Thursday Thoughts - Adventure Time!
I live in Oregon now, and so I must set up a quest to see all of the state parks. Various websites say that Oregon has over 250 state parks, which is a lot. Upon closer inspection, there are about 50 parks classified as state parks and the rest are waysides, recreation areas, or historical sites.
I have my spreadsheet all set up, and divided by type of recreation area. Each recreation area can then be filtered by region.
So far, I’ve visited 2 of Oregon’s state parks over the years. Let’s go visit our public lands!
#MondayMotivation - See Them All
Hello and welcome to another Monday Motivation. I personally hate Monday, but hey, I’m trying to make the best of it by starting work early so I can either take a long lunch or sign off early. I’m also scheming and planning for more adventures. Over the weekend, I visited a state park that felt otherworldly compared to many places I’ve been in Oregon. This little adventure inspired me to strive to see all of the state parks Oregon has to offer, as well as to finish my quest to see all of the National Park Service managed sites in the state.
I’ve compiled a spreadsheet with all of the state parks, natural areas, historic sites, and scenic waysides. When I plan to see a big thing, I’m going to make sure I can work in one of these smaller places too. I feel motivated to see what this state has to offer and to explore the diversity - as it’s not just coastal forests.
I may not have everything unpacked or figured out, but I’m going to start planning adventures because that’s what I do. Planning adventures motivates me to get the rest of my shit together.
I hope you all have a good week - remember, you’re never alone and we’re all floating on this rock together.
I’m going to use this book to help plan my adventures. (He’s one of my favorite Oregon advocates, check him out HERE)
White River Falls State Park - Oregon
#WBW - This one time in the UP
The year was 2015 and I was just laid off for the first time in my life. We left Texas and drove to Michigan and Minnesota to see family and friends. Here are some photos from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that I loved - specifically Tahquamenon Falls. Cheers and have a good rest of the week.
#ForestFriday - Redwood NP
Here’s a little timelines cleanse of some big trees in the fog. These were from an LG smartphone in August of 2017. It was a magical little trip through the trees. Happy Friday - I hope you find some joy this weekend!
My 10 Favorite Outdoor Spots in Texas
Ten of my favorite outdoor places in Texas
I’m listing ten of my favorite spots to hang out outdoors in Texas. These locations are in no particular order. Texas was home for nearly ten years, and it wasn’t until the past few that I really got out there and explored. I’m glad I did, but I’m also looking forward to the natural wonders of New Mexico.
Caprock Canyons State Park
This park has great trails but make it a point to hike to Fern Canyon if you can, it is worth it
I’ve hiked and camped here and can testify that it is quiet and pleasant, but tent camping is pretty close together
Many of the camping areas don’t have good shade, and a lot of the hiking doesn’t either, so don’t forget that sunscreen and extra water
You can read about my one hike or that other hike or that nature writing challenge I did
TX State Parks Website
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
I believe some people call it the “Grand Canyon of Texas” and it is pretty cool, but people gotta slow down
The initial descent into the canyon feels like you’ve left Texas
Trails and camping in this park are great - with plenty of variety
Read about my hike there or my other blurb about it or my other hike write-up
TX State Parks Website
Big Bend National Park
This is a broad location, given the size, but I’m saying the whole place is worth it every time
Camping in the Chisos Basin was the coolest - watching the sun come up over the mountains
Hiking in Santa Elena Canyon area was a highlight for me, as well as pretty much everywhere else
I have not had the privilege of backpacking, but it’s on my list and I’ve heard good things
National Park Service Website
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Another vast location I’ve had limited, but good, times at is this little gem
I hiked a couple of trails, while sick one weekend, and fell in love because I watched the sunrise and the moonset all in the same time frame.
I can’t wait to be located closer to these so I can explore further
Go in the morning, watch the mountains turn gold from a west Texas sunrise and you will NOT be disappointed
Read about my hike here
National Park Service Website
Big Thicket National Preserve
Big trees, creeks, boardwalks, sun through said big trees.. a magical place
I visited in the winter and fell in love, imagine the other seasons
I hit two areas - Beech Creek and Turkey Creek - both offered plenty of space to walk amongst the trees. (Beech Creek is a small chunk, and a short trail)
National Park Service Website
Tyler State Park
This location was an instant favorite - tall pines, pleasant drive from DFW, and quiet enough
I remember the trails being a little confusing, but nothing too bad
Looks like a great place to camp, though I haven’t had the opportunity - gotta plan way (up to weeks or months) ahead in Texas to reserve a spot
Colorado Bend State Park
My friend Amanda shared this place with me and I am so glad she did.
This place has it all - lush waterfalls, open trails, and places to swim
I visited early in the morning, for a half day, but would love to get back someday as there is so much left to explore
Fort Parker State Park (kayaking)
The park on land seemed alright, I didn’t spend much time there.
I kayaked from one point, across the lake, and down the river
I saw birds, enjoyed a breeze, and would recommend it for anyone looking for a variety kayak that includes open water and a gentle river
TX State Parks Website
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
I never though Texas could look so magical with moody fog and cypress swamps
The kayaking looks phenomenal, I’d return just for that
The trails were nice and the vegetation was the highlight for me
TX State Parks Website
I’m going to give an honorable mention to Sea Rim State Park because it was a spectacular place that overwhelmed my senses in a good way. It’s on the Gulf of Mexico, has kayaking inland with plenty of birds to look at, and just makes you feel so small and unimportant in a good way. The reason I’d say it’s not in the top 10 is because of the location; you have to drive through ugly infrastructure to get there. TX State Parks Website
Places I’m still interested in visiting:
Hueco Tanks State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park
Devil’s River State Natural Area
Davis Mountains State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park
#ForestFriday - Driving Through the Big Trees
I love the giant trees of Redwood National & State Parks. I seriously think of them on a weekly basis and always try to find a way to get back to them. I love standing under them, hiking with them, and driving very slowly through them. Enjoy a few photos of the drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. (Photos from August 2017)
#WayBackWednesday - Caprock Canyons State Park
We’re going back to Caprock Canyons State Park last year at the end of September. This was a quick weekend camping trip that included a hike to Fern Canyon (a must-see if you’re at Caprock) and some other adventures with bison and spiders. Camping varies there, but there I’d recommend anywhere but near the lake as you’ll have more space between spots. Primitive looked best, but we just car camped at one of the tent only areas. Enjoy some photos!
#WayBackWednesday - Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Camping in Palo Duro Canyon State Park was a highlight from spring of 2017. Looking back through my photos, I didn't even capture the immense beauty of the canyon but sure did get some great shots from our hikes and our campsite. If you get the chance, it's one of the most beautiful places in Texas and is worth a visit! This place was Hike #6 of my 2017 52 Hike Challenge and you can read more about the adventure and see more photos HERE.
#ForestFriday - Michigan's Upper Peninsula
This week, I'm sharing some photos you may have already viewed over on my Hike 20 post from my recent trip to Michigan. I don't care if it's a cop out, the forest was gorgeous and quiet and deserves to be shared again.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is about a 2.5-3 hour drive north of my hometown, where I stay when visiting. It was a warm morning, and the sun illuminated the lower levels, highlighting the ferns and mosses with a beautiful glow. Everything was green and vibrant, making it feel so alive.
Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend ahead, and enjoy the forest photos.
