hiking

Tennessee Waterfall Hike: Burgress Falls State Park

hiking, nomad, State Park, Tennessee, Uncategorized, Van Life, Waterfalls

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like living in Tennessee, after growing up in the beautiful Pacific North West, but I was pleasantly surprised! Tennessee is extremely lush and has hills and mountains. There a lot of waterfalls to visit! (Here’s another one of my favorite Tennessee Waterfalls).

This hike is right off of the main Highway that goes from Nashville to Knoxville. It’s a super easy road trip stop if you are traveling in the south!

The hike is super short and is manageable for all skill levels! I stopped at this waterfall after going to the UT, LSU football game in Knoxville! I was driving back to Nashville.

The falls are MASSIVE and absolutely stunning! I’m so happy and thankful that I decided to make the stop. I was in and out of there in about 1.5 hours!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Stunning Scenic Lake In Southern Colorado: Smith Reservoir!

This is an awesome little road trip stop if you find yourself in southern Colorado! This reservoir is small but it’s so beautiful! I drove from Austin, Texas, cut over into New Mexico just before Amarillo and winded through some back highways until I got into souther CO! My grandpa taught me to always take…

Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Road Trip Stop On The Utah/ Wyoming Border

I’m always looking for new and beautiful places to explore around the United States! A lot of the time I will just zoom in on my apple maps on a green area or a body of water, and then research whatever names are posted in that area! That’s how I found the Flaming Gorge. I…

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Rocky Mountain Sand Dunes

Colorado is such a beautiful state! I’m so glad I took this route on my way up to Washington State! I weirdly had never been to Colorado, one of the only states I hadn’t been to yet (aside from the airport)! 🤯 seems like the first place I’d go lol. I also stopped at the…

The Mojave Desert: A South West Road Trip Essential Stop!

This was a quick stop for me on my drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles! I always try to see any many places as possible when I’m on road trips, even if I only have time to stop for a few hours. This place was nothing like I had never seen before! Growing up…

Ocean Jet Skiing in Destin, Florida: Destin Beach Trip Mini Guide

Destin and the entire Florid Panhandle have a ton of very underrated beaches! If you’re looking for white sand, and bright blue water, this is the spot! And it’s a pretty affordable vacation spot! I’ve been to the Panhandle a handful of time and it’s been a blast for all of them! Pro tip: it’s…

Middle Tennessee’s Best Hike, Waterfall, and Swimming Hole: Cummins Falls

I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for a couple years and this waterfall and swimming hole is by far my favorite place in the State.  Also… side note! If you’re going to Cummins Falls you should definitely spend some time in Nashville! I will be writing up a post on the best spots to go in…

Hiking Red Rock Canyon: Best Las Vegas Hikes- Calico Hills

I spent a couple months in the greater Las Vegas area! Between the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon National Park! All of which are beautiful in their own way! One of my favorite hikes and hot springs is close by as well! It goes along the emerald colored Colorado river. If you…

Big Tree State Park, Northern California Road Trip

I was making the trip from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, and of course decided to take the back roads! (Which also lead to another cool discovery and long dead end). I didn’t have a big plan, I was car camping and was stopping and going as I pleased! Luckily I saw the signs for Big…

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Middle Tennessee’s Best Hike, Waterfall, and Swimming Hole: Cummins Falls

hiking, nomad, Road Trip, State Park, Swimming Hole, Tennessee, Waterfalls

I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for a couple years and this waterfall and swimming hole is by far my favorite place in the State. 

Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee Waterfall.

Also… side note! If you’re going to Cummins Falls you should definitely spend some time in Nashville! I will be writing up a post on the best spots to go in Nashville too soon. Also, feel free to email or message or comment questions about any spots as well! Happy to share the love.

The first time I went, was with my roommate, Hannah. She’s one of the most kind and caring souls I’ve ever met. We haven’t seen each other for years and I know for a fact she would be there for me if I called her in need. She’s a singer and songwriter and very talented!

We droved about an hour and a half west of Nashville. It’s a pretty easy route getting there and the trail head isn’t too far from the main highway! 

The trail is well labeled and marked! There’s a very large gravel/grassy parking lot. We didn’t have to pay, but rules can change so it’s always smart to bring a little cash.  

The hike is only about a mile each way. The first part of it is a well maintained trail that goes steep down to the river. The second part of the trail you hike through the river… there’s no avoiding hiking through the water! Make sure to bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet. I wore some old Nike’s, as did Hannah! 

She lost the Rayban’s of the top of her head… there’s so slippery spots. I wouldn’t recommend bringing anything too valuable unless it’s secured in your backpack!

This waterfall is absolutely breathtaking! There’s a natural grotto under that you can go relax under. 

The front of the waterfall is one big swimming hole! Such an awesome spot. You can jump off the small part of the waterfall as well into the swimming hole. But the water is shallow so be careful and don’t dive! A guy snapped his leg while we were there and a rescue team had to come.

On a happy note, we saw the sweetest little old couple who made it all the way to the waterfall. They were so proud of themselves. We took their picture for them. I wish I would have on my own phone too because of how much joy they were expressing. 

I went a second time with a guy friend. Also another awesome day! The sun was beaming perfectly and made a rainbow in front of the waterfall.

Cummins Falls, Tennessee

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Highly recommend this place! Worth going out of your way for. Stay safe and stay groovy!

Tennessee Waterfall Hike: Burgress Falls State Park

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like living in Tennessee, after growing up in the beautiful Pacific North West, but I was pleasantly surprised! Tennessee is extremely lush and has hills and mountains. There a lot of waterfalls to visit! (Here’s another one of my favorite Tennessee Waterfalls). This hike is right off…

by Margo

Yosemite Valley, California Road Trip Stops

If you haven’t been to The Yosemite yet, add it to the bucket list! I give this place an 11/10 for beauty. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll go to! I drove in from Los Angeles Overnight. I want to say it was about a 4 ish hour drive! My cat,…

by Margo

Southern California Road Trip Stop: The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in the state of California! This lake is very close to where they host Coachella! I made a pit stop here on my South West road trip, traveling from Arizona to Southern California. There isn’t a ton to do in the area, but it’s a super unique place…

by Margo

Yosemite Valley, California Road Trip Stops

California, Cat On A Leash, Cats, National Parks, Road Trip, Uncategorized, Waterfalls

If you haven’t been to The Yosemite yet, add it to the bucket list! I give this place an 11/10 for beauty. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll go to!

I drove in from Los Angeles Overnight. I want to say it was about a 4 ish hour drive! My cat, Charles Lickens, and I got there in time to see a beautiful Yosemite sunrise! Charles and I have been car camping all across America for the last year or so! It’s a cheap and easy way to see the country!

Near the visitors center

You can drive all the way through the park from one side to the other (most the year, be sure to check for snow/weather closures).

There are tons of waterfalls and scenic lookouts! I normally would have stopped to hike but it was super packed, there were endless lines for parking spots and I was there at first light! I also didn’t have a safe place to leave my kitty.

Charles and I did manage to find a nice spot to cozy up for a hammock nap! I also found out you can buy a beer in the little eating area. It’s in the fridge with all of the other drinks (water, pop, tea, etc.). It was a nice little refresher after pulling an all-nighter and walking around all day, kitty in tow!

Hammock chillin’ at Yosemite

I have a double hammock! I like the extra space. I’m able to draw and read comfortably inside! It also fits two people super easily! My friend and I used it together and we had more than enough space. He read on one end and i drew on the other.

Mr Talkative as people walk by lol.

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

There’s a town on the north side of the park, Sonora, California! I stayed the night there. It was so cute! I was told by more than one person that they have the best Mexican food ever there! And I must say, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! The place was Called El Arroyo. Yum!

By far the best restaurant you can eat at near Yosemite. But there were also other types of food in this town if you don’t like Mexican!

The best place to eat near The Yosemite.

The drive from Yosemite to Senora is also amazing! Little windy two lane road through the rolling hills of California.

Driving out of the the north side of Yosemite, towards Sonora.

Mount Rainier National Park: Driving to the Top, Photo Gallery

Mt. Rainier is one of Washington States most iconic peaks. You can see the mountain clearly from Seattle. I was fortunate to grow up in Washington. My brother and I decided to take a longer drive to our cousins wedding, and we drove through Mt. Rainier National Park. You can drive almost all the way…

North Cascades National Park, Washington State: Guide and Photo Gallery

North Cascades National Park is heaven on earth. It hugs the Canadian boarder, you’ll even get some “Welcome to Canada” texts if you happen to have service any point! It encompasses serene alpine lakes, endless mountain peaks and dense forest! Everywhere you drive or go is another breathtaking view! It never ends. For Forests floors are…

Grand Canyon National Park: That Time an Elk Hiked With Me

This was my first time ever going to The Grand Canyon, so you could say I was pretty stoked!  I got up early where I was staying, in Flagstaff, which is just a little over an hour from the park! I threw on my spandex and USA hat and hit the road! I knew I…

Oregon Water Fall Hike: Ramona Falls in Mt Hood National Forest

Ramona Falls in Oregon is a Hidden little gem found in Mt. Hood National Forrest! My friend from Texas found it on the AllTrails app and we went for it! This hike made you feel like you are walking through a tropical rainforest, it was insanely green and lush!  The Trail Head It’s not too…

Hiking Mt Hood, Oregon: MnNeil Point Summit

This was hands-down one of the most breathtaking hikes I have ever done in my life! And I have done a lot of hiking in my days. My friend has hiked around America, Europe and South America and he said the same! Mount Hood is Located just outside of Portland Oregon. You can see it’s…

Maryland Hiking and Sunset Locations: Sugarloaf Mountain

Not gonna lie, when I moved from Washington State all the way over to the North East…. Baltimore to be more specific, I did not expect to find a ton of places to explore outdoors. I moved there for a job and was planning on working as much as possible and saving a ton of…

Spokane, Washington Hiking: Big Rock

Growing up in the Pacific North West, good ole PNW, I was spoiled with serene mountainous beauty, clear lakes and endless exploring!  One of my favorite go-to-hikes when I’m back home in Spokane, is Big Rock! It’s right off the Palouse Highway! It’s about 10-15 minutes down the Highway if you’re coming from the South…

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Mount Rainier National Park: Driving to the Top, Photo Gallery

National Parks, Pacific North West, Washington State

Mt. Rainier is one of Washington States most iconic peaks. You can see the mountain clearly from Seattle.

I was fortunate to grow up in Washington. My brother and I decided to take a longer drive to our cousins wedding, and we drove through Mt. Rainier National Park.

Driving to the Mt Rainier Park Entrance

You can drive almost all the way to the top!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Gaining elevation as we drive up Mt Rainier

I also brought my adventure kitty, Charles Lickens, along for the ride.

Charles Lickens and I watching the sunset on Mt Rainier
Mt Rainier Trailhead
Get the Mount Rainier Trails Map

Prepare for your trip with this Mount Rainier National Park Trails Illustrated Map. It shows trails, roads and its it’s all in color. On Amazon.

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Sedona, Arizona: Camping, BLM Land and Hiking Guide

Arizona is an incredibly beautiful state. I appreciate it more and more each time I visit! This previous time… I stayed for 2 months. Ooops! I was there during the chaos of Covid-19, so it felt better for me to stay put for a while! Sedona is one of the most beautiful places you can…

by Margo

How Toxins Negatively Impact the Body: A list of non-toxic products

A study done by environmental scientists found an average of 200+ chemicals in the umbilical cords of pregnant women after giving birth. That’s a lot of poison being pumped right into our babies! General hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, bleach, shampoos, and popular daily products are loaded with toxins that have harmful effects on your body!…

by Margo

Hiking Sedona, Arizona Boynton Canyon: What to Wear and Bring, Location and Photo Gallery

arizona, hiking

Sedona is one of the most beautiful places you can visit to hike and explore outdoors in the United States.

Sedona, Arizona Canyon Hike Dance

There’s a mix of Ponderosa Pine forest, red rock, desert and rivers!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

What to Wear Hiking in Sedona, Arizona:

It depends on the time of year!

In the spring, summer and early fall, you will likely be fine in regular summer athletic clothing. I would recommend wearing clothes that are breathable. Even on warm summer days, you should always bring some sort of sweatshirt or coat, you never know if the temperature will drop of it something is going to happen.

You can also get shirts that block the sun and keep you cool in the process. Columbia makes some great ones!

In the winter months, you’ll want to dress accordingly. I always have various layer on so that I have options for if I’m hot or cold.

I went in march and I wore:

What to wear hiking in Sedona, Arizona

  • Hair up! I have long hair so I usually do braids or buns on my hikes. Keeps my thick hair off my neck.
Hiking Hair

What to Bring Hiking in Sedona, Arizona

  • Sunscreen. I use an organic sunscreen, a lot of sunscreen have toxins that are harmful for your skin. I finally found a brand that works well AND dries clear.
  • Lightweight backpack
  • A water bottle that keeps your ice frozen all day in the heat. I have a 40oz Hydroflask that works great.
  • Snacks. I always bring snacks on hikes. I either bring some fruit, vegetables, or a Cliff Bar.
  • Portable Solar Charger. I started bringing mine on all of my hikes as backup. It’s nice to have the security of a charged phone when you’re hiking alone. This brand works well and folds up small in your backpack!

Hiking Near Sedona, Arizona- Boynton Canyon

Boynton Canyon Hike, Arizona

There are so many awesome hikes around Sedona! SO many of them are high up on my bucket list. I was there during the heart of COVID-19, so I mainly isolated at my campsite and relaxed. I did manage to get one awesome hike in!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Boynton Canyon Hike was awesome! It was 3 miles to the top and 3 miles back. I would say in manageable for most skill levels!

There’s a decent sized parking lot, but it’s shared with multiple other trailheads. If you’re going on a weekend, you might want to get there early! There’s a parking meter. It’s in a the Coconino National Forest, so if you have National Park Service Pass, just put it in the dash of your car.

Sedona Arizona Hiking Trail Head

This hike has a lot of diversity: wildflowers, forest, desert, red rock, and the canyon at the top!

The view at the top puts you part way up the canyon, but you can see pretty far! It used to be set up to go up further, but the trail keeps eroding and it’s too dangerous. There was a sign there to stop people, and it looked sketchy so I can’t imagine many people even break the rules to try it!

Hop Rising Double IPA

I was there in March, the weather was perfect, You may want to go when it isn’t in the heart of summer, depending on the weather of course!

Boynton Canyon, Sedona

TI drank 40oz of water on this hike, so important to stay hydrated. I love Camelbacks (they hold a lot of water) and I use them on super long hikes, but on 1-8 mile hikes, I typically just bring my Hydroflask since I prefer ice water. I have a 40oz Hydroflask and it keeps my ice water cold all day, no matter how hot out it is! (they have smaller and larger ones as well).

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Feel free to email me or message me on instagram with any questions! (no spam).

Stay safe and groovy!

Grand Teton National Park: Hiking Up To Delta Lake

Delta Lake Hike was one of the most stunning hikes I have ever done in my 26-years of life! The contrast of the bright blue water, green trees and white snow was unreal. I could have stayed up there for weeks and been happy! This was a very challenging hike but it’s doable for most…

How to Train Your Cat: Leash Training, Car Rides, Hiking, Camping and More!

Traveling with my cat, Charles, has been so joyful! I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cats can be trained just like dogs, people just choose not to train them for some reason. To prove it, he’s a video of my kitty cat going pee outside! He digs a little toilet, plops on top of…

Breathtaking Hiking in The Las Vegas Area: The Lone Palm

Hot springs are not only beatific and relaxing, they have a lot of benefits to our health! Our skin absorbs the many minerals that naturally occur in the springs through a process of transdermal absorption.  Our skin is permeable and porous and absorbs a lot of what’s in our environment.  Don’t worry, if you can…

Hiking Alone is Very Peaceful, Here Are Some Safety Tips

Hiking alone, especially the first time you do it, can be daunting and very intimidating. I for one was very nervous and scared the first time I did it, but now I do it all the time! It’s so freeing and peaceful, it’s almost a form of meditation for me. Nothing but the wilderness and…

Utah Hot Springs: Fifth Water

I had seen a lot of photos of these bright blue hot springs on Instagram but didn’t know where to find them! Luckily, one of my best friends lives in Salt Lake City and she knew exactly where these springs were! We packed our backpacks up early Super Bowl Sunday and headed for the springs…

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico: sand dunes and sledding

When I started my second cross-country road trip, I didn’t have the highest hopes for New Mexico (not sure why because it’s gorgeous). I hopped onto my apple maps when I stopped at a gas station; I was tired of being in my car and needed to see some scenery. I zoomed in to a…

Sunrise at Yosemite National Park, California

I had been in LA for a few days and one evening I decided to pack up and hit the road and drive overnight to the Yosemite. I mean, the sunrise from the top is every hikers dream so I made it a goal. If you aren’t familiar with Yosemite, it’s a large National Park…

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North Cascades National Park, Washington State: Guide and Photo Gallery

camping, hiking, National Parks, Pacific North West, Uncategorized, Washington State

North Cascades National Park is heaven on earth.

It hugs the Canadian boarder, you’ll even get some “Welcome to Canada” texts if you happen to have service any point!

It encompasses serene alpine lakes, endless mountain peaks and dense forest! Everywhere you drive or go is another breathtaking view! It never ends. For Forests floors are filled with ferns and moss. I’m sure there are tons of huckleberries too but we went a little to early in the year for that!

The hikes we went on were very dangerous, we got stuck more than once, so I’m not going to publicly recommend them! If you want the details, feel free to email me or find me on instagram, or Facebook! 

The dense, lush forest of the Cascades. So beautiful!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Diablo Lake:

This lake is one of the most iconic spots in the North Cascades.

Diablo Lake, North Cascades National Park

Yes, the water is this blue in person! It’s breathtaking. This was before we even hiked or camp, just a beautiful stop as you drive thru the park. Every twist and turn has your eye balls exploding out of your head with excitement.

We took these photos at a scenic turnout right off the main road. 

We stayed at a campground just across the lake from the scenic turn out! There was a nice little trail connected to the campground that we went did the first afternoon. It had beautiful views of the lake! There was absolutely no phone service. There was an investigation going on for a missing person and we were spooked so we only stayed at this spot for one night!

The forest there is super dense. You can see how sunny it is outside, but it’s pretty dark still back in the trees! (I’m from WA state so I’m used to it). It also gets super cold at night. Bring winter or warm clothes for night time, even in the summer!

We make sure to bring the Jetboil so we can have hot coffee during the chilly mornings! It’s super lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to bring around. Not sure how I survived without one before with how much I’m hiking and camping.

We also usually do car camping. It’s safer for women and a little warmer and secure than a tent!

Ready my guide for car camping.

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

IMPORTANT!!!

There are both black bears and grizzly bears in these woods. Do not go anywhere without bear spray! I would bring multiple canisters of it to be safe. You can get it at most outdoors stores or get it on amazon! And some knives you can strap to the front of your pack!

Bear Spray on Amazon

We even brought ours to the bathroom every single time. 

Bear Spray

The next morning we went up to the small town of Marble Mount. It’s one of the only place with phone service and amenities! Its about 30-minutes from Diablo Lake. We found a map and hoped online to find an awesome hike. Which we did find, it just didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Ooops.

The Amazing Mystery Hike

I’m not sharing this hike location, it’s too dangerous and I don’t want to set anyone up for failure! I’m sure you can find it on the AllTrails App by comparing pictures! 

North Cascades National Park Hike
What’s better than a PB&J on a hamburger bun via mountaintop?!

Were both very experienced hikers, it was just a tricky hike with very high elevation. We probably would have been fine later in the year. We hiked far up the Grand Tetons in July and there was minimal snow! Those few weeks can make a big difference in the mountains.

With any hike you go on in this park, make sure to bring warm clothes. Even if it’s super hot out! The temperature can drop quickly. These mountains aren’t ones to be messed with! We started the hike when it was in the 80’s and we were shivering by the time we got down. We each brought a long sleeve too. Be prepared for temperature changes as the elevation climbs and as the sun fades!

We ended up summiting this peak on accident! Lol. 

Summit a North Cascade Peak
North Cascades National Park

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

It was incredible but we were stuck up there for a long time. The snow is super easy to climb up, and yet super hard to get down! We fell a long ways at one point! It was super steep. We may or may not have been hanging from bushes with our feet dangling at one point…. while massive spiders crawled over out hands. And no, I’m not kidding. We are both terribly afraid of spiders too haha.

Stranded and stressed. Summit Fever got to us.
Rebuilding energy with a snack on the way back down.

Lesson learned (a few years ago): deeply research every hike before you go on them! And don’t summit a Cascade Peak until at least July! (We went in mid June). Always being extra warm clothes, no matter how short or easy the hike may seem.

There wasn’t a gate or people charging money when we went, but things can change over the year so it’s better to prepared for National Park fees. Mt Rainier National Park was surprisingly the same! No gate but there was a big visitors center at the top.

You can get in for free if you have a National Park Service Pass. The pass costs $75 for the entire year, or you can pay anytime you enter but it adds up fast. A lot of parks charge $20 a car. I always get mine renewed every year! The pass also now comes with a parking pass, which hangs from your rear view window.

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Arizona Hiking and Hot Springs: The Lone Palm on the Colorado

This hike was very challenging but oh so worth it! This is one of those hikes where you really need to listen to the reviews on All Trails and be prepared! There is hardly a trail to follow so it’s extremely easy to get off course once you’re fully into the trail (the start isn’t…

by Margo

Grand Teton National Park Adventure: Cliff Jumping at Phelps Lake

It had always been on my bucket list to go to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming. I finally made that dream come true in the summer of 2019 during 4th of July week. My best friend and I decided the night before that we were going to go (that’s how we roll), we…

by Margo

Idaho Mountaintop Hot Spring: Hike up to Goldbug Hot Spring

Goldbug hot springs tops the cake for my favorite hots spring in the United States (at least thus far in my adventures). Adding an amazingly breath-taking view on top of a fully natural hot spring makes it stand out among the rest. Hopefully I will be able to make it back many more times while…

by Margo

Grand Canyon National Park: That Time an Elk Hiked With Me

National Parks, Uncategorized

This was my first time ever going to The Grand Canyon, so you could say I was pretty stoked! 

Home Girl Mary (towards the end of the day).

I got up early where I was staying, in Flagstaff, which is just a little over an hour from the park! I threw on my spandex and USA hat and hit the road! I knew I was going to be going to a lot of parks that summer so I picked up a National Park Pass. It’s usually $20 per car each time, or you can buy the year long pass for $75. It makes more sense to me to buy the year long one! 

I had Charles, my cat, with me so I was only planning on staying on the paved areas along the rim. I don’t like to bring him on heavily trafficked hikes, I usually end up carrying him lol. He can be anti social. 

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

We started walking and within the first 10 minutes or so we saw a beautiful female elk! She was about 20 yards from us. I could feel Charles getting stress, so I put him in my backpack and covered him with my flannel. He enjoys it and it calms him down. 

We continued walking and a few minutes later, a guy coming from in front of me started pointing. I looked behind me and Mary, what I named the elk, was RIGHT behind me. She seemed very docile and calm… but ya know I was on a cliff at The Grand Canyon so I was a little stressed to say the least.

I’ve been around a lot of wild life in my days, but nothing like this!

She started to fall further behind and I relaxed. I packed a lunch. Charles and I found a nice rock to sit off just off the side. I let him out to stretch (with his harness and leash). All the sudden my cat starts making this weird howling noise. I looked behind me and MARY was right there! 

Luckily I had my bear spray on me, it gave me some peace of mind! I kept it in my hand the whole time she was near. Elk can get agitated and aggressive. I always bring it, even when there aren’t bears. It works for bad humans and other animals!

Bear Spray on Amazon

Not to mention… I was sitting about 3 feet from the cliff at this point. She was grazing and kept moving closer. She started grazing next to me. It was almost like she was a third wheel to Charles and I for lunch lol.

Sitting right on the cliff as she approached us.

I covered Charles with my flannel and tried to get him into my backpack while she was a little further away. Which worked.

She was still super calm and walked around the little area I was in. When she was about 30 yards away, I got up and went back to the trail. And little to my surprise, she followed me again! Man, I must smell good or something. 

She walked right next to me for a long time! Every time I stopped, she would stop. She grazed her head on my shoulder one time (I never touched her, I would never touch a wild animal). 

Got more relaxed as it went on. Mary was a home girl.

I took a joke picture to make it look like I was being chased to send to my parents hahaha, they had just Face Timed me right before telling me  not to do anything stupid.

Mom and elk is trying to kill me! 😉

And to end the day with a bang, I met some Brits who gave me a good laugh! Check it out. (inappropriate satire, don’t worry they were with their parents, they post a lot of comedy videos).

This day will forever be something that I will never forget. I was at one of the most iconic nature locations in the world, and got to be up close to a big beautiful animal. I’m truly blessed! 

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Hiking Mt Hood, Oregon: MnNeil Point Summit

hiking
McNeil Point, Mt Hood

This was hands-down one of the most breathtaking hikes I have ever done in my life! And I have done a lot of hiking in my days. My friend has hiked around America, Europe and South America and he said the same!

Mount Hood is Located just outside of Portland Oregon. You can see it’s peak while you sip on a patio beer down town. 

Every turn on this was a new and stunning view!

I’ll be going over the trailhead, parking, the hike, safety, and nearby accommodations (aka the most cozy Air BnB ever).

Getting to the Trail Head

You spend a good while driving up the side of Mount Hood up a windy, gravel road. There are no guardrails, some of the sides are a long drop! Be careful. There’s no phone service so make sure to start your GPS before you start heading up the hill.

Mt Hood, Oregon

Apple Maps and Google both work without service if you start them while you have service! You can get the exact directions to the trailhead on the AllTrails app, by Typing in McNeil Point, Mt Hood. 

I always screen shot the details before too, just incase. And bring an extra portable battery pack to charge my phone. I also bought a solar charger that folds up and fits in your backpack, it works amazingly! I was personally recommended this brand by a fellow outdoorsy friend, click here. It can directly charge your phone, or you can charge power banks. It can also hook to the outside of your backpack so that you can charge it while you hike!

There is no parking lot, you park along the side of the gravel road. It did appear that you needed a parking pass. Mt. Hood is part of a National Forrest, so my National Park Service pass worked! (the fine print on the back says it works for any federal land parking). 

The Adventure Up!

Even within the first short bit of the hike the views are stunning! You could see multiple waterfalls, a river and the peak of Mt Hood at the first tree break. 

Almost the entire hike is lined with wildflowers. I was in heaven! I took so many photos on it because every turn was something new and amazing. 

Even in the tree covering areas you can see so much beauty! Oregon is extremely lush and has areas of rainforest. You can find mossy waterfalls all over. We had to cross them many times, and each time we were taken aback by their beauty.

Eventually you reach an open part of the trail again where you’re looking out to the other side of the mountain. From this side, you can see Mount Rainier, which is insane! We hiked until we found a spot we could put the hammock. One side we had a view of Mount Rainier, the other was Mt. Hood. It was heavenly! I drew, while my friend Reese read! We chilled for over an hour before starting the rest of the trek to the top.

This hike gets you so high up on Mount Hood, without needing any crazy mountaineering gear, that you think you’re at the end like 20 times (that’s not an exaggeration) before you actually get to the end. It just keeps going and keeps getting more amazing. 

It’s a super hard hike. My legs felt like complete jello. There were so many times where I wanted to turn around, but them I would see the view and keep pushing. 

When we got really close to the top, there were a bunch of people camping. It was beautiful to see all of the tents right by the peak of Mt. Hood! We snapped a pic there.

We continued again and found more amazing viewpoints. It gets kind of chilly at the top, make sure to pack some warm clothes, even on a hot day!

We found a “climbers trail” to go back down on. This is not for the faint of heart. It was very sketchy and dangerous. We are both experienced hikers and athletes so we felt comfortable. I would go the long way down if you aren’t. We only went this way because we didn’t think we had time to go the long way before it got dark.

Make sure to leave super early for this hike!

Tips and Safety

Bring A LOT of water. We were idiots… we thought the hike was half as long as it actually was so we did not bring enough water, don’t make this mistake. The hike is long and hard! 

Ever since this experience, I always bring my 40 oz Hydroflask and my 70oz Camel Back so that I have plenty, and make sure that my friends bring a lot too if they join. You can always put the bladder in your regular backpack and pull the hose through the zipper too!

Bring food. This hike is long and strenuous. I would recommend bringing a full on backpacking meal (which are actually quite good!) and making it with a Jetboil. Both are extremely lightweight and easy to bring on your hike!

Mossy Waterfall on Mt Hood

If you don’t have those, bring some high calorie bars and some fruit to have some extra sugar! I like to bring Cliff Bars, apples and bananas. They all provide a lot of energy. 

This hike is hard and long! Give yourself plenty of time. I would leave at first light.

Bring bear spray! I always have mine with me as back up. You never know in the mountains. Black bears are pretty harmless for the most part unless you startle them or get in the way of them and their babies.  There have been more and more grizzly bear siting’s in the Pacific North West, so just be cautious! 

Bear Spray on Amazon

Accommodations Close By

My friend and I rented a quite and quaint tent Air BnB right on a riverbed. It was about 30 minutes from the trailhead.

The tent was propped up on a platform. It had lighting, seating area and a hammock right on the water! It was so peaceful.

We woke up to nothing but the sound of the river!

Stay safe and Stay groovy!! Email me if you want the link to this Air Bnb (No Spam).

Maryland Hiking and Sunset Locations: Sugarloaf Mountain

hiking, Maryland, Sunset Hike

Not gonna lie, when I moved from Washington State all the way over to the North East…. Baltimore to be more specific, I did not expect to find a ton of places to explore outdoors. I moved there for a job and was planning on working as much as possible and saving a ton of money for a couple years.

Luckily, I was wrong! I found a ton of outdoorsy stuff to do. I even joined a kayak club where they had multiple areas to use kayaks and the kayaks were all set up right by the water. All you had to do was go through a training day and then they gave you the code to unlock the kayaks to use anytime! I Kayaked rivers, the Chesapeake Bay (super intimidating) and some small streams! 

Sugarloaf Mountain Guide

Sugarloaf Mountain is about an hour or so drive from Baltimore! It’s all beautiful back country roads for most of the drive. 

Info from AllTrails:

“Sugarloaf Mountain and Northern Peaks Trail is a 5.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Dickerson, Maryland that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash”.

You can either do the 5.9 mile loop, or you can drive most of the way to the top and hike less than a mile, up to you! I did the short one because I wanted to safely watch the sunset from the top and be able to get back down before it was too dark. It was perfect timing!

The sunset was UNREAL. One of my all time favorite sunsets. 

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

I went alone and I asked a stranger to take my picture. He said he would only let me if his dog could be in it lolz. 

There was a mixture of stairs and trails. Parts of it are steep but I would think its manageable for most skill levels. Older people or those not in shape might just have to take more breaks, but it’s doable for sure! I saw all types of people up there, which is so awesome! I would love to get everyone out in nature.

I had some extra time to kill so I found a little hidden spot in an area that didn’t have a lot of people. I had a beer and relaxed and soaked in the view for a couple hours.

Shot from my GoPro

When the sun started to set I headed over to the other side of the mountain that had the best view!

I would highly recommend this spot! Just make sure to clean up after yourself and to respect the land and wildlife. 

Directions From Baltimore to Sugarloaf Mountain

If these screen shots don’t work for you, you can go to the AllTrails app or Website, Type in “Sugarloaf Mountain Maryland”, and it’ll pull up exact directions for you that link to Apple or Google maps.

Spokane, Washington Hiking: Big Rock

hiking, Pacific North West, Washington State

Growing up in the Pacific North West, good ole PNW, I was spoiled with serene mountainous beauty, clear lakes and endless exploring! 

One of my favorite go-to-hikes when I’m back home in Spokane, is Big Rock! It’s right off the Palouse Highway! It’s about 10-15 minutes down the Highway if you’re coming from the South Hill side. I don’t always put exact locations, but a quick Google or DuckDuckGo (non-censored search engine) search will give you the exact location.

There’s a decent sized parking lot! It has a little outhouse as well, always nice when you don’t have to take a nature poop or pee on a busy trail! 

I grew up going to Big Rock to ATV with my family, but that’s not allowed anymore! Luckily just the hiking alone is amazing too! 

It’s not a super long hike, but it’s definitely a booty burner! I usually have to take 3-4 water breaks on the way up. I always bring my 40oz Hydroflask on all of my hikes. I prefer ice water and it keeps my water cold for a solid 24 hours! Don’t know what I did without it before. 

Get the Hydroflask I have on Amazon

My friend and I brought her pups, I love dog-friendly trails! Just make sure to bring some doggy poo bags just incase! 

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

There a lot of rock climbing opportunities at Big Rock! Some require rope, I’ve watched some people climb some massive boulders! Pretty badass. I’ve only done some freehand climbing, where there’s minimal risk. I love climbing but I’m not experienced, I only challenge myself when I have an experienced climber guiding me!

I’ve never personally seen any wildlife on this trail, but you never know! It is the wilderness after all. Always be aware of your surroundings, for animals and humans. 

Stay safe and stay groovy!