The Camassia Nature Preserve is a 26-acre natural area known for its beautiful wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and easy, family-friendly trails. [West Linn, Oregon] This post may contain affiliate links, but don't worry - they won't bite. For a few brief weeks every spring, wildflower fields along the Columbia River burst forth in a rhapsody of blue. It is Camas Season. Though it closely resembles a lily, the Camas plant ("Camassia quamash") is actually a member of the asparagus … [Read more...]
How to Survive on the Delicate Arch Trail
The Delicate Arch Trail is challenging, and totally worth the effort! Go early, take your time, and bring twice as much water as you think you need. This post may contain affiliate links, but don't worry - they won't bite. Iconic to Utah, Delicate Arch is the most famous – and most photographed – natural arch in the world. Mr B and I recently braved the three-mile desert hike to get up close and personal with Delicate Arch, and Wow! The payoff was totally worth the effort! FUN … [Read more...]
Oneonta Gorge Hike {9 Essential Tips}
The Oneonta Gorge Hike in the Columbia River Gorge creates an indelible memory for those who brave the trail to get there. Oneonta Gorge is an amazing, invigorating hot-weather hike, and one of the most memorable that Mr B, Em and I have ever taken. Arriving at the far end of Oneonta Gorge is totally worth the effort it takes to get there. When you stand at the end of that pristine fissure in the earth and feel the spray from Lower Oneonta Falls falling all around you, it is an … [Read more...]
Wahkeena Falls {Hike}
Beautiful and easy to access, Wahkeena Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River Gorge offers visitors almost an infinite hiking opportunities. Some of our favorite day hikes can be found along the string of waterfalls on Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway known as the “Waterfall Loop,” where well-maintained trails are abundant and the scenery is spectacular. The hike to Wahkeena Falls is especially beautiful, with something to see … [Read more...]
The Trail Less Traveled: Elowah Falls & McCord Creek Falls {Hike}
Enjoy both sweeping views and relative solitude on this – the Elowah Falls & Upper McCord Falls Hike –the least-traveled trail on Oregon’s “waterfall road.” It can be so easy to put off exploring your own backyard. Late this summer, Mr. B, Em and I decided to spend a week camping along the Historic Columbia River Highway at Ainsworth State Park, and take the time to explore Gorge trails so close to home that we often overlook them. We took our trusty copy of Curious Gorge along … [Read more...]
Hiking Diamond Head {360° of Amazing}
Hiking to the peak of Diamond Head Crater is no stroll through the park, but Wow! What a payoff! No, I am not sunburned in the picture above. I'm just one of those people who doesn't sweat much, overheats easily, and turns red any time I my heart gets going faster than my feet. Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you why we are smiling from ear to ear. Or better yet, let me show you - from our vantage point at the top of Diamond Head Crater. Looking to the right, … [Read more...]
Mosier Twin Tunnels {Hike}
We decided to wrap up our Valentine's weekend trip to Hood River by stretching our winter-weary hiking legs with a trip up to see the historic Twin Tunnels just west of Mosier, Oregon. Really more of a stroll than a hike, this short 1.1 mile jaunt (one way, from the Mosier-side trail-head) offers some fabulous views of the Columbia River Gorge. Once an important link in the scenic Columbia River Highway, the Mosier Twin Tunnels were constructed between 1919 and 1921. From the beginning, … [Read more...]
Hike to Witch’s Castle | Forest Park, Portland, Oregon
Easy half-mile Hike to the Witch's Castle; Forest Park, Portland, Oregon. Learn how real-life turned into local legend, plus hike details and trail tips. This post may contain affiliate links, but don't worry - they won't bite. Once upon a time, I had visions of hiking through the hills and valleys of the Pacific Northwest with my happy little train of children, traipsing along whilst singing our hearts out all Von Trappified and such. (In my perfect world, it would be totally acceptable … [Read more...]
