the floor is uneven and rocky.
🥼 Dress warmly — it’s cold even in summer.
📆 Reservations may be required depending on season.

Ape Cave is one of those places that makes you feel tiny, curious, and a little bit like you’re walking through the Earth’s secret hallway. If you’re exploring Washington, add it to your list!

10/14/2026

Goosenecks State Park, Utah: The Crowd‑Free Horseshoe Bend!

If you’re chasing dramatic river‑carved canyon views without the shoulder‑to‑shoulder chaos of Horseshoe Bend, let me introduce you to Goosenecks State Park. It’s quiet, wild, and absolutely unreal 📷️

The San Juan River twists through 1,000 feet of canyon, creating massive “gooseneck” curves you can see all at once from the overlook.

It’s small, simple, and wonderfully uncrowded. You park, walk a few steps, and boom: jaw‑dropping views.

Perfect for sunrise, sunset, or just a peaceful midday stop on your Utah road trip.

We brought Pawdrick (professional adventure tripod) and G (tiny feline explorer with main‑character energy). Both approved of the views, the breeze, and the fact that they didn’t have to dodge a million tourists to enjoy it.

If you love big scenery, quiet spaces, and places that feel like a secret, Goosenecks is a must‑see. It’s one of those stops that reminds you why road trips are magic.

10/13/2026

Minister Creek is one of the best places to view fall colors 🍁 . The Minister Creek Overlook offers an incredible view of the Allegheny National Forest, but there's more than just the overlook at this beautiful wilderness area 🌲

Nestled along the trail are huge rock formations darkened by fall rains, contrasting with the bright fall foliage 🌧️ . As you meander through, you'll catch glimpses of fiery orange and yellow maples, red oaks, and a whole array of fall colors.

Check out our guide below for tips on what to do at Minister Creek. I've included guides on hiking, seeing the overlook, camping, and a few other activities you can do this fall! Check it out here 👉️

There are many activities to do at Minister Creek, including hiking, exploring the rock formations, viewing the overlooks, backpacking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing

10/12/2026

A day in the life of G. This fierce one-eyed feline works tirelessly to keep her domain free of vermin and to keep the household running smoothly 🐿️. Even though 'the dog' tries to foil her plans, she still manages to get all her duties done and make time for an afternoon nap (or three) 💤 .

It's a hard life being G, but somehow she manages it. 😆

10/08/2026

🐾❤️ Some of my favorite fall pictures so far! Let me see your fall furbags in the comments! 👇️