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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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Smokey Bear Gift Guide
I grew up hearing Smokey Bear commercials advocating for responsible campfires. I can still hear him say in his deep bear voice “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.” It was a campaign with lasting message that urged kids not to play with matches and urged adults to put out any campfires they make. This year on August 9, Smokey Bear turned 75 years old. He’s lookin’ pretty good I’d say! What birthday would be complete without some gifts? In honor of Smokey the Bear turning 75 this year, I created a quick gift guide with great ideas for anyone who loves Smokey Bear as much as I do! I had…
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Vacation Planning in the Digital Age
Summer is just around the corner and like many of you, we are excited to see some new sites. There are so many great online resources available for planning a vacation and admittedly I am totally obsessed with anything that helps me with my trip planning. I think about it All. The. Time. I like to think of trip planning like a little mini vacation where I can day-dream about all the fun we’re going to have. Some people call this “procrastination” or “a coping mechanism,” but whatever! Once we’ve decided on a location…like just seconds after, I go into research mode and scour the interwebs for all there is…
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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…
