Hike Highlight: Drift Creek Falls

Out at the coast for a day trip or short weekend stay near Lincoln City? Then enjoy this short waterfall hike in the depths of the Coastal Mountains’ forest. An easy, 3.7-mile round trip walk, this hike is a good option for families; featuring a wide path, little elevation change, and big shady Thimbleberry bushes.

A Hidden Hike: Panther Creek Falls

  A long drive from Portland, down an obscure road, Panther Creek Falls is a hidden gem worth an afternoon away. From the parking lot, it is just a short hike (like really short) to a viewing platform. But if you are up for an adventure, take the scramble trail off to the left to

Triple the Beauty at Triple Falls

The holidays can be a tough. Too much food, too much family-fun and too much sitting around. While some may enjoy relaxing on the couch, for me the lethargy can be all too consuming. My mind starts to wander, the hours slip by and my body enters a sugar coma that’s as addictive as the

Hamilton Mountain Loop

With waterfalls, lush forested paths and mountain vistas, the Hamilton Mountain Loop trail has it all for hikers heading out to the Gorge this fall. Follow the 7.5 mile out and back trail to an open plateau and enjoy views of the Bonneville dam and the rugged cliff lines of the Columbia River’s banks. The

Hiking Yosemite’s Half Dome

“If my mother knew what I was doing right now, she wouldn’t like it!” my friend Nigel said as we both stepped up the first rung of the Half Dome cables. “Mine neither,” I replied (sorry Mom!). “I can’t believe they let anyone do this!” With only the morning’s dim glow lighting my path, I

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

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),

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