Introduction
I started hiking when I was very young, my dad would take my siblings and I to these beautiful forested trails all throughout Portland. We would run around, chasing each other up the rocky trails. Seeing who could find the coolest stick, or the prettiest flower. It's very nostalgic to me, even if the trails here are surrounded by Junipers instead of the Evergreens I had grown used to as a child.
Now that I've gotten older I mostly hike alone. I really enjoy how meditative it can be to simply walk for a couple hours. It gives me time to clear my mind and focus on something simple and familiar. I find myself doing the Misery Ridge trail at Smith Rock over and over again. It's challenging, but always rewarding. Especially if you take an extra five minutes to climb your way up to the peaks at the very top. I love sitting up above everyone and watching people as they make their way up the path.
