Great shot! A cousin of mine has recently been going over there as a hiking guide, and I’m hoping to make it out there at some pint as well. Looks like you had a great trip!

Located just outside of Olympic National Park in the Quinault Rainforest, this trail takes you to the largest Spruce Tree in the world, measuring 191’ tall, with a circumference of ~59’ and ~1,000 years old. Short and easy, with a great payoff, it’s perfect when headed north towards Olympic NP.

Oh yeah, looking at the map it is right there. I’ll definitely give that one a go next time I’m around there. That whole stretch along 395 has so many gems right off the highway.

I'm not sure if this was a named trail or not, but was out doing a little rockhounding (See Falcon Guides Rockhounding Nevada for info) and did this sort hike in central Nevada. Something about the desolation of these areas has always drawn me, if only shortly. Rock site was a little underwhelming.

I don’t think I have, is it in that general area? I’ll have to check it out the next time I’m around there. I spent the winter in Reno last year but was based out of Oregon before that. I’m in the SE for the next couple months and will probably come back that way in the spring and may do it then.

Looked like the X-country in the area was good, so I’m sure that was a grand time! I believe there is a larger trail that also goes around the mound/dome, but I haven’t done it so not sure what kind of views you get along the way.

Sitting on the opposite side of the valley from the famous Half Dome in Yosemite NP, the trail to North Dome is filled with views of the marvelous behemoth. Along the way, make sure to take the slight detour up to Indian Arch, a delicate arch atop a rock outcrop that also overlooks Half Dome.

Yeah, that’s the spot. There were several roads/trails in the area I saw were marked as being cross country. Parking lot is just a quick detour on the left from the main forest road coming off of the main highway.

An easy hike taking you inside an old volcano, filled with obsidian and volcanic rock specimens. At the top a loop taking you around the dome with large mounds and spires great for adventuring on (wear gloves if you are to play at bouldering as it can get sharp). Sierras may be seen in the distance.

Senator Wyden, I’ve voted for you multiple times now. I think you’ve mostly done a great job. Unless you call for new leadership, I will support whoever challenges you in a primary. We’ve always known who the republicans are, and more and more it is impossible to deny who the democrats are.

A short trip to Hell, surrounded by the slight screams of air escaping from hydrothermal vents. This adventure takes you down to a couple of boardwalks around active geothermal mudpots and boiling pools of liquid pyrite and acidic-loving cyanobacteria. Please stay on the boardwalks to avoid injuries

Home to the youngest rocks (black dacite) in California, which were formed when the mountain last erupted in 1915, this steep hike in Lassen NP is a real joy for both hikers and geology nerds. Features spectacular views of all 4 types of volcanoes and a relentless ascent on a well maintained trail.

I'll probably be doing a little bit of jumping around as I switch between 2023 and 2024 (and probably some older ones as well) as I think I'm going to go through all of the fall/winter photos before looping around to spring/summer hikes after that as its more seasonally relevant for now.

Tranquil blue crystal waters of the upper McKenzie River contrast with the raging white waters from multiple spectacular waterfalls. Sahalie and Koosah falls roar around rich green mosses and at the bottom you'll reach the Blue Pool beneath Tamolich falls (gone in low water) which is highly popular.

The only state park in Oregon dedicated to a single plant, this short nature walk takes you into a small bog filled with carnivorous Pitcher Plants (Darlingtonia californica). These hooded cobra-like plants supplement themselves with insects as they grow in nutrient deficient soils along the coast.

An easy walk from the inland campground with intermittent boardwalks over marshes and then along Bullard's Beach. My visit, after the recent heavy rains, meant that stretches of the boardwalk included wading in the water. Shorebirds aplenty may be seen here, although I mostly saw a Curlew species.