Picking a new hike

When you hike a lot, you tend to find trails you like and repeat those a time or two each year. Luckily, here in the Pacific Northwest there are tons and tons and hikes to choose from – it’s pretty easy to try something you haven’t before. Andy and I did this last weekend, and I’m so glad we did!

We found a nice, mildly strenuous hike with great views and varied terrain right outside Parkdale, Oregon. We were treated with views of Mt. Hood for much of the hike, and views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams from the top. If the day had been clearer, we would have seen Rainier. The wildflowers weren’t in full bloom yet (another week or two and it will be amazing!), but we saw blankets of baby flowers just getting started. And there was some snow!

Unfortunately, I forgot my nice camera. Such a bummer since I just got a new lens to replace the one I broke while tripping over a tree root on Mt. Hood a while back. Remember – enjoy the scenery, but watch where you’re walking!

An old wooden trail marker sign getting eaten by a tree rowing around it — Guess that sign has been there a while

The trail wasn’t busy at all – such a treat since so many of the hikes around Portland can get SO crowded. By all means, do the handful of hikes that make it into the “best of Portland” lists if you want to. Places like Angel’s Rest, Multnomah Falls and Eagle Creek are beautiful, and are popular for a reason. But don’t let that deter you from other trails in the area, many of which are just as enjoyable and don’t require playing bumper-people.

Andy and Mt Hood

Me and Mt Hood

There’s something to be said about being one of the few (or the only) people around. Being alone or nearly alone in nature can help you feel more connected to your natural surroundings, instead of your human surroundings. You can listen to sounds, smell flowers and watch birds without worrying about moving for anyone, or wanting to eavesdrop on someone else’s conversation (I admit, I always do that). Being alone really helps me feel present in the moment, and in being more aware about what’s going on around me externally, as well as internally.

And trying something new can be so amazing. Sometimes things don’t pan out the way you plan, and dreams aren’t always realized. I’ve been on hikes and other adventures that were underwhelming, or I set my expectations too high. But life is full of unexpected surprises – and unless we break from our routines, we may never find them.

Picnic tables in a meadow by an apple orchard with a barn and Mt Hood in the background — Solera Brewing’s “patio”

After our hike, we drove 5 minutes to Solera brewing for an IPA and some popcorn, with a fabulous view of the surrounding apple orchard and mountain.

Hike Details

Name: Oak Ridge to Bald Butte
Distance: 8.2 miles
Elevation gain: 2465 feet
Difficulty: moderate
Terrain: treeless hillsides, forested areas, ups and downs throughout, well-maintained trail