Waterfall Wednesday - Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of those places you take all out-of-town visitors when they come to see Portland. I’m taking my visitors this weekend and I can’t wait to see it again myself. As my time in Portland comes to an end, I’m thankful that this staple feature is nearby and that I could just drive out and see it and the many other waterfalls within an hour of the city. I did not take any of these natural wonders for granted, and plan to be back as often as time allows. Cheers!

This is the first time I saw the falls - December 2012.

Framed by fall color in November 2021

A view from the top down, the first time I hiked to the top back in September 2022

Late summer trickle, first day of fall Sept 2022

Spring water back in March 2024

#ForestFriday - Gifford Pinchot NF

I recently had the privilege of hiking with one of my besties from Texas up in the Gifford. We found the glorious trees and waterfalls that Washington (and the PNW) promised me years ago when I first visited. Enjoy a few photos and go on and get out there this weekend if you can! Happy hiking!

The calm noise of a flowing river. (Falls Creek)

The hike was worth it, for sure.

Around the rocks and ferns…

It’s bigger than it appears in photos.. Falls Creek Falls

The upper portion is as big as other waterfalls I saw earlier in the day

Majestic.

#WayBackWednesday - Multnomah Falls #WaterfallWednesday

I know it was just the beginning of March, but I wanted to share some photos from Multnomah Falls when Megan was in town. The falls were roaring and the snow was snowing. Have a great Wednesday.

#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

#ForestFriday - Umpqua National Forest

I visited Crater Lake National Park back in October but a secondary highlight was spending time in the Umpqua National Forest. Oregon forests are spectacular with huge trees, waterfalls, and plenty of trails. Enjoy a few photos including Whitehorse Falls, Salt Creek Falls, and Clearwater Falls. Happy Friday and have a great weekend.

#WBW - Multnomah Falls

In September of 2022, I hiked up to the top of Multnomah Falls. The trail was a series of switchbacks with great views along the way. Enjoy a few photos!

#WBW - Waterfall Wednesday

Here’s a look back at a quick little hike to a nice waterfall with one of my favorite people. We did the short hike, over some small hills, and found ourselves at this gorgeous waterfall. There was no one around, so the nature was all ours! We took our shoes off, rolled up our pants, and felt the cold rush of spring mountain water on our feet and legs. The comfort and relief I get from rushing, cold water over my feet is hard to describe. The whole hike was magic, and I’m often looking back to this day and how a simple spring hike with a dear friend made me so happy.

Murhut Falls - Olympic National Forest

Murhut Falls - a closer look

Myself and my dear friend posing for the memory - wet and happy

My Hiatus from Texas

On June 14 I started my drive to Michigan after work and a nap. I had the opportunity to work remotely, from my family’s house, way up north. The whole experience was set up so I could visit my grandmother and other family as much as possible for two weeks during a pleasant time of year in Michigan.

As the two week window came to a close, I learned that working remotely is quite possibly the best thing ever. I managed to stay busy and spend so much time with my family all in the same day, what a dream. I was able to exercise before and after work daily, kayak often, have lunch with best friends, and take long walks on the weekends. It is safe to say that I am not enjoying my home atmosphere nearly as much as the Michigan one. I am back to the grind - commuting, avoiding the outdoors due to heat and concrete, and wishing I was somewhere cooler.

Currently, it is a “real feel” temperature near 100 and too hot to ethically walk my dog on the expansive concrete around us. I’m looking through the photos from my time up north and thought I’d share some highlights to keep the spirit alive. I’ll be back for a visit, Michigan, sometime this year again.

Some sunrises…

And, some sunsets…

But, also, these…

#ForestFriday - Sable Falls (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)

Sable Falls is located in the wonderful Upper Peninsula of Michigan within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore site. You take a short hike to a bunch of stairs and then there's a gorgeous waterfall. Along the trail, you can see Lake Superior just above the trees. I first saw this place on a 2001 road trip around Lake Superior with my grandparents and it's been one of my favorites ever since.

Here are some shots from both fall and winter, my favorite seasons, so you can get the full experience.

I hope you find yourself in a forest this weekend!

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#MondayMotivation - Long Drive Ahead

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Tahquamenon Falls - Upper Falls - December 2015

The trip to Michigan for my brother's wedding is finally here!  We leave tomorrow, Tuesday June 12, in the evening and will hopefully be to my hometown by Wednesday evening.  In the past, driving across the country or back to Michigan seemed a lot easier.  Nowadays, I'm exhausted by hour nine and ready to pull over.  Most of the time when we go to Michigan, we have such a limited time frame, we can't really plan for multiple day drives up or down.  Powering through is the only option ahead, and I'm going to use my upcoming hike at Tahquamenon Falls as motivation.  Oh, I suppose seeing the family is motivation too, but those falls...dang.

This will be the first big adventure for Oliver the Outback, and I couldn't be happier about our destination.  It will be good to get some adventure miles instead of just the obscene amount of commuter miles I've put on since last July.

This is my first step in getting back on track with my outdoor plans and personal goals.  I'm using this trip, this drive, and this upcoming hike as motivation to get back to my normal existence.  I've had plenty of great days and fun destinations locally, but there is just something about a trip out of state to shake things up and make you appreciate life all over again.  Once I accomplish this hike, I know I'll want to keep going even once back here in the hot, humid, sun drenched land that is known as Texas.

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These routes take anywhere between 19-24 hours, depending on traffic and weather.

#ForestFriday - Quinault Rain Forest Adventure

I had been to the Hoh Rain Forest before, but had never even heard of Quinault until my most recent visit to the Olympic Peninsula.  I was making my travel plans and took the suggestion of an awesome guidebook, and several people, to explore the Quinault area.  I didn't quite know what to expect, but I left from breakfast at the Kalaloch Lodge with an open mind and nearly an empty tank of gas - so I had to stop anyway.  I gassed up, turned on to the South Shore Road and was instantly in love with the area.

Highlights: Gorgeous lake views, rivers and creeks, waterfalls, moss-covered trees, mountain views, and more.

I drove South Shore Road, with a few stops to walk around, deep into the valley and back on the North Shore Road.  Do it however you want, but make sure you drive the North Shore Road.  Enjoy the forest, wherever you can!

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You technically enter the National Park along the dirt road deep into the valley, I'm assume after leaving it for Olympic National Forest.  The borders and boundaries flow together.

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Bunch Falls - just behind the sign in the first photo.

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The road narrows further into the woods and as it comes around and becomes the North Shore Road.

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The North Shore Road is more scenic with less houses and resort stuff overall.  Here's a narrow spot with a steep drop-off!

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Along the Maple Glade trail, you'll follow a creek with vibrant green plants, moss covered trees, and plenty to see.

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As you walk or drive through, you'll notice how these plants all live together - dependant on one another for survival.

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A panorama along the Maple Glade trail.  You must see it in person to fully appreciate, but this is a good preview.  Stunning natural beauty.