Backpacking in Eagle Cap Wilderness

August 7, 2020

I’ve lived in Oregon now for almost 10 years and have always wanted to go to the Wallowas. Lindsay and I were supposed to go to Norway for ten days for a good friend’s wedding in July, but alas, our trip was canceled due to the pandemic. We decide to keep the same week off to have something to look forward to in the spring when we are in full tread water mode adjusting to full time work and childcare responsibilities. I casually suggest to my sister Kristin that we meet up to go backpacking and she hardly thinks twice about it, despite an 18 hour drive from Colorado. It didn’t take any effort to convince my brother either. It did, however, take a global pandemic for three of the four Brady siblings to finally go backpacking together for the first time.

Ramona Falls

May 20, 2016

Last weekend's forecast projected typical Pacific Northwest spring weather for Saturday - showers and lots of clouds - so we thought we would check out a waterfall we had never been to: Ramona Falls in the Mt. Hood Wilderness.

Smith Rock

March 5, 2016

Smith Rock is a truly majestic place. Its towering golden volcanic rocks jut hundreds of feet up from a winding, lazy river canyon. You will feel small here.

I first visited Central Oregon's Smith Rock State Park a few years ago in autumn when my parents visited from New York. I was shocked that such a place exists in the Pacific Northwest. Although I've never been to Utah, I imagine Smith Rock would fit in just fine there - with its deep river canyons, sheer cliffs, and innumerable rock climbers.

Wahkeena Falls Loop

January 16, 2016

One of my favorite sections of trail in the Gorge is located just a short walk from my least favorite section of trail.

We arrive at Multnomah Falls early on a rainy Saturday to avoid the swarm of tourists that will inevitably flock to marvel at the iconic, magnificent 611 foot Multnomah Falls. And no wonder. The falls is a stunning force of nature. It is worth the visit despite the crowds.

Tamanawas Falls

January 9, 2016

This winter has been a delight for the snow-lover in me. Hundreds of inches have fallen on Mt. Hood - creating magical forest scenes and a winter wonderland to discover. I've embraced dreary rainy days in Portland knowing that rain in the city means snow in the mountains - at least for now.

The Tamanawas Falls hike is one for all seasons. I've seen it in the fall and late summer but never winter. I was eager to see it dressed in snow and ice.