Chris Woolston
Contributing Writer, Via
![Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Chris Woolston](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto,q_auto:best,f_auto/legacy/files/undefined/chris-woolston2-570.jpg)
Articles by Chris Woolston
![pair of Monterey pines tower above China Cove at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Carmel, California](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564349/singularity-migrated-images/orMA19-STATEPARKS-lobos-3000x1500-china-cove-point-carmel-california-best-state-parks-via-magazine.jpg.jpg)
Best State Parks in the Western U.S.
Not just the prettiest. Not just the most popular. The best state parks in the West.
![Canoes and row boats on the dock at Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1707177547/swiftcurrent-lake-montana-glacier-national-park-montana-experiences-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_309036734.jpg)
9 Quintessential Montana Experiences
Get to know the state like a local.
![Snowshoe trail leads to heated yurts in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647562581/singularity-migrated-images/winter-snowshoe-trail-camping-heated-yurts-Arizona-Coconino-National-Forest-winter-no-ski-activities-via-magazine..jpg.jpg)
Powder Play: No-Ski Snow Vacations
You don't have to ski to have fun in the snow.
![Northern lights in Tromsø, Norway](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647562510/singularity-migrated-images/tromso-norway-northern-lights-unexpected-destinations-via-magazine-Stocksy_comp_903712-hero.jpg.jpg)
23 Unexpected Places to Visit
See something new at one of these lesser-traveled, unique destinations.
![Lake Como in Montana's Bitterroot Valley on a winter's day.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1698766157/lake-como-bitterroot-valley-montana-via-magazine-aaa-ND23-jason-savage-photography.jpg)
Road-Trip Through Montana’s Bitterroot Valley
In-the-know locals treasure the valley as a place to relax, explore, and refresh any season of the year.
![Airbag warning on a vehicle dashboard.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1655403356/Via/airbag-warning-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_1737858701.jpg)
How Does an Airbag Work?
Learn what makes an airbag inflate.
![Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, Oregon at sunset.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564867/singularity-migrated-images/Yaquina-Bay-Bridge-newport-oregon-scenic-drives-west-via-magazine-credit-david-h-collier-1x2.jpg.jpg)
10 Scenic Drives in the West
Answer the call of the open road with trips to see rivers, craggy coasts, and mountain passes.
![A mother and child walk outside at Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana with the mountains in the background.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1677865878/chico-hot-springs-paradise-valley-montana-road-trip-via-magazine-aaa-ma23-lynn-donaldson-trimmed.jpg)
Road-Trip Through Paradise Valley, Montana
Take your time as you snake through the Yellowstone River’s resilient towns.
![two hikers snow shoe at Mount Hood](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564190/singularity-migrated-images/mount-hood-oregon-snow-shoe-winter-fun-spots-via-magazine-GettyImages-184914578.jpg.jpg)
3 Top Nature Spots for Winter Fun
Yellowstone, Mt. Hood, and Bryce Canyon offer dramatic snowy landscapes and outdoor excursions.
![Cars on the freeway at night with an orange sunset in the background.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564221/singularity-migrated-images/smart-tips-driving-safely-night-via-magazine-shutterstock_508139125.jpg.jpg)
7 Smart Tips for Driving Safely in the Dark
These smart tips will keep you safe when you have to drive at dawn, dusk, and night.
![fog hugs the hillside in Olympic National Park.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564577/singularity-migrated-images/olympic-national-forest-cascadia-via-magazine_0.jpg.jpg)
Welcome to Beautiful Cascadia
The beautiful bioregion woos nature lovers with redwoods, rushing rivers, and awe-inspiring animals.
![a picture of Pando Forest in Utah during fall with golden leaves on the aspens](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647562500/singularity-migrated-images/fishlake-pando-forest-utah-fall-weekend-trip-2880x1440.jpg.jpg)
14 Best Fall Trips in the West
Stunning autumn foliage, mild temperatures, and crowd-free attractions reward fall travelers.
![Teen in the drivers seat of a red car.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564340/singularity-migrated-images/how-to-prepare-teen-drivers-safety-via-magazine-shutterstock_268226132.jpg.jpg)
How to Prepare Teen Drivers
Parents can help teenagers stay safe on the road by following a few guidelines.
![A horseshoe bend at Rowena Crest can test a driver's mettle.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1647564347/singularity-migrated-images/rowena-crest-oregon-horseshoe-bend-columbia-river-highway-scenic-gorge-drive-oregon-via-magazine-shutterstock_745908535.jpg.jpg)
Columbia River Highway: Oregon's Scenic Gorge Drive
Savor the scenic Columbia River Gorge with 70-mile road trip along the state's northern edge.
![Tourists look at the Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone’s Midway Geyser Basin.](https://assets.goaaa.com/image/upload/q_auto:best,f_auto,w_590,h_500,c_fill,g_auto/v1657055634/Via/yellowstone-grand-prismatic-hot-spring-via-magazine-aaa-shutterstock_1713552193.jpg)
Yellowstone After the Flood
Yellowstone has some recovery to do after the recent floods, but the park and surrounding towns are still welcoming visitors.