PNW Hikes
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How to See Wildflowers on the Dog Mountain Hike
Hiking Dog Mountain is like stepping into the Sound of Music. It’s one of the top wildflower hikes in the whole Pacific Northwest. Here I’ll share the highlights of the Dog Mountain hike and how to see the Dog Mountain wildflowers at their best.
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Top Tips for Your Snoqualmie Falls Hike
Snoqualmie Falls is the most famous waterfall in Washington. Is it worth visiting such a famous, overcrowded waterfall? Well…yes. Here I’ll share the highlights of the short Snoqualmie Falls hike, tips for your visit, and the fascinating history of Snoqualmie Falls.
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McKenzie River Trail: 3-Day Hiking Itinerary & Guide
The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail meanders through 26 miles of old-growth forest. Lava flows have left a string of natural wonders along the trail, from the Oregon Blue Pool to two huge McKenzie River waterfalls: Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Here I’ll share our 3-day McKenzie River Trail itinerary as…
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The Oregon Blue Pool: 10 Things You Must Know
Here are 10 things you must know about the Blue Pool in Oregon, one of the world’s weird and wonderful places.
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Oregon’s Famous Clear Lake Hike
Here I’ll share the highlights of the Clear Lake hike, a unique hike with a startling volcanic past that ranks among the best Oregon hikes. When lava dammed the McKenzie River 3,000 years ago, Clear Lake grew behind the lava dam, and the forest sank below the lake’s surface. Incredibly,…
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How to See the Camas Lily Fields at Lacamas Park
Camas lily bulbs were historically a staple food for Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Camas lily fields have since become scarce. In today’s post, I’ll share more about the camas lily, the reason it’s now scarce, and where to see camas lily fields near Portland.
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Coyote Wall Loop Trail: Spring Escape to Balsamroot Meadows
In spring, a succession of wildflowers flows through the Columbia River Gorge, beginning on the sunnier east side and moving west. If you have limited time, a hallmark sight is the balsamroot flower, a sunflower relative that turns entire hillsides golden. In today’s post, I’ll share everything you need to…
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Hotspot for Trilliums in Oregon: Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Trilliums in Oregon are among the showiest (and first) wildflowers of the year. Huge white Pacific Trillium flowers unfurl from mossy forest floors in early March. In today’s post, I’ll share more about trilliums in Oregon and one of the best places to see the Pacific Trillium in the Portland…
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Hamilton Mountain Trail Among Top All-Around Hikes near Portland
The Hamilton Mountain trail is one of the best hikes near Portland. It’s known for spectacular views, but without the views it would be a spectacular waterfall hike in its own right. In today’s post, I’ll share the highlights and everything you need to know to do the Hamilton Mountain…