• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 628 0

may include volcanic activity from the gorge’s disruptive neighbor, Mt. St. Helens. The hike starts at the Horsetail Falls, a popular tourist spot, but from there the 10-mile (16km) loop gets much more challenging, on overgrown trails shooting 900 feet (270m) uphill within the course of a mile; across a creek on slippery rocks; and through a tangled network of poison oak. Carrying a backpack makes it all the more difficult. Notable landmarks include the manmade-looking Rock of Ages Arch, accessible via a steep spur trail from the main path (snap a photo on your cellphone, so you can send an “I was here” photo to your friends). The apex of this trail—the ridge known as the Devil’s Backbone—affords spectacular views down into the Gorge. On a clear day you might even spot the notorious cone of Mt. St. Helens.

The magnificent Oregon landscape makes for memorable hiking.

The Central Cascade Range near Bend is home to many more moderate hikes along the Corral Swamp Trail. You can hike trips of varied length, including a nice easy walk of approximately 4 miles (6.5km) through old growth, with an elevation gain of less than 500 feet (150m). It’s not heavily traveled by humans, though wildlife is common along the path. You will traverse the Three Sisters Wilderness Area on this trail, but a permit is required, available for purchase from the Forest Service in Bend, Oregon. (I prefer to make this hike in the fall. The mosquito may be the “state bird” of Alaska, but it has lots of cousins here early in the season.)

In the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area, marching lines of waves crash against the shore, and dunes, sculpted by wind and water, rise almost 500 feet (150m) above the Pacific Ocean. In this amazing landscape, more than a dozen designated hiking trails encompass evergreen forests, open dunes, wetlands, and ocean beach, providing an entertaining variety and good photo opportunities. Many of the trails are designated moderate to difficult.

Oregon Peak Adventures offers half-day hikes in Portland’s Forest Park to full-day trips to the Central Oregon Coast, the Columbia River Gorge, and other locations. Trips include door-to-door transportation and experienced guides. The company also offers several yearly backpacking trips.

Portland makes a good base for day hikers who want to retreat to the city after all that nature. Stroll through Portland’s Arboretum, or the Japanese and Rose gardens. Browse the art galleries and the boutiques in the thriving Pearl District. Wander through the arts and crafts section in the Saturday market in the Old Town historic district. And replenish all those calories you burned in one of Portland’s many inventive restaurants, stocked with food and wine from the bounty of the Willamette Valley about 45 miles (73km) away. —LF

Travel Oregon for general tourism info and hikes (www.traveloregon.com). Oregon State Welcome Center, Portland ( 800/424-3002).

When to Go: Spring–Fall.

Portland International.

171

Exploring the White Mountains

An All-weather Playground

White Mountains, New Hampshire, U.S.A.

I still remember the hike that triggered my exploration of the White Mountains—in part because I had trouble walking for the next 3 days. We went up the Beaver Brook Trail, which climbs 3,100 feet (930m) in less than four miles, with some sections exceptionally steep. But all the scrambling we did was worth it—the areas along the cascades are incredibly beautiful as are the mountain flowers and the views. At the bottom of the trail, on the way out, I saw a sign that read, “This trail is difficult and should only be undertaken by experienced hikers in excellent physical condition.” No wonder I was so sore.

Since then I have explored other parts of the White Mountains on foot, including portions of the Appalachian Trail. The hiking routes are endless and the lush woods and mountain top views are fantastic. Some hikes are tougher than others, while some can be done in flip-flops (though I don’t recommend this). In particular, I like Mount Washington, which at almost 6,300 feet (1,890m), is