The Portland area

has enormous hiking adventures to choose from. From the huge Forest Park to thousands of trails along the Gorge waterfalls. There are all sorts of levels of difficulty and there is always something new to explore.

There are thousands of miles of trails in the Mt Hood National Forest. The Portland area provides an almost unlimited supply of new trails that provide the hiking enthusiast with new hiking adventures that can satisfy even the most curious hiker. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the area can only be experienced on foot and that makes every hike a true adventure.

The key to having a happy hiking adventure is preparation. In the Great Northwest it is always important to keep the weather in mind. Rain is a very common occurrence and having adequate rain gear that is not cumbersome is very important to keeping warm and dry. Always remember spare socks and some sort of means to start a fire. This is very important because hyperthermia can cause fatigue and confusion and can lead to dangerous hiking adventures.

The weather in the Great Northwest changes rapidly and what was a simple afternoon hike can turn into a survival situation quickly if you get wet and cold. Good preparation includes making sure someone knows where you are planning to hike and how long you plan to be gone, it's a simple thing that if forgotten can mean the difference between surviving your hiking adventure and it turning into something far more scary than whether of not a bear is around the next bend in the path.

Hiking adventures can be a wonderfully enriching experience. The time away from machines running, internet and television distractions, crowds of people and other noisy difficulties can give you time to get your thoughts in order, talk with God, listen to nature and take deep breaths. The quiet can be very calming and soothing. Time away from everyday details can provide new perspectives on choices to be made. Hiking adventures can provide some much needed restoration and the Portland area provides the choices in abundance.