Erika’s editorial scope
« Erika focuses on official planning information and logistics for remote parks in Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. territories. »
Erika covers Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. territories. Her editorial scope is the logistics of remote parks: access by small plane or boat, short operating seasons, permits and the official information travelers need before departure. This is an editorial profile only; it attributes no personal field story or quotation to her.
Three parks they recommend without hesitation
Guides
12 national parks covered by Erika for American Parks.
Articles
Winter Storm Hits Gates of the Arctic: Travel Discouraged in the Brooks Range The National Weather Service placed the southern Central Brooks Range under a winter storm warning for the night of October 10 to 11, 2026. 
Kīlauea on Alert: Two Crater Trails Closed at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes The Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge are closed over rockfall risk tied to the volcano's activity. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Closes Two Kīlauea Summit Trails as a Precaution As of October 7, 2026, the park is closing Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail, 1.3 miles in all, for safety. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: The Hōlei Sea Arch Has Collapsed into the Pacific As of October 1, 2026, the famous Hōlei Sea Arch is gone. Here's what it means for visiting the park's coast. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: Keanakākoʻi Area Closed After a Surge in Kīlauea Activity Earthquakes and volcanic unrest at Kīlauea's summit have closed the Keanakākoʻi area for safety, until further notice. 
Haleakalā: No Water or Restrooms at Kīpahulu, Pack Your Own On Haleakalā's south coast, the Kīpahulu District has lost its restrooms and water, so come prepared with your own drinking water. Haleakalā: New Bilingual Hawaiian-Language Exhibits Open at the Summit New exhibits in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and English now greet visitors at the Haleakalā summit visitor center, according to Maui Now. 
Glacier Bay Lifts the Whale Waters Speed Limit Starting October 1, 2026 The 13-knot limit in Queen Inlet and eastern Lower Bay ends October 1, 2026, at 5 a.m. Here's what it means for your boating. 
Denali Shifts Into Winter Mode: The Visitor Center Moves to Mile 1.3 As of September 24, 2026, Denali's visitor services move to the Murie Science Center, and private vehicle access to mile 30 closes soon.