July - August
Locations: Silver Falls State Park, Sahale Falls, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Multnomah Falls, Eagle Creek, Hidden Falls, Zig Zag Canyon, Horsetail Falls, Sherrard Point
Rocco and Henry, Sherrard Point, Larch Mountain, August, 2021
Liam, Rowan, myself and Blue, Zig Zag Canyon on Mt. Hood, August 2021.
It was 60 degrees on Mt. Hood in the middle of August, but luckily the ten essentials included a shelter, a hat and an extra jacket. A little cool air was welcomed after a summer of heat waves.
Rory and Henry, Wiesendanger Falls, August 2021
Only 1/4 Mile further from the top of Multnomah Falls, few continue the trek to the equally impressive Wiesendanger Falls. What’s awesome about these falls are the swimming hole you can hike up to. Extend the hike south to Sherrard Point, East to Oneonta Gorge or West to Angel’s Rest.
Liam, Rowan and Otis (my brother Lucas and Blue leading the Trek), Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls, August 2021.
We talked about fire safety as this trail reopens four years after the devastating Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. The trail and swimming hole is still spectacular.
Henry and Rocco, North Falls, August 2021
June - July
Locations: Mirror Lake (Mt. Hood), Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Wind Mountain, Cape Lookout
Liam, Jake and myself, Mirror Lake, June 2021.
Jake’s last day in Portland, Liam’s last day at age 12, end of a pandemic, and the beginning of summer!
Beacon Rock, 2021
I was so proud of Otis for facing his fears (and encouraging me to face mine!), as we ascended nearly 1000 feet of platforms suspended over the Columbia River Gorge. A top rope climber dropped down in front of us on our descent, showing us what fearlessness makes possible.
Mirror Lake, 2021.
Henry and I properly layered tinder, kindling and fuel in a Tepee structure. We kept an eye on sparks, kept it small, and then drowned it into a pool of mud before leaving. The fire smelled great, and kept the mosquitos away. It even warmed up the pizza we brought for lunch!
Henry, Sherrard Point, Larch Mountain, 2021. Mount Hood in the distance.
Liam and Rowan, Cape Lookout State Park, Tillamook, OR, 2021
April - May 2021
Locations: Wahclella Falls, Latourelle Falls, Tryon Creek, Weldon Wagon Trail, Marquam Park, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Dry Creek Falls, Mt. St. Helens Hummock’s Trail, Tamanawas Falls
Scaling the wall at Pool of the Winds
Rory, March 2021
“I will follow you anywhere, except if it involves climbing walls” - Blue dog.
Northern Scorpion Vejovis boreus
Zander-find at Coyote Wall, April 2021
Hemlock trees make great shelter from the rain.
Ecola State Park / Indian Beach.
Jacob, February 2021.
February - March 2021
Locations: Salmon River Trail, Stub Stewart State Park, Mosier Plateau, Latourelle Falls, Government Cove Peninsula, Ecola State Park, Indian Beach, Tillamook State Forest, Bridal Veil Falls, Coyote Wall
Props to these awesome Trekers who summited mountains, sledded off jumps, scuttled up cliffs and dashed along the surf - all in the rainy (and snowy) months of the Pacific Northwest! The hot chocolates were well deserved!
Zander and Blue, Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, OR.
February 2021
Dry Creek Falls, Silver Falls, Starvation Creek, & Broughton Beach
January 2021