Highways, Hikes, and Hidden Wonders: A West Coast Expedition

August 11, 2025 – August 26, 2025

Our most recent adventure through the Pacific Northwest and down the California coast was a soul-refreshing blend of misty forests, crashing waves, and awe-inspiring landscapes. We began by tracing the rugged coastline, where windswept beaches stretched endlessly and waterfalls tumbled through moss-covered cliffs. Each hiking trail led us deeper into nature’s quiet majesty—past alpine lakes that shimmered like glass and through groves where the air smelled of pine and possibility. One of the most unforgettable stops was the Blue Pool in Oregon, a surreal basin of crystal-clear turquoise water tucked into the forest like a secret. Standing there, surrounded by silence and color, felt like stepping into a dream.

From Oregon, we followed the legendary Highway 1 to Big Sur, where the road clings to cliffs and the Pacific roars below. Every bend revealed a new vista—sunlight breaking through coastal fog, waves crashing against jagged rocks, and sea spray catching the wind like confetti. Further south, the towering redwoods and ancient sequoias of California greeted us like quiet giants. Walking among them was humbling—each tree a monument to time, resilience, and grace. And nestled among all these wonders was our hike up Mount Rainier, where wildflowers lined the trail and glaciers loomed in the distance. The climb was challenging, but the views from above—snow-capped peaks, endless valleys, and the sheer scale of creation—made every step worth it. The trip was more than a journey; it was a reminder of how vast and beautiful the world is when we take the time to explore it together.