Hiking Portland

12 Best Hikes IN Portland, Oregon for Views, Forest Trails, & Urban Walks

February 6, 2022

Portland is a city with more green space and parks than most urban cities. And as a city sitting on dormant volcanoes, vast forests, and multiple rivers, this makes urban Portland a great place to hike! You don’t even have to leave the city limits in Portland to find exceptional hiking opportunities. So here are the best hikes in Portland for mountain views, forest wanders, and streams and…

Backpacking Gear

Backpacking Gear List Spreadsheet: My Checklist + Pack Weight Calculator

January 28, 2022
bikepacking packing list

Backpacking gear weight can add up quickly! Over the years, I have added all my gear to a handy spreadsheet. This serves as both a backpacking checklist – so I don’t forget anything – and a pack weight calculator! So here’s my sharable backpacking gear list spreadsheet and how I use it for trip planning and even planning before buying new gear upgrades! One of the great things…

Home + Gardening Portland Restaurants + Shops

13 Lush Plant Shops in Portland for House Plants, Flowers, & Gifts!

January 22, 2022
Appetite shop portland plant shops

Portland has an abundance of local plant shops. From specialty plants to flowers, house plants, gifts, and even small garden nurseries. While there are also many bigger garden nurseries in Portland, like Portland Nursery, I still love to browse the smaller and more intimate little plant stores for house plants, gifts, and decor inspiration. So here are the best plant shops in Portland, Oregon. Give them a follow…

Portland Things to Do Travel

The Best Time to Visit Portland: Things to Do & Events by Month {2024 Edition}

January 19, 2022
Best Time to visit Portland - by month

When is the best time to visit Portland, Oregon? Peak weather and summer events make May though August the ideal time to visit Oregon. With longer daylight hours, more sunshine, less rain, and many summer events to choose from. High season in Portland is June through August. Shoulder season is roughly April/May and September/October. And low season is usually November through March. Here’s my local’s guide to the…

Backpacking Gear Hawaii

Kalalau Trail Packing List: What to Pack & What to Wear Hiking in Kauai

January 14, 2022
Kalalau Trail backpacking

Backpacking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Napali Coast is one of the most epic trips I’ve taken. It’s challenging and rewarding and a much different backpacking experience than at home in the Pacific Northwest. So there are some slightly different items from a typical backpacking trip that you will need for hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. The top items that I needed that were different than a…

Backpacking Hawaii Hiking

Hike Kauai’s Incredible Napali Coast – Backpacking the Kalalau Trail

January 6, 2022
Kalalau Beach on the Napali Coast

My favorite outdoor adventure last year, was backpacking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Napali Coast. What a way to celebrate turning 40 with my best friend! This trip had been an idea bouncing around the back of my head for a few years. Until we hit the trail that morning, I was still holding my breath that it would work out. It’s not an easy trail, the hiking…

Bend Pacific Northwest Travel

Suttle Lake Cabins in Winter: A Perfect Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaway

December 29, 2021
Suttle Lake Boathouse winter

Cabin camping at Suttle Lake Lodge is an adventurous weekend getaway in winter. Last January, we spent a winter weekend at Suttle Lodge in the rustic cabins near Sisters, Oregon. Suttle Lake Lodge & Boathouse is a popular summer destination. The grounds and cabins feel a bit like summer camp for grown-ups. Even when we have camped at Suttle Lake, it’s fun to boat or hike around to…

Goals How Tos + DIY

2024 Goal Tracking Spreadsheet + My Goal Setting Framework

December 6, 2021
2024 Goal Tracking Spreadsheet

Love or hate New Year’s resolutions, personal goal setting is the way to go. The idea of “resolutions” has never been as interesting to me as goals, challenges, adventures, and lists of epic proportions. My annual “end of the year musing and scheming” has arrived. And I’m excited to take a day or two to reflect on 2023 and do a year-end review with my goal tracking spreadsheet.…

Oregon Coast Pacific Northwest Travel

Three Capes Scenic Loop: A Unique North Oregon Coast Road Trip

November 29, 2021
Cape Meares Lookout viewpoint

The Three Capes Scenic Loop is an often overlooked spot on the North Oregon Coast. Tucked in between Tillamook and the Pacific Ocean, the Three Capes Loop includes Cape Meares to the North, Cape Lookout in the center, and Cape Kiwanda to the south. And with most of this route off busy [Hwy] 101, it can feel like you’ve stumbled across a hidden part of the Oregon coast.…

Backpacking Gear Hiking Holidays + Seasons

Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women: 57 Backpacking & Hiking Gift Ideas for 2024

November 2, 2021
Best gifts for outdoorsy women

This list of the best gifts for outdoorsy women is basically my wishlist. Combined with hiking and backpacking things I already have and LOVE! From stocking stuffers for outdoor enthusiasts – hikers, campers, backpackers, bikepackers, and cyclists. To unique gifts in price ranges from $20 to $100, and some splurge gift ideas, as well. Hiking & Backpacking Gifts for Her: This gifts idea list is divided into five…

Hiking Portland

Pittock Mansion Hike: 4 Great Routes on the Wildwood Trail

October 26, 2021
Pittock Mansion Portland Oregon

Pittock Mansion is a historic house and museum in the hills above Portland. The view overlooking the city and Mt Hood is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Portland. History? Check. Views? Check. Nature? Check. Hiking options? Check! Pittock Mansion is perched in the West Hills between Washington Park and Forest Park. The forest behind the mansion is Forest Park and the Wildwood Trail. Wildwood Trail is…

Portland Restaurants + Shops

Best Breakfast in Portland – 21 Must-Try Brunch Spots

October 18, 2021
Broder portland breakfast

I’m always in search of the best breakfast in Portland! Here are 21 of my favorite brunch spots and what to order. Plus, the important stuff, like if you get to have coffee while waiting in the brunch line! Things are still a little different after COVID. Some Portland brunch spots have expanded their outside seating with covered patios, or a mix of indoor/outdoor or are taking a…