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

January 6, 2022

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…

Pacific Northwest• Travel

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

December 29, 2021

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…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do

Portland in January – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

December 26, 2021

January is just about the coldest month of the year in Portland! Hello winter. So January is your best bet for experiencing some Portland snow. But more often than not, we just have rain and heavy winds. But watch out if it does snow, as we really don’t know what we’re doing in snow. Even a dusting of snow can send Portland into Snowpocolypse reporting and the entire…

Goals• How Tos + DIY

2022 Personal Goal Setting Template + Free Worksheet for Effective SMART Goals

December 6, 2021

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 2021 and do a year-end review with my 2022 goal setting…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do

9 Best Christmas Lights in Portland – Including Free Light Displays!

December 1, 2021

A favorite holiday outing in December is going to a Christmas light display. We have plenty of options in Portland for Christmas lights – ranging from free light displays like Peacock Lane or the Christmas Ship parade to ticketed events like drive through lights at ZooLights or Winter Wonderland. So here’s a roundup of all the best Christmas lights in Portland when you’re looking for events to celebrate…

Pacific Northwest• Travel

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

November 29, 2021

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.…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do

Portland in December – Events, Things to Do, and Weather

November 24, 2021

December in portland, winter tree wine country

December in Portland is the coldest, wettest, and darkest month of the whole year. It’s a good thing we have the holiday season and outings to distract us. But of course, you will find some bluebird days in December. Proof is that I took this picture in December at a winery in the Willamette Valley. So here’s more information about visiting Portland in December – events, weather and…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do

A Local’s Guide to Portland in Winter: Things to Do to ENJOY the Season!

November 15, 2021

It starts to feel like winter in Portland around the middle of November. While winter doesn’t officially start until late December, our short window for fall colors abruptly ends with a few big storms. From a cold and snow perspective, Portland has mild winters. We don’t get tons of snow like some areas of the Pacific Northwest. But Portland winters can still feel like such a slog! It’s…

Portland, Oregon• Things to Do

Christmas in Portland: Holiday Events + Best Light Displays!

November 10, 2021

Portland has plenty of fun Christmas activities, events, and holiday things to do. From Christmas light displays to holiday arts and performances, holiday markets, and the holiday ale fest. So whether you’re visiting or live in the area, here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in Portland, Oregon – events, best Christmas lights displays and the best holiday things to do in late November through December. Portland…

Holidays + Seasons• Outdoors

Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women: 57 Backpacking & Hiking Gift Ideas for 2021

November 2, 2021

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…

Outdoors• Portland, Oregon

Pittock Mansion Hike: 4 Great Routes on the Wildwood Trail

October 26, 2021

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, Oregon• Things to Do

Portland in November – Events, Things to Do, and Weather

October 25, 2021

November in Portland is full on fall colors and a race to enjoy fall before the rain and wind knock all the leaves off the trees! Because November is one of the wettest months of the year, with almost 6.5 inches of rain! This is the month to have some indoor activities planned and be geared up for rainy and cold weather for any outdoor adventures. That said,…

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21 Fun Things to Do in Manzanita, Oregon – Hikes, Restaurants, & more

Backpacking Gear List Spreadsheet: My Checklist + Pack Weight Calculator

Garden Planning Spreadsheet + My 2022 Garden Plan!

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

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

Portland in January – 2022 Events, Things to Do, and Weather

2022 Personal Goal Setting Template + Free Worksheet for Effective SMART Goals

9 Best Christmas Lights in Portland – Including Free Light Displays!

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

Portland in December – Events, Things to Do, and Weather

A Local’s Guide to Portland in Winter: Things to Do to ENJOY the Season!

Christmas in Portland: Holiday Events + Best Light Displays!

Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women: 57 Backpacking & Hiking Gift Ideas for 2021

Pittock Mansion Hike: 4 Great Routes on the Wildwood Trail

Portland in November – Events, Things to Do, and Weather