hiking

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon’s High Desert is well known for it’s rock climbing and hiking trails, among other outdoor uses. But Oregon has lots of state parks, so why drive to the middle of the desert which doesn’t have much around, except for ranches and long stretches of highway, to visit Smith Rock State Park instead of any other park? Well, below are my top 3 reasons why you should!

#1 Best Day Hike Near Portland, OR

Advice For Traveling, Destinations, Travel and Fitness

If you are visiting or living in Portland, Oregon, and looking for the best day hike near Portland, look no further! There are so many things to do in Portland, but hiking is a great way to get outside and see what makes the Pacific NorthWest so special! It can be hard to pick just one hike as the best, since it depends on what kind of hike you are looking for, but we think we’ve found the one!

Hiking While Pregnant

Advice for Exercising, Fitness, General Tips, Health, Safety, The Pregnancy Series

When Agus and I first found out that I was pregnant, it was actually right before we went on a hike up Blackcomb in Whistler, Canada. Of course, this being our first baby, I wasn’t too sure on the dos and don’ts of pregnancy, but I also didn’t want it to stop our adventures. So what did I do? I googled it of course! Like most people these days, I rely on google for a lot, even medical advice, though I know I shouldn’t. With something as important as a baby though, even after googling it, and reading that it was safe to climb and hike, especially so early on, I still called my doctor to triple check *Though your doctor is the 1st one you should check with for any advice on such things! They are the professionals after all!* Below is some of the things that I have found helpful and important throughout my pregnancy on how to keep active, and maintain my love for hiking.

Hiking Skyline Trail, Mt. Rainier in October

Destinations, Fitness, Travel, Travel and Fitness

Looking back at our most recent hikes has helped pass these days where we’re all stuck at home, National Parks are closed, and we can’t explore nature like we’d like to. When we moved out to Oregon last fall, one of the first hikes we did was up in Mount Rainier National Park, in Washington State. The trail we chose was the Skyline Trail, which is basically a big loop all around the famous Paradise Park, and is one of the best hikes for seeing the meadow as well as the views available at the 6,800 ft. peak, aptly named Panorama Point.

The Benefits of Nature Walks

Health, Travel and Fitness, Travel and Health

There’s no denying the sense of ease that washes over me when I step into the woods and absorb the energy of the quiet sounds and smells that come from mother nature. There are so many benefits of nature walks, some of which we probably aren’t even aware are happening!

The Importance of a Good Hiking Boot

Accessories, Advice For Traveling, Packing, Travel

If you are hiking on a regular basis, or looking to get into hiking, finding the right footwear is important. It is not about style or colors, etc. It is about function, comfort and fit! Here are some tips about choosing the right ones for you, and what can happen if you choose wrong!