Yocum Ridge via Ramona Falls

With hardly a soul in sight and only the path leading me forward, I savored the feeling of dirt and rock beneath my feet. The air smelled like ripe honeysuckle and high Cascade wildflowers. The wind was cool and crisp against my neck, which tingled with droplets of sweat. The river and streams, roared and

University Falls Hike

Half way between the Pacific Ocean and Portland, University Falls thunders down a small canyon in the Tillamook State Forest for an impressive show of water. Tumbling 65 feet, the waterfall flows from Elliot Creek amidst flourishing grey-green trees. Offering a range of meandering pathways to the falls, the University Falls Loop Hike trail system

Indian Point Loop Trail

Challenging your lungs in a tug-a-war with your legs, the Indian Point Loop Trail leads up into the high cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge for spectacular views worth the battle. From Indian Point – an outcropping of rocks along a rocky ridge – enjoy 180-degree views of the Columbia River as well as the

Cape Horn Loop Hike

“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”  ~Kahlil Gibran With high cliff views of the Columbia River Gorge from the Washington side, the Cape Horn Loop Trail is a 6.8 mile loop that meanders through the woods to pop out points with

Winter Views of Crater Lake

This weekend, I spent three days at Crater Lake. Graced with glorious weather, I enjoyed snowshoeing along the rim, sledding and going out for my first night photography sessions. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip:   First time to Crater Lake? Go on the free, guided snowshoe tour at the

Top 10 Northwest Snowshoe Areas

When the snow starts to fall and you just can’t stand being cooped up any longer, head out hiking. Grab a friend, some poles and a pair of snowshoes and try one of these fun snowshoe trails around the Pacific Northwest. You might just bump into me this winter! Oregon Tumalo Mountain, Bend A 4-mile

Mirror Lake Snowshoe Hike

Over the creek and through the woods to Mirror Lake we go. To ring in the 2013, this year I strapped on my snowshoes and headed up into the Cascades for some reflection time in the shadow of Mt. Hood at Mirror Lake. Crunching through the packed snow, I followed the trail as it weaved

A Fiery Fall on the Eagle Creek Trail

As cool weather settles into Oregon and fog hangs on the banks for the Columbia River Gorge, the Eagle Creek Trail illuminates in the fiery tones of fall. Following its colorful path – especially against the evergreen backdrop and contrasting grey sky – I savored and soaked in the mists of the new hiking season.

Saddle Mountain Hike

Located just a few miles off of highway 26 near Seaside, Oregon this spectacular hike takes you high into the coastal range – 3,283 feet to be exact for views of the ocean, mountains, Columbia River and surrounding forests. A 5.5 mile round trip hike, the walk up Saddle Mountain is steep at times with

Summiting the South Sister

Climbing the last stretch, a mile straight up through red-brown silt and gravel, I kept my eyes on the peak ahead. The blue sky over the rounded bulge summit at 10,358 feet beckoning me like a turquoise pendant. Reaching the top of this mountain however, awarded me with a hiking high better than any jewels could