A smiling woman with wavy hair stands by a pond, wearing a floral shirt and a crossbody bag. Green trees are in the background.

Courtnie Erickson

Courtnie Erickson is a southeastern Idaho-based writer and Utah State University journalism graduate with nearly 20 years of professional writing experience. She lives near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks — and is personally working toward visiting all 63 U.S. national parks — giving her an unmatched on-the-ground perspective on Western destinations. For Only In Your State, she covers regional restaurants, attractions, and one-of-a-kind accommodations with a focus on hidden gems scattered across the West. Follow her on LinkedIn.

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Southern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in California, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 29
Looking toward a unique art display with a statue of legs sticking out of a barrel at an outdoor art museum in Joshua Tree, California.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Discover This Underrated Montana Town Full of Quirky Charm

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Montana, filled with unique dinosaur attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 27
A fiery sunset over the Yellowstone River and the Yellowstone River Bridge in Glendive, Montana.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Kansas Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Kansas where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 25
Waves slowly lap onto a rocky beach as a boat floats out in the water at Eisenhower State Park in Kansas.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Idaho’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Idaho, filled with outdoor recreation and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 23
A wooden fence crosses a large meadow in front of the Sawtooth Mountains in Stanley, Idaho.
Nature

Take a Unique Adventure On Wyoming’s Best Rail Trail

This scenic rail trail in Wyoming offers incredible views without the tough climb. Here’s why it’s better than a hike.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 22
A brown trailhead sign stating "Medicine Bow Rail Trail" sits next to a wide dirt trail in a Wyoming forest.
Nature

These 10 Fleeting Natural Wonders Only Appear Under Certain Conditions

From blooming deserts to glowing waves, these 10 short-lived natural wonders in the U.S. prove nature always has a few surprises in store.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 21
Firefall in Yosemite National Park on a late winter day.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Montana Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Montana where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 20
Sun shines on Lost Creek Falls, a 50-foot waterfall in a small-town state park in Montana.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

5 Epic Airbnbs in Oregon With Cold Plunges, Indoor Pools, and River Access

Soak, swim, and unwind at these epic vacation rentals with cold plunges, indoor pools, and riverfront access—ideal for your next getaway.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 18
An A-frame cabin Airbnb in Oregon, with a wall of windows, is brightly lit up at dusk. The rental is surrounded by a lush forest.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Montana Airbnb Has a 40-Foot Waterfall, Swimming Hole, and Unreal Views

Discover a standout Airbnb in Montana with a 40-foot waterfall, swimming hole, and epic views — here's what makes it worth booking.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 15
A 40-foot waterfall tumbles into a small natural pool, surrounded by steep cliffs and green vegetation, near a cabin Airbnb in northern Montana.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Washington Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Washington where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 14
Looking out toward a large body of water on an overcast day at Belfair State Park in Belfair, Washington.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

5 Epic Airbnbs in Northern California With Infinity-Edge Pools and Unreal Views

Discover standout Airbnbs in Northern California with infinity-edge pools and unforgettable views — here's what makes each one worth booking.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 12
Patio furniture sits along the side of an infinity-edge pool at a Northern California Airbnb that overlooks a vineyard and a lake.
Nature

Take a Unique Adventure On Northern Idaho’s Best Bike Path

Stretching along the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene, this paved trail offers stunning water views, easy terrain, and access to charming stops along the way.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 12
A pedestrian bridge over the Spokane River with the words "North Idaho Centennial Trail" underneath.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Utah Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Utah where scenic views, peaceful trails, and a quiet reservoir make it feel like a hidden gem.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 11
A stump sits on a hillside above Wide Hollow Reservoir at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in southern Utah.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

4 Epic Airbnbs in Idaho With Cold Plunges and Stunning Views

These incredible Idaho Airbnbs combine breathtaking scenery, cold plunges, and unique features that make them worth booking ASAP.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 11
A wooden cold plunge at a luxury Airbnb in Victor, Idaho, sits in a grassy meadow, facing views of the Teton Valley and Teton Mountains.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

5 Must-Book Alaska Airbnbs With Unreal Water Views

Discover standout Airbnbs in Alaska with peace, quiet, and epic water views — here's what makes each one worth booking.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 10
The sun sets over the Kenai Peninsula as seen from a deck on a waterfront Airbnb in Alaska.
Experiences

I Saw the Big Boy Steam Locomotive on Its 250th Anniversary Tour—Here’s What It Was Like

History came to life as the Big Boy steam locomotive rolled into Utah on a historic coast-to-coast tour. Here’s what it was like to see this iconic train up close.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 6
Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest steam locomotive, travels on tracks next to green trees and with blue sky above.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

5 Epic Airbnbs in Washington With Infinity-Edge Pools, Cold Plunges, and Hidden Waterfalls

Discover standout Airbnbs in Washington with infinity pools, cold plunges, and waterfall views — here's what makes each one worth booking.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 5
An infinity pool at a Washington vacation rental overlooks the Columbia River.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Montana

Discover Fort Peck, Montana—a little-known waterfront town filled with scenic lake views, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm that makes it one of the state’s most delightful hidden gems.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 2
The sun rises over Fort Peck Lake in northeastern Montana.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Idaho

Discover Cascade, Idaho, a charming waterfront town nestled along Lake Cascade. With scenic views, outdoor adventures, and a small-town vibe, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 1
An aerial view of Lake Cascade and surrounding land on a summer day.
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Northern California

This Northern California gem offers stunning waterfront views, unique streets, and a relaxing escape near San Francisco.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 30
An aerial view of Tiburon, California, and the San Francisco Bay area on a cloudy day.
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Kansas

This charming waterfront town offers scenic views, outdoor adventures, and a peaceful escape from the crowds. It's a true Kansas gem.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 29
The shore is silhouetted against a pink and purple sunset over Milford Lake in Kansas.
Experiences

3 Magical Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Crater Lake National Park

From peaceful viewpoints to starry landscapes, these secret places reveal a quieter, more enchanting side of this iconic Oregon park.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 22
A hiker wearing a pink jacket and a blue backpack stands next to a tree at a secret overlook at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.
Nature
Hiking

15 Flower-Filled Spring Hikes Across the U.S.

These 15 flower-filled spring hikes across the U.S. offer vibrant blooms, peaceful trails, and some of the season’s most stunning views.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 22
Purple wildflowers cover a large meadow, as rugged mountains are visible in the distance.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Oregon

Discover the charm of Waldport, Oregon, a little-known waterfront town where scenic coastal views, quiet beaches, and laid-back vibes create the perfect off-the-beaten-path escape.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 17
An aerial view of the Alsea Bay Bridge and Waldport, a lesser-known waterfront town in Oregon.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Washington

Stehekin is a remote waterfront destination where natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm create one of Washington’s most unforgettable hidden escapes.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 15
Several people stand along a dock in Lake Chelan, near the lesser-known small town of Stehekin, Washington.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Unexpected Montana Treehouse You’ll Remember Forever

Trade the ordinary for the extraordinary at this boat-shaped treehouse near Columbia Falls. Here, forest serenity and creative architecture make every moment memorable.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 15
The exterior of the Beverly Boat, a unexpected treehouse Airbnb near Columbia Falls, Montana.
Experiences

3 Magical Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Olympic National Park

From quiet hiking trails to interesting historical sites, these lesser-known spots reveal a quieter, more enchanting side of this iconic Washington park.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 14
A hiker wearing a red backpack stands at the base of a tall waterfall in a lush rainforest in Olympic National Park.
Nature
Hiking

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Idaho for a Spring Hike

Ready for a spring adventure? Explore six beautiful hiking trails known for waterfalls, wildflowers, and stunning scenery.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 13
A close-up of purple and yellow wildflowers on an Idaho hillside at sunrise.
Experiences
Tours

The Unique Alaska Tour You’ll Remember Forever

From scenic rails to glacier kayaking, this bucket-list tour from Anchorage explores the wild beauty of the Last Frontier.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 8
A hiker looks toward a massive glacier on a unique tour near Anchorage, Alaska.
Trips & Routes

I Went to 7 of the Most Viral TikTok Destinations in the Western U.S.—Here’s My Honest Take

I traveled to seven of the Western U.S.’s most viral TikTok destinations. Here’s what surprised me, what impressed me, and what wasn’t worth the hype.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 8
Delicate Arch surrounded by red slickrock with a fiery sunset overhead.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Unique Oregon Cottage You’ll Remember Forever

Escape to a Tolkien-inspired Airbnb in Mosier—an enchanting retreat that brings a touch of Middle-earth to the Columbia River Gorge.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 7
The exterior of a Tolkien-inspired cottage Airbnb in Mosier, Oregon.
Food
Restaurants

From Ramen to Pad Thai: Discover Idaho’s Best Noodles

From ramen cravings to Pad Thai favorites, Mr. Thai is a must-visit for noodle lovers in Idaho.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 6
A close-up of a bowl of ramen with two chopsticks holding up strands of noodles.
Food
Restaurants

From Ramen to Udon: Discover Montana’s Best Noodles

From savory ramen to slurp-worthy udon, the Noodle House in Billings is a must-visit spot for noodle lovers of all ages.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 5
A close-up of a black plate of noodles with stir-fried vegetables. Cabbage, dry noodles, and an onion are visible on the side of the plate.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

10 Airbnbs Near South Carolina’s Most Epic Waterfalls

Planning a waterfall getaway? These 10 Airbnbs near South Carolina’s most epic waterfalls offer cozy stays just minutes from stunning cascades and scenic trails.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 3
A rustic treehouse surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. Wooden chairs sit near the base of the stairs, next to a roaring fire.
Nature
Waterfalls

These 15 Waterfalls Deliver Epic Views, Zero Hiking Required

Skip the trail and head straight to the view—these 15 waterfalls deliver breathtaking scenery with little to no hiking required.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Apr 2
The sun sets above a series of cascades of all sizes as they tumble into a large natural pool. Green trees and shrubs grow on the cliff surrounding the falls.