Mt. Hood, Oregon: Timberline / PCT Trail & Paradise Found

Mt. Hood, Oregon: Timberline / PCT Trail & Paradise Found

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Got a late afternoon start so we set out for a quick, couple mile out and back on the Pacific Crest Trail (2000) also known as Timberline trail (600) behind the historic and grand Timberline Lodge. However, the Paradise Loop trail (757) marker about 4 miles in was too tempting to resist with its wildflower-sprinkled meadow and snow-crowned Mt. Hood in the distance.

Round trip distance : ~12 miles                 Elevation gain: ~2,300 feet            Scenery: Oh, my!

Rating: Difficult (Length  & areas of incline)     Terrain: Easy (Running shoe-friendly.)

Not that the first 4 miles wasn’t scenic too. Views of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south accompany you along the way. And you pass several streams (waterfalls in other seasons), and impressive Zig Zag Canyon too.

 

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This was an all-around stunning hike and a great workout too. Exhilarating and breathtaking in every sense of the word. I’ve always wanted to take the Timberline Trail around the circumference of Mt. Hood. (It’s a 38.4 mile hike with 8k  elevation gain.) There are some ultra-runners who do it in a day. Most make a 3-5 day trip of it. There may be a return trip in my future. Will I be able to resist Paradise Loop next time? Probably not.

And now for a refreshing cocktail followed by a delectable feast and a luxurious night at my top pick Timberline Lodge.

Alfie, the cat, performs rollovers to inspire us

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Most people wouldn’t believe that it’s possible to teach a cat to roll over upon polite request, but it is. And it’s easier than you might think though it does take some patience and persistence. Isn’t that true of most of the goals and dreams that elude us? We get so intimidated by them sometimes, we can’t even visualize them – imagine they are possible. But they are possible, we just have to start rolling over in the right direction and keep the momentum going.

Ok, I know this post is a bit off topic, but Alfie keeps bugging me to get into my blog, chanting about how everyone knows people love cat videos and how he’ll go viral. I’m humoring him so hopefully you’ll humor me too.

 How are you rolling toward your dreams? (And Alfie wants to know if you like his video.)

Sun Valley, ID eatery: Warfield for foodies

Sun Valley, ID eatery: Warfield for foodies

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Executive Chef, Sean Temple was on his way out after a long day behind the range when he walked by the bar and caught a snippet of our conversation with a local. We were chatting about who had the best food in the area. Sean joined the conversation and suggested we stay for a bite. The local had never dined there so he couldn’t weigh in. And honestly,  we were a bit skeptical as the Warfield is a distillery, brewery, and restaurant…

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These boots weren’t made for hiking

These boots weren’t made for hiking

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To be fair, I’m not sure how many miles I have on these Hi-Tec day hikers. But one thing’s clear, there’s been way too many. My last trip to Idaho and Montana really did them in. Truth be told, I can be a bit of a bargain shopper so these probably came from Big 5  a couple of years ago…Looks like I got what I paid for. Next up, I’ve got a pair of Salomon day hikers to try.  I’ll let you know how they do.

What’s your favorite pair of tried and true hiking boots? 

Boise River Greenbelt: A shining example of riverbank restoration

Boise River Greenbelt: A shining example of riverbank restoration

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Alas, every trip must come to its end. Enjoyed Sun Valley so much, I opted for another day there, which left me with only an hour or so to explore Boise before catching my flight. I opted for a leisurely ride along the Boise River Greenbelt.  For a trip that started in Spokane with a bike ride, it seemed fitting to conclude with one in Boise. Read more →