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Tamolich Blue Pool Hiking Guide
The crystal clear turquoise water of Tamolich Blue Pool makes the Blue Pool hike a popular destination on warm summer days. Tamolich Blue Pool gets its name from the Cherokee word for “bucket.” Most locals just refer to it as Blue pool. The turquoise pool formed where the McKenzie River seeps to the surface via underground lava fields that formed over 600 years ago. About the Trail The first part of the Blue Pool hiking trail is an easy walk through fir trees along the McKenzie River. The tranquil sounds of the river below will make this first section of the Blue Pool hike even more enjoyable. There are several…
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McDowell Creek Falls Hiking Guide
The McDowell Creek Falls hike under a lush woodland canopy is a peaceful place to enjoy nature with calming sounds of nearby McDowell Creek. There are several trail options going past multiple falls. Royal Terrace Falls, (not pictured) was just a trickle mid summer, so a fall hike would be a great time for ideal water flowing over the falls. About the Trail This wooded trail is fairly easy, but has a moderate rating due to the number of stairs. If you have mobility issues, this might not be a good choice. The stair cases will get your heart racing, but they are only in a couple areas. We hiked…
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Forest Park Ridge Trail Hiking Guide
This hike through Forest Park offers an outstanding view of the iconic St Johns Bridge in NW Portland. Did you know, Forest Park is the largest urban wilderness in the United States? As such there are numerous trails to explore within Forest Park. According to Portland Monthly Magazine, one of the best trails in the park is the Ridge Trail. Whether you prefer urban hikes or a more peaceful hike through trees, you will experience both along the Ridge Trail. Parking for this hike is limited to about 6-8 cars near the trailhead. Without other nearby places to park, you will have better luck going early or later in the…
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Crack in the Mountain Hiking Guide
The Crack in the Mountain slot canyon hike goes by many names, (also called SARA’s Crack Trail, SARA Canyon Trail or Crack in the Wall), but most people just refer to it as “The Crack.” The trail head, located at SARA (Special Activities Recreation Area) Park, is about 15 minutes south of the London Bridge Resort on hwy 95 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. This hike offers a fairly flat out and back trail through the canyon as well as an upper route both ending along the shores of Lake Havasu. The best part of this hike, in my opinion, is climbing up and around all the different obstacles within…
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Lavender Festival at Hood River Lavender Farms
The Hood River Lavender Farm is nestled between Mt Hood and Mt Adams in the Hood River Valley, about an hours drive from Portland. In July, they host Lavender Daze where lavender enthusiasts can wander around the lavender farm, taking in the mountain views and breathing in the heavenly scent of lavender growing all around. Local artisans and craftsmen have booths set up for you to shop if you so desire, or just grab a chair and listen to the live band playing while sipping a glass of wine from Stave and Stone Winery. If the site and sound of bees buzzing all around makes you uneasy, this might not…
