Oh, Oregon, I Love You

If not for the majority of my family and friends living in California, I’d probably pack my things and move straight to Portland. After visiting Oregon for two summers in a row, I can safely say that I’m in love with the city. Nice people, good coffee, drought free, and plenty of nature. How could I not love the place?

If you’re interested in visiting Oregon, I have some suggestions!

Punchbowl Falls

It’s a beautiful hike in the Columbia River Gorge, but start early as it can get pretty crowded. It’s about a 400 feet elevation gain, and you’ll walk alongside a cliff at some point (don’t worry, there will be rails). The best part about this hike is that you can swim to the waterfall! You can also continue along the trail after cooling off to see Eagle Falls.

Walk through trees, climb over logs, hop along some rocks, and then freshen yourself up with a swim in the crisp water. (Throwback Thursday to when I rocked the pixie haircut because the lady messed up)

Take some photos of pretty rocks that people like to stack.

Cross over bridges. They’re troll and toll free!

Crater Lake National Park

This scenic and infamous national park is actually a giant volcano that erupted, collapsed, and then filled with water. Bring bug spray, I got eaten alive by I don’t even know what. It has many trails for you to hike or bike along. Since I visited the park with my parents and sister, however, the intensity of our activities had to be toned down. We did a short hike and then drove around the perimeter of the entire lake.

Dark blue waters that are like magnets to your eyes. I couldn’t tear my eyes away! The colors were surreal and overwhelming.

Guys, guys, guys I’m standing on a volcano! How cool would it be to just dive in?

My parents totally freaked out when they saw me sitting there…after they took the picture, of course.

I just want to keep staring at this lake. Just a heads up, Crater Lake is 4 hours away from Portland, so it’ll be quite a drive if that’s where you’re staying.

Yet isn’t this view going to be worth the drive?

Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock)

When you think of some postcard worthy places, Cannon Beach is one of those. I swear, there aren’t any beaches in California that are this clean when they’re this popular. And the sand–oh, the sand is so fine that it feels as soft as a stuffed animal against your feet.

All in all, it’s just another nice beach town with a famous giant rock.

And ice cold water that’ll feel great once your feet go numb

See ya later you famous rock! Stay famous.

Pittock Mansion

You can drive or hike up to this famous mansion where you will receive an expansive view of Portland and Mt. Hood. It’s a short, but steep hike if you take the Lower Macleay Park Trailhead. For the most part, it is shaded and you’ll have fun looking at all of the green things around you.

You can pay to enter the mansion.

You could also just enjoy it from the outside. My sister sure did.

Keep walking and you’ll be greeted by this spectacular view. Look closely, you’ll be able to see Mt. Hood.

Multnomah and Wahkeena Falls

Most people who travel to Oregon visit Multnomah Falls. It’s one of those places that have gone totally and completely viral. You could drive straight to the falls or start a half mile further out by Wahkeena Falls and hike to it. You can knock out two breathtaking waterfalls in one short hike.

Begin at the Wahkeena Falls.

It’s a short and very green hike.

Multnomah Falls was just as crowded and beautiful as expected.

On the way back, you can go higher up Wahkeena Falls. There’s my little sister posing for an Instagram post.

Rose Garden

Portland has the biggest rose garden that I’ve ever seen before. I didn’t even know that there were that many types of roses in the world.

There are fountains where you can pretend to be a pretty princess.

Case Study Coffee (Alberta Art District)

Last of all, you’ll need to visit Case Study Coffee if you’re in Portland. I am obsessed with their Iced Orange Blossom Latte.

To be honest, I think that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There are so many places to explore and so much of nature to enjoy.

Anyways, it’s Friday! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. We made it through the first week of school, huzzah. I’m exhausted. It’s time for bed, folks. Oh, and if you have the chance, go look at the moon! It looks super orange from all of the California fires. I hope those fires go away soon…

Oh yeah, before I get distracted by something else, good night!