june 2014 | soda peaks lake backpacking trip

Late minute, my friend Joe and I decided to take a quick backpacking trip (just for the night). My summer is super packed (I don't have a weekend not planned till mid-September!!) so I wanted to make sure it really happened. I had never been backpacking before, so I looked for a short, hard (but not too hard) hike that we could do in one day and would be pretty. After some digging and asking advice, a friend recommended Soda Peak Lake in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. It is a short (4 mile) out and back hike that goes straight up, then straight down. 

Despite the fact that the forecast said it was going to rain the entire day and night, and next day, we met up at the trailhead and went for it. The rain held off till we got to the lake, and put up our tent, so that was nice. 

I can't wait to hike back when the weather isn't quite so cloudy, I am sure this lake is beautiful. It was pretty in the rain too... in a very PWN kind of way.

We camped right on the edge of the lake. Since we didn't have the right adapter to make any hot food, we ate dinner (granola bars) in the tent as it rained and went to bed early. It rained ALL night, and the tent leaked...

The next day our plan was to hike up and around the lake. But the weather was miserable, and the trail not super well-maintained. I would be down on a nice day, but bushwacking thru the rain is not my idea of a great time. We headed back, and it rained and rained and rained.

By the time we got back to the car, I was soaking wet, and the backpack was so heavy from being drenched in water. All in all, it was a great trip (no sarcasm). I had a great time, and can't wait to backpack even more (hopefully sooner, rather then later). 

june 2014 | grandma comes to visit

 At the start of June, my Grandma came to visit from Colorado.

june 2014 | fall creek falls

The last week of school, after some happy hour time with friends, I decided I wanted to go on a hike. The great thing about Stevenson-Carson is that no matter where you are, you're never far from a totally amazing hike.

Or even bridges with cool views.

I decided to hike Fall Creek Falls, which I'd never done before, but heard amazing things about. The drive there was a little out of the way, but I didn't get lost, and it was beautiful the whole way.

I didn't actually even get on the trail till almost 7:30! Since it's light till like 9:30 now though, I figured I'd be okay (spoiler: it was fine).

 I loved this bridge. 

 which was actually over a little water fall!!

 and this bridge...

 and then I got the the real waterfall...

..... which was insane. My new favorite. My new favorite hike! My new favorite waterfall! I actually (out loud, even though I was totally alone) said "oh my god" I was so in shock over how cool and beautiful it was.

 ^ doesn't even do it justice

I ended up getting back to my friends house (where I was staying for a few days) around 9:30... a night well-spent.  

june 2014 | chester comes to oregon!

Last week, Chester came to visit Portland....

^the first night we went to Pok Pok Noi with some of his friends + some of mine. 

Tuesday, we went for ice cream at Salt & Straw, and I was sad that Anna Bananas was closed AGAIN- every time I go there, closed. Even when the door says open... 

 ^famous in his hometown :)

The next day was what I sometimes refer to as "the best day of the year"- the last day of school. oh, sweet summer. I brought Chester with me to town, but wasn't able to get him in as a guest speaker, unfortunately, so he chilled at Skamania Lodge till I was done at work and we headed to the staff party. But that morning, we went down to the dock-

 Later we went to waterfalls (where I promptly pulled out a blanket and took a nap...sorry Chester).

And we celebrated Chester's birthday with a fire!

 We went down the historic highway, so we were able to stop at all the waterfalls-

 before a lunch with my parents, and saying goodbye-

^we were sad. But all good things, must come to an end.

Even though it was a short trip it was super fun! I love having people come visit, and going to all the "tourist" spots I usually avoid ...Multnomah Falls... since they are beautiful and cool. COME BACK SOON CHESTER. The Pacific North West misses you already!