On a recent trip to the west coast, we decided at the last moment to stop in at Yellowstone National Park to take in the Upper Geyser Basin. Well, that worked out great, but since we’d have to drive right…
Exploring the Punchbowl: Above and Within
A highlight along the Oregon coast last summer would be exploring the area around Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area north of Newport. The area isn’t really that big, but low tide explorations are exciting (especially with the tide coming back…
12 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton has to be one of my favorite national parks in the US (along with North Cascades and a whole lot of others!) Those Alp-like jagged peaks, snow-flecked even in August, alpine lakes, lovely meadows, the unique meadows and…
Spectacular Gnarl Ridge below Mt. Hood
Sometimes there are hikes that you just know as soon as you arrive (at the parking area or the destination) that this is one epic hike. Gnarl Ridge, high on the southern side of Mt. Hood, was one of those…
Elk Meadows and Views of Mt. Hood (Or Gnarl Ridge, Part 1)
If you like hiking through woods and views across meadows, Elk Meadows on the side of Mt. Hood, Oregon may well be a hike built for you. It’s really a backpacker’s destination, a place for a short overnight hike and…
Hug Point: Wayside Beach with a Waterfall & Sea Cave
I really like the Oregon Hiker’s website. Because although most the driving directions are from Portland (and it’s rare I’m coming from that direction), the trail descriptions tend to be complete, there are pictures and sometimes maps, and it’s great…
12 Epic Hikes of the Western United States, Part 3
Or, 12 Dayhikes You Should Take With Your Kids Before They’re Grown Today we have another collection of Epic Hikes in the Western US! This time our man is middle-age, highly creative, full of energy and fun, and was the…
Incredible Coastal Views from Cape Perpetua’s Stone Shelter
Cape Perpetua is a great place to visit. Thor’s Well and the surrounding volcanic tide pools and other oddities make it a must-do stop on a US-101 road trip. But I found the most remarkable – or at least the…
Exploring the Big Crack in Lava Beds
How about a little bit of adventuring? It’s awesome to follow trails, but every once in a while, it’s also really fun to adventure: no trail, no social trail, just a map and a willingness to venture into the unknown.…
An Evening at the Upper Geyser Basin
Last summer, the weather wasn’t working out so well at Mt. Hood, so we were looking for alternative places to visit on the trip home. A couple members of the group wanted to stop at Yellowstone National Park and see…