This is a hike I do for my birthday with friends to see western larches at peak color — a late-fall outing near Mount Hood that I always look forward to.
On a quick outing along the Wilson River Trail, we paired a short hike with a visit to the Tillamook Forestry Center and were treated to unexpected wildlife sightings along the way.
Featuring expansive mountain views and rugged terrain, this loop to Silver Star Mountain via Ed’s Trail included rocky scrambles, fall color, and panoramic vistas of five Cascade volcanoes.
The Twin Lakes loop is a moderate 8.3-mile hike near Mount Hood, passing Lower and Upper Twin Lakes and following sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, popular year-round for hikers and snowshoers.
A foggy morning on Mount Hood’s south side highlighted the fall colors of vine maples and huckleberry shrubs as we hiked through historic Devils Half Acre and up to Palmateer Point.
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Timberline Lodge to Zigzag Canyon Overlook for big views of Mount Hood, rocky ravines, and colorful fall foliage.
Starting at Ecola Point, this section of the Oregon Coast Trail leads through lush coastal forest with sweeping ocean views before descending to Indian Beach.
This hike in the Table Rock Wilderness features rhododendron-lined forests, rocky cliffs, and sweeping vistas from an open high ridge trail.
This trail loops around the rim of Larch Mountain, an ancient volcanic peak in the Columbia River Gorge. Early summer is a particularly stunning time to visit, with beargrass and rhododendrons in full bloom.
Towering above the coastline, Neahkahnie Mountain offers one of the most breathtaking views on the Oregon Coast. This is the shortest route to the summit via the South Trailhead.
This loop hike takes you across rolling sand dunes, through lush tree islands, and onto a secluded beach, showcasing the diverse and untamed beauty of the Oregon coastline.
On a sunny day in February, we spent the morning exploring Short Sand Beach and hiked a few of the short trails in Oswald West State Park.
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