hiking

An Easy-Does-It Wine & Wildflower Day in the Columbia Gorge

Mid-May is a fabulous time to visit the Columbia River Gorge. On a recent day trip out of Vancouver, a perfect weather day was in store for me as I headed up towards Hood River.  The day was planned with a variety of stops along the way. There is so… Read More

10 Best Geologic Wonders

Most people have heard of Oregon’s famous Crater Lake, a crystal blue lake formed inside the caldera of an ancient volcano. Oregon is also famous for  the Columbia River Gorge with its many towering waterfalls.  Or perhaps the beautiful rock formations dotting just off the water’s edge on the coastline… Read More

Best Northwest Wildlfower Walks

Where to Find Wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest   There is no shortage of natural beauty around the Pacific Northwest, but if you time it right, you might just be in for a real treat when wildflowers are in bloom. Usually between April to August, you can find fields of… Read More

Old Sauk Trail

Hiking along the Old Sauk trail in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in June can find you engulfed in a sea of green. Everything is alive with even downed tree branches becoming homes for new life.  Find out more about this hike on the National Forest Service website.

Quartzville Creek, Oregon

Quartzville Creek, Oregon

Quartzville Creek is a 28 mile tributary to the Middle Santiam River in Linn County, Oregon. Located about midway between Salem and Bend as you head east into the Cascades. The area is a favorite spot for camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and maybe even a little gold-panning. Once an area… Read More

Strawberry Lake

Strawberry Lake

Aptly named, Strawberry Lake sits not far from Strawberry Mountain in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Sitting in the heart of eastern Oregon roughly about half way between The Dalles and Boise, as the crow flies. The lake is a naturally formed lake fed by winter snowmelt, is relatively shallow, and… Read More