trees

2023 Hike 7 - Beacon Rock State Park

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 7

Beacon Rock State Park - Skamania County, WA

I found a hiking group based out of Portland to join, thanks to some friends, and I went on my first outing with them to Beacon Rock State Park. The park is pretty well-known in the area, and is just north of Portland across the Columbia River.

The trail goes up and around this rock, climbing and climbing. The views from each point are amazing, or I assume, since it was a pretty gray and foggy day when I went. This hike took place back in February, and I’d say it’s challenging for anyone who isn’t used to go uphill. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of places to stop and take a “photo break” to catch your breath!

WA State Park Website: https://www.parks.wa.gov/474/Beacon-Rock

2023 Hike 6 - Hilburn Preserve

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 6

Hilburn Preserve - Shelton, WA

I took a short drive (maybe 25 mins) to a small town called Shelton and parked behind the Ford dealership to go for a hike along the Goldsborough Creek. I didn’t want to adventure too far, and I wasn’t really feeling much as far as physical exertion, so I this little stroll looked perfect. It was a relatively easy trail, through some gorgeous trees covered in moss towering over an abundance of ferns.

It was a short hike through the first part which was right along the creek, through some big trees. From there, it opened up and I had to cross over some fallen trees. I followed the trail to the railroad tracks, and crossed, but it got a little thick and I didn’t feel like going any further. I turned back and took an alternative route through some bigger trees. The sun was streaming through, it was a gorgeous morning. The moss was illuminated and the ferns were a brilliant green. The area was relatively quiet and I saw no one around.

Happy trails and stay safe out there! Enjoy some photos.

2023 Hike 5 - Mima Falls

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 5

Mima Falls - Capitol State Forest - Washington

I took a late afternoon hike in the Mima Falls area which is about 25 minutes from my house. The trail is near a shoot range, so be prepared to hear people doing that in the first part of your hike. From the trailhead, I headed out and wasn’t too sure what to expect. The Capitol Forest is managed, so the area I walked through was cut before, or so it seemed. The trail carried on into the forest and eventually I found some older, bigger trees that were more my style. It’s not that I don’t mind regrowth, in fact it made me feel nostalgic, I just prefer the big trees.

Parts of this hike reminded me of Northern Michigan where I grew up. The trees that were growing back looked like some of the full grown trees back there. The way the night sky came though the trees with no leaves made me feel like it was a fall evening back home walking through my dad’s property. I had a moment when I just had to stop and take it all in. I was overcome with feelings - and not the normal ones standing under huge trees.

Enjoy some photos from the trail - I never made it to the falls, wherever they may be. I’ll have to try again with more daylight and patience. Happy hiking!

2023 Hike 4 - McLane Woods

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 4

McLane Woods Loops - Olympia, WA

I’m working hard to keep my hikes within a few minutes of home right now and it’s working. This week I drove a few miles, less than 10 minutes away, to McLane Woods. It’s a cute little area in the Capitol State Forest with a narrow road through tall trees to get to the trail.

We parked at the first parking area and took the loop around, through the forest, to the lake. The trees range from large and old to clearcut and new. The trail was mostly quiet, apart from a small section near the main road which was subject to some noise. Once deeper in the forest, that being the mile or so from the main road, all one heard was sounds of nature unless you happened upon a group of people.

Highlights from the trail included many large stumps with trees growing out of them (one of my favorite things to find) and so many lovely ferns. This trail didn’t seem as mossy also others in the area, until we moved away from the road and clearcut area and into the thick forest.

I loved this place because it provided some solitude and peace and was not far from where I live my life. I’m fortunate to be able to bike or drive there to go for a walk through nature. I’m grateful for the area in which I live and I don’t think that feeling will ever change.

2023 Hike 3 - LBA Woods

Hike 3 - 52 Hikes With Mike

LBA Woods - Olympia, WA

It’s been a few years since I visited the LBA Woods, but I was sure glad to be back. I ran my first trail 5K at LBA Woods with Rock Candy Running. I didn’t finish last and I completed the race, it was exhilarating.

I had to revisit this place and it was the perfect day with the sun peeking out from behind the clouds.

The second I walked out of the parking lot, I was taken back to the first time I visited which was actually the evening before my race. The trails were similar, but there was no sign or trail markers telling me where to go. I wandered through, making my way around. I explored areas I didn’t quite remember and wound up on trails that took me to some nearby neighborhoods.

The sun was peeking through the clouds and thus streaming through the big trees. It was a great walk through the woods that I’d recommend to anyone in the area.

Notes about this park: There are a lot of dogs (on and off leash, plenty of friendly people, and some external (road/neighborhood noises). Happy hiking!

March-April 2021 Hikes

Here’s a glimpse of my hikes through May 1, 2021. Thanks for following along. I’m sharing brief, less wordy summaries and more photos. To me, it’s all about the experience and the photos capture it better than my words can in this format. Happy hiking!

Hike 6 - Lincoln National Forest (no specific location)

  • Found a small canyon on the side of the road

  • Explored about a mile in the canyon, walking through a dry creek bed

  • Discovered plenty of desert plants and fun rocks

  • Enjoyed a break from the extreme wind in the area (thanks canyon)

Hike 7 - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

  • Hiked through McKittrick Canyon to Pratt Cabin

  • The trail is well marked and visible; it’s mostly gravel

  • Pratt Cabin has shady pines and good views

  • Take plenty of water and wear a hat!

  • There are many trail options, but this particular hike is perfect for someone looking for a pretty, quick, and easy day hike

Hike 8 - Oliver Lee State Park

  • This was less of a formal hike and more of a little romp with the dogs along the creek

  • The park has a big trial that goes much higher, we just weren’t quite feeling it

  • Camping and hiking with great views of vastness in New Mexico

Hike 9 - Lincoln National Forest (Zinker Canyon)

  • This canyon is a sunny, tree-lined path up in elevation (it’s gradual)

  • I went in the evening, and the golden sun just made it feel like magic

  • So many big trees along the way

  • Definitely elk territory; we ran up on some and turned back

  • Multi-use trails - so be courteous to one another

  • Dog friendly and kind of secluded, hardly anyone out in that area

Hike 10 - Lincoln National Forest (Osha Trail)

  • Easy to get to, just west of Cloudcroft, NM

  • The trail is rocky, but not too bad and good for dogs

  • There is shade and some open spots with great views of White Sands

  • A great day hike if you’re headed to Cloudcroft and want to get a little exercise

Hike 11 - Lincoln National Forest (Upper Karr Canyon)

  • This hike was more of a stroll through a snowy forest than following a trail

  • We had a few inches of fresh snow, blue skies, and sunshine

  • The trees were tall and plentiful, as were the moments of enjoyment

  • There may have been a trail, but I’m not sure, and don’t care (I know there are marked trails in the area)

  • Can’t beat a cool, crisp day in the forest

  • This would be a great place to escape the desert heat below in the summer time and is dog friendly

Hikes 28-32 - Washington Hikes

Enjoy some photos from a few of my hikes in 2020. Washington is my favorite place, and I was lucky to get five hikes in while there in September.

Hike 28 - Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA (link)

September 24, 2020

I had heard of this park because some people I know in the PNW run here on occasion. My friend and I took a causal, rainy hike of about three miles through the trees in this wonderful city park. Can you imagine having a city park with tall trees, miles of trails, and lush greenery? Living in Texas has me fantasizing about places like this and I’m so thankful we found this park and had a good time. People kept their distance, masks were worn when necessary, and it was a lovely hike overall.

Hike 29 - Quinault Loop National Recreation Trail #854 (link)

September 25, 2020

Technically, I did part of this trail earlier in the year, but only part of it so I feel comfortable using it as a “unique” trail because I did the latter 80% of it. Along this trail we saw a baby snake, lots of greenery, and some big trees. It was a lovely hike that was a bit muddy, and confusing at one of the intersections. We ended up taking a turn that took us to the road in a place we did not expect. All was fine, and we just hiked back along the roadway.

Hike 30 - Hurricane Hill at Hurricane Ridge (link)

September 25, 2020

Paved trails are not my normal trails, but this one was the exception. I have a “no paved trail” policy, so I did take the offshoot at the end with no pavement to ensure I touched a little dirt on this glorious and windy hike. The trail is paved from the parking lot to the top, and it’s uphill the whole way. Fluffy spruce trees line the initial ascent and act as a windbreak and air freshener. Seriously, the freshest pine scent hits you and it’s so good. Take it easy, take breaks to enjoy the views, and don’t forget that the whole way back is downhill and can be hell on your knees!

Hike 31 - Cascade Pass (link)

September 26, 2020

This hike is one of my favorites of all time, and I got to do it again with the friend who recommended it to me last year. I was hoping we’d hike up to have a view, but there was only sleet and clouds. I saw more this time, through the clouds, but still not the views you see on the internet. The trail itself is steadily uphill, with endless switchbacks. On this particular day, the trial was muddy which made each step a little more calculated.

Hike 32 - Ranger Hole Trailhead (link)

September 27, 2020

If you’re looking for a quick little hike, down to the river, this is a great one. It starts in a gorgeous forest, where the sunlight can stream through, and ends along the Duckabush River. It’s a steady downhill trail to the river, but once there it is quite relaxing. Giant rocks offer places to sit along the bank, to listen to water rush by. I had the pleasure of watching broadleaf maple leaves fall gently down to the ground while there, in such a magical way.

#hike22 - Baker Lake Trail (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)

On our way to see the scenic bits of the North Cascades, we made a little stop to hike through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This hike was a true treat - offering all the aspects one could wish for in the Pacific Northwest. We had turquoise water, big trees, earthy smells, and spongy ground. My friend Jen (JennyTheTrailhead) and I did about 4 miles.

Highlights: The drive from Washington 20 to the trailhead is insanely beautiful, you get to drive across a dam which feels illegal but is not, and there are magical views at every turn

Things to watch for: Parking may be limited, so follow the rules when you’re there. Slow down, take it in.

Enjoy some photos from our hike north on the trail and back to the car.


#hike23 - Olympic National Park & Forest

I decided to take a walk in the forest and I found pure joy and happiness.

This particular hike included the Quinault Rain Forest trail, a stroll through the Maple Glade Rain Forest trail, and a quick exploration of the Kestner Homestead trail.

Hands down, Quinault is my favorite Rain Forest area of the Olympic Peninsula. Yeah, the Hoh is gorgeous too, and everywhere else is fine, but this is my jam. The walk was magical, and with my good friend Jenny The Trailhead. We soaked in the sunshine through the trees, listened to the streams and falls, and breathed deeply in the loamy smell of the northwest.

Enjoy some photos from a magical day of exploring the Olympic National Park and Forest areas in Washington state.

Mileage: Somewhere near 2-3? I didn’t track this hike

Highlights: Seeing all of the lush greenery, sun through the trees, the fresh air

Watch out for: Busy trailheads at Sol Duc Falls

Hikes 9, 10, and 11

I don’t need to explain the global pandemic going on right now - right? Everything - parks, businesses, local trails, schools, etc - have been closed for weeks. Texas decided to slowly allow visitors back in the state parks for day use, at a rate of 25% capacity. It was easy to reserve online, and I saw very few people actually on the trails. Beaches, picnic areas, and parking lots were filled with people not giving a crap about social distancing or small teams. ANYWAY… I enjoyed some new-to-me state parks, quiet trails, and super green forests.

Hike 9: Atlanta State Park

Trail: Hickory Hollow, White Oak Ridge

Date: Saturday, May 9

Distance: 2.89 miles

Distance From Home: 193 miles

Weather: Sunny, warm

Trail Notes: Lush, green, and shaded

This park is a little gem on the northeast corner of the state that I can’t wait to revisit. The trails were dirt, with some roots, and not many rocks - which is a nice change in Texas. Big trees of pine and oak tower over, casting shade and allow for fern and moss to grow below making this place feel a little more “up north” than other Texas State Parks. If you’ve ever been to Tyler State Park, or any of the other ones on the east side, you’ll find it to be similar. I can’t wait for cooler weather so I can bring the tent and hide out for the weekend.

Hike 10: Daingerfield State Park

Trail: Rustling Leaves

Date: Saturday, May 9

Distance: 2.66 miles

Distance From Home: 159 miles

Weather: Sunny, warm

Trail Notes: Gorgeous trail around the lake, wooded/shaded, and fun lake views

Daingerfield is another smaller park packed with gorgeous trees, lake views, and just enough trail distance to get away from the potential crowds. We enjoyed a walk around the lake, which was shaded and very green. The place smelled of pine and that breeze off a lake you sometimes get. This is another park I can’t wait to revisit, and camp a few nights in the fall to see the colors in the trees.

Hike 11: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

Trail: Dogwood, Homestead

Date: Saturday, May 9

Distance: 4 miles

Distance From Home: 135 miles

Weather: Sunny, warm

Trail Notes: Another fun lake with wooded trails and space to spread out

Our third stop of the day was this little gem, a little closer to home, but still far enough east to have nice pines and lush greenery. This park had more towering trees providing much needed shade as the day warmed up and trails with very few people on them thanks to restricted access. On the Homestead trail, look out for an old grave site - pretty cool! Enjoy the shade or the lake and have a good time at this one.

2019 #hike12 & hike#13 - Illinois State Parks

Hike 12 - Illinois Park Project

Date: Friday, April 19, 2019

Location: Fox Ridge State Park - Charleston, IL

Distance: 8.5+ miles

Trails: Most trails and roadways throughout main areas

Miles from Home: 774

Weather: Cold, windy, cloudy, moist

Equipment: iPhone, Apple Watch, Olympus TG-5, gloves, trash bags, etc.

This hike was a dream. The weather was shit, the drive was long, but the people and cleanup were the shining stars. We cleaned up over 20 pounds of trash, with 18.5 of it on the first half of the day. We had a group just shy of 10 and it was so fun to stomp around together in pursuit of a better place. This event was put on by my good friend Jen at Illinois Park Project. Go check them out! It was in held in partnership with the 11th Essential, a group dedicated to publicizing and normalzing stewardship in every day life. I wrote all about them HERE, so go check it out to learn more about the good stuff going down with all of them.

The second half, call it hike 12b, was about half the group and was more throughout the inner trails of the park. It was nice to connect even further, after the main event!

Hike 13

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2019

Location: Ferne Clyffe State Park - Goreville, IL

Distance: 2.2 miles

Trails: Rebman, Hawk’s Cave, Big Rocky Hollow

Miles from Home: 668

Weather: Cool, sunny, windy, warm

Equipment: iPhone, Apple Watch

I was 34 years old when I learned that Illinois has beautiful, natural places. I was on my way back to Texas from the group cleanup and wanted to stretch my feet and get another hike before the weekend was over. I saw this place on the map, felt intrigued, and decided to stop. I’m so glad I did. WHAT A GEM. The waterfalls were gorgeous, the rocky bluffs were intense, and the general terrain was just so lovely. I had read about this place before, and forgot about it, so it was all dumb luck.

#hike29 - Olympic National Park

Date: October 20, 2018

Location: Olympic National Park - Quinault

Distance:  5 miles

Trails: Enchanted Valley Route (to Pony Bridge & back)

I finally did it - I went back outside. I know, it’s been a while, but I’ll blame the weather in Texas. Really, it was a combination of feeling uninspired and the weather, but that’s a topic for another day.

I decided an autumn trip to the great state of Washington was necessary to compare to my spring adventures. I went back to the Quinault region and hiked to Pony Bridge. When I last visited the Quinault region, it was rainy, windy, and cold. This time, it was sunny, cool, and windy out in the open spots.

The hike started with the drive from Olympia, WA to the Graves Creek Campground/Trailhead. I started early, in the dark and fog, and go to the Quinault turn off as the sun started to illuminate the low hanging clouds.

The road beyond Lake Quinault goes through the valley where there are private residences and then follows the river. You take a turn off onto a gravel road and go about six miles along the river to the trailhead. The road winds through big trees, over various creeks, and is bumpy yet fun to experience.

I had planned for somewhat warm weather, ignoring the morning and night temps. I showed up to the trailhead in shorts and a hoodie, thinking I’d be fine. I was fine, but it was definitely chilly. It was somewhat dim yet, even being 8:40am. I was on a time crunch with this hike because my priority for the day was getting back to the suburbs and meeting a friend who was going to show me Mount Rainier National Park. I set off at a more rapid than usual pace for me, up the gradual elevation gain for the first two miles. It is a gorgeous, tree lined trail with all the lush rain forest vibes and hints of bright yellow autumn moments.

My quick pace took me up to the point of decent to the river and bridge in no time at all. I had time to slow down and enjoy the area around Pony Bridge and could take it easy walking back to the car. It started to get lighter as the morning went on and by the time I was making my way back through the forest the sun was illuminating everything. Sunshine poured in every crack of the canopy, making it feel like a completely different trail than earlier.

I noticed mushrooms and plants as well as heard the birds chirping. It was a completely different hike out than in. I love that the same trail can be so different the second you turn around and see it a different way.

Olympic National Park & National Forest areas are some of my favorite places that I’ve seen in life. Hike 29 along a river, between the mountains, and under the trees was everything I could have wanted out of a hike.

#hike13 - Olympic National Park (the coast)

Date: March 31, 2018

Location: Olympic National Park - Washington

Distance: 9.3

Trails: Ozette Loop

I woke up as the morning became light, decided it was time, and made my way to the Ozette Ranger Station to park and get acquainted with the trail and area.  It was about 7:21 and I wanted to be done before noon, as I had planned to check out of my cabin by then.  Four-plus hours was plenty of time to complete 9 miles, even at a slow pace, but I was off in a hurry.  After about a half mile, I consciously calmed myself down and went a normal pace so I could enjoy all of the lush greenery and skunk cabbage blooms.  The Ozette Triangle, or Ozette Loop, is really two trails and a beach hike.  The two trails to/from the beach go through coastal forests, random clearings, swamps, and crosses creeks.  The paths are either soil in boxes, boardwalks, or dirt.  Elevation gain is minimal, until the end, but here are stairs and a rope for any necessary assistance making it acceptable for all types of hikers.

I remember stopping when I heard the first sign of waves - the ocean was near.  The air changed, my pace changed, I was smiling uncontrollably, and I was finally to the beach.  As I got closer, the beach smelled less fresh and more fishy, but what can you do?  Walking the beach from trail to trail had some obstacles such as large fallen trees, rocks, and tide pools.  I ran into a group of hikers who didn't have a map so we looked at mine and made friendly chatter.  It's nice to run into people with the same idea as you, wandering down the beach in search of the next trail.  I eventually left them in the dust, hike your own hike, but I did enjoy their company for a little while.

This hike was secluded enough and offered the most variety as far as terrain and plants of any over my weekend in the Olympic.  I hope you find your path and happy trails!

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