Umbrella Falls

It's the time of year when I usually try to organize a hike to Umbrella Falls on Mt Hood. It's a nice hike across meadows that are ski slopes in winter, and if you're lucky there are ripe huckleberries to snack on along the way.

Malta Trail Bench

Malta is a great place for hiking. There are miles of trails, most of which afford beautiful views of blue bays below limestone cliffs. This sofa carved from the local stone was a bit of a surprise. It's near the north end of the island, not far from the “Red Fort.

Blackberries

Hiking along certain trails around Portland in late July through August has its perks. Blackberries ripening on the vine.

Tiger Lilies

Among all the flowers one encounters along the trails this time of year, Tiger Lilies are my favorite. A stem full of tiger lilies.

Wildflower Along BPA Road

Every year in late June to early July, BPA Road in Portland's Forest Park is lined with wildflowers. Most of them are quite common, such as daisies and lupin, but the profusion is quite pretty. A pretty pink flower.

Portland Urban Hikes

One of the things I really enjoy about living in Portland are the abundant opportunities to get outside and enjoy a walk or bicycle ride without having to go too far from home. I've been exploring the trails in Forest Park for the last few years, and this year, with nowhere else to go, I ended up taking a few days or afternoons off over most of the summer.