A blend of local hiking reviews and personal reflections.

Hiking Reviews

  • A Hidden Gem Close to Home: Haley's Lagoon

    A Hidden Gem Close to Home: Haley's Lagoon

    Nestled in the wolds of Vaughn, WA, lies a hidden gem that few have the pleasure of discovering—Haley State Park. It’s a place that I have long considered my private...

    A Hidden Gem Close to Home: Haley's Lagoon

    Nestled in the wolds of Vaughn, WA, lies a hidden gem that few have the pleasure of discovering—Haley State Park. It’s a place that I have long considered my private...

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  • A man (me) standing in the desert botanical garden with yellow flowers around me and a big rock in the background.

    Discovering the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoe...

    Blaine Ford

    The Pacific Northwest, with its lush forests, misty mountains, and dramatic coastlines, has always been my playground and muse. It's a region where the emerald greens and deep blues blend...

    Discovering the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoe...

    Blaine Ford

    The Pacific Northwest, with its lush forests, misty mountains, and dramatic coastlines, has always been my playground and muse. It's a region where the emerald greens and deep blues blend...

  • Guy standing on a rock looking up at a waterfall

    Little Mashel Falls via 1000, 1070 Road 5mi 649...

    Blaine Ford

    If you're seeking a picturesque escape into nature without straying too far from civilization, the Little Mashel Falls Trail via 1000, 1070 Road in La Grande, WA, offers the perfect...

    Little Mashel Falls via 1000, 1070 Road 5mi 649...

    Blaine Ford

    If you're seeking a picturesque escape into nature without straying too far from civilization, the Little Mashel Falls Trail via 1000, 1070 Road in La Grande, WA, offers the perfect...

  • Little Si Trail 3.6mi 1,151ft elevation + Franklin Falls 2mi 344ft elevation

    Little Si Trail 3.6mi 1,151ft elevation + Frank...

    Blaine Ford

    In the lush landscapes of North Bend, Washington, the Little Si Trail offers towering evergreen forests to sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains. The adventure begins at the Little Si...

    Little Si Trail 3.6mi 1,151ft elevation + Frank...

    Blaine Ford

    In the lush landscapes of North Bend, Washington, the Little Si Trail offers towering evergreen forests to sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains. The adventure begins at the Little Si...

  • Myrtle Falls Mt.Rainier National Park

    Myrtle Falls Mt.Rainier National Park

    Blaine Ford

    Located in the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park, the trailhead for Myrtle Falls is easily accessible, making it an ideal destination for hikers of all skill levels and...

    Myrtle Falls Mt.Rainier National Park

    Blaine Ford

    Located in the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park, the trailhead for Myrtle Falls is easily accessible, making it an ideal destination for hikers of all skill levels and...

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  • Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge Trail 1,108ft elevation 5.7mi

    Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge...

    Blaine Ford

    Within the picturesque landscapes of Mount Rainier National Park there is the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge. This is a stunning hike offering breathtaking views and maybe even...

    Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge...

    Blaine Ford

    Within the picturesque landscapes of Mount Rainier National Park there is the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge. This is a stunning hike offering breathtaking views and maybe even...

  • Mount Storm King 2,106ft elevation 4.1mi Olympic National Park

    Mount Storm King 2,106ft elevation 4.1mi Olympi...

    Blaine Ford

    Nestled within the beautiful wilderness of Olympic National Park, Mount Storm King stands as a beacon for adventurers seeking a thrilling and challenging hiking experience. With its stunning views of Lake...

    Mount Storm King 2,106ft elevation 4.1mi Olympi...

    Blaine Ford

    Nestled within the beautiful wilderness of Olympic National Park, Mount Storm King stands as a beacon for adventurers seeking a thrilling and challenging hiking experience. With its stunning views of Lake...

  • Boundary Trail to Coldwater Peak 2,769ft elevation 11.9mi

    Boundary Trail to Coldwater Peak 2,769ft elevat...

    Blaine Ford

    One cannot help but be humbled by the sight of the regrowth along the Boundary Trail, a vivid reminder of the earth's ability to heal even after the most catastrophic...

    Boundary Trail to Coldwater Peak 2,769ft elevat...

    Blaine Ford

    One cannot help but be humbled by the sight of the regrowth along the Boundary Trail, a vivid reminder of the earth's ability to heal even after the most catastrophic...

  • High Rock Lookout 5,685 elevation 3.2mi - Randle, WA

    High Rock Lookout 5,685 elevation 3.2mi - Randl...

    Blaine Ford

    Standing on top of an old fire lookout (established in 1930) after hiking up a 1,328ft elevation gain, the world unfolds beneath you in a mesmerizing panorama view. The crisp...

    High Rock Lookout 5,685 elevation 3.2mi - Randl...

    Blaine Ford

    Standing on top of an old fire lookout (established in 1930) after hiking up a 1,328ft elevation gain, the world unfolds beneath you in a mesmerizing panorama view. The crisp...

1 4

Personal Reflections

  • Stock image of a string pulled tight and fraying.

    Drifting The Pulled Path

    Blaine Ford

    I am drivingIt is a one-way roadThere is no end in sight.We are all going the same direction,Thousands of different cars,All seamlessly working the same.Driving.One direction.No turns. I feel myself...

    Drifting The Pulled Path

    Blaine Ford

    I am drivingIt is a one-way roadThere is no end in sight.We are all going the same direction,Thousands of different cars,All seamlessly working the same.Driving.One direction.No turns. I feel myself...

1 4
  • A view of the Puyallup River and Mt.Raininer with two bridges going over the river.

    Seasons from the Driver's Seat

    Blaine Ford

      In autumn, the world outside our car seems to be painted in warm hues of orange and gold. The trees, once adorned with lush green leaves, now wear a...

    Seasons from the Driver's Seat

    Blaine Ford

      In autumn, the world outside our car seems to be painted in warm hues of orange and gold. The trees, once adorned with lush green leaves, now wear a...

  • Image of a bed with yellow and blue blankets, the sun shining inside from a window above.

    Summer Siesta

    Blaine Ford

    In summer's hold, where the sunlight streams, Through window panes, casting golden beams, A room warmed by the tender sun's kiss, Crafts the perfect scene for midday bliss.   Above...

    Summer Siesta

    Blaine Ford

    In summer's hold, where the sunlight streams, Through window panes, casting golden beams, A room warmed by the tender sun's kiss, Crafts the perfect scene for midday bliss.   Above...

  • Black and white photo of a lighthouse in a field

    A Beacon of Hope

    Blaine Ford

    In shadows cast by fading light, I fled from self, from past's embrace, Running swift through endless night, Seeking refuge in distant space.   With each step, a memory erased,...

    A Beacon of Hope

    Blaine Ford

    In shadows cast by fading light, I fled from self, from past's embrace, Running swift through endless night, Seeking refuge in distant space.   With each step, a memory erased,...

  • Kayaking in a Gentle Rain

    Kayaking in a Gentle Rain

    Blaine Ford

    There's a calmness that comes with the gentle patter of raindrops meeting still water. The ripples, the rhythmic strokes of your paddle, a soothing rocking as you navigate the open...

    Kayaking in a Gentle Rain

    Blaine Ford

    There's a calmness that comes with the gentle patter of raindrops meeting still water. The ripples, the rhythmic strokes of your paddle, a soothing rocking as you navigate the open...

1 4
  • A swing ride at the fair with a ferris wheel in the background.

    Observer

    Blaine Ford

    Feeling like an observer in life is akin to watching a captivating movie unfold before your eyes, yet being detached from its narrative. It's a sensation of being present but...

    Observer

    Blaine Ford

    Feeling like an observer in life is akin to watching a captivating movie unfold before your eyes, yet being detached from its narrative. It's a sensation of being present but...

  • Embracing the New Year: 2024

    Embracing the New Year: 2024

    Blaine Ford

    In the realm of time’s relentless flowa chapter ends, a new one begins Embrace the dawn of a fresh frontier, as a new year appears,let go the echoes of yesteryears,and as...

    Embracing the New Year: 2024

    Blaine Ford

    In the realm of time’s relentless flowa chapter ends, a new one begins Embrace the dawn of a fresh frontier, as a new year appears,let go the echoes of yesteryears,and as...

  • Embracing Winter: Quiet Beauty

    Embracing Winter: Quiet Beauty

    Blaine Ford

    As the Pacific Northwest bids farewell to autumn's vibrant foliage, it opens its arms to the subtle magic of winter. A region known for its evergreen landscapes and misty ambience,...

    Embracing Winter: Quiet Beauty

    Blaine Ford

    As the Pacific Northwest bids farewell to autumn's vibrant foliage, it opens its arms to the subtle magic of winter. A region known for its evergreen landscapes and misty ambience,...

  • Embracing Solitude: My Journey of Peace and Growth Through Solo Camping

    Embracing Solitude: My Journey of Peace and Gro...

    Blaine Ford

    In the quiet embrace of nature, I found a sanctuary where peace and personal growth intertwine. Initially daunting, the idea of venturing into the wilderness alone soon became an irresistible...

    Embracing Solitude: My Journey of Peace and Gro...

    Blaine Ford

    In the quiet embrace of nature, I found a sanctuary where peace and personal growth intertwine. Initially daunting, the idea of venturing into the wilderness alone soon became an irresistible...

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