Riding “The Wave” at Valley of Fire State Park

The desert can be a deadly and desolate place. However, in the heat and extreme landscape comes surprising beauty. In Nevada’s first state park, the Valley of Fire, rugged formations of bright red Aztec sandstone jut out of the earth; some with rough edges from thousands of years of erosion from the power of the

Experiencing the Power of Nature on the Red Castle Lake Trail

As a spider web of lightening illuminated the green and gray rain-fly of our Nemo tent and the rain soaked the ground, my chest tightened in panic. I hope we don’t end up like those 300 dead reindeer in Norway, I thought. The rain continued to fall from the angry sky; the water creeping closer

Painted Hills of Oregon

One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, the Painted Hills in eastern Oregon near the John Day Fossil beds are ablaze with fall colors year round. While its quiet a drive to this scenic wayside from Portland, I can’t recommend it enough. Put on your Indian Jones hat and make a wild west day of it!

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

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.

Cooling off Along the Waters of the Columbia River Gorge

Headin east from Portland along highway 84, we raced the rising summer sun. Warming from the tip-top cliffs of the river valley down to the curving road that hugs the waters’ shore, the sun kissed the Columbia River Gorge as we set off on a day-long adventure. Following the Historic Columbia River Highway (highway 30),

The Road to Seward

Heading southeast out of Anchorage along the shoreline, the road twists and turns following highway 1. This is the road to Seward. Highlighted by mountains jettisoning from glistening glacier carved inlet known as Turnagain Arm and lush marsh lands, this scenic drive is a beauty to remember.

A Not-So-Flat Hike to Flat Top

With sprawling views of the municipality of Anchorage, its muddy shores and the eastward mountains, the hike up Flat Top is well worth the crowded climb. One of the most popular hikes in Alaska because of its close proximity to Anchorage, this 3-mile hike climbs 1250 feet to a flat lookout that gives the perch

Bridge over the Stream

“If you know wilderness in the way that you know love, you would be unwilling to let it go….” — Terry Tempest Williams, Testimony

Wildflower Fields at Mount Pisgah

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods; There is rapture on the lonely shore; There is society, where none intrudes, by the deep sea and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more.” -Lord Byron Wander the weaving trials at Mount Pisgah just a few miles south of Eugene, Oregon