The Redwood Forests have been on my bucket list for a long time, and sometimes forests call for an adventure as part of a self-care plan. I left Astoria on my way down the Oregon Coast, taking my sweet time down U.S. Highway 101, before landing at the Redwood National Forest.

Meandering down the Oregon Coast

Route 101 is a scenic highway that winds down the Oregon Coast, stringing charming coastal towns along the way. Blue waves crash against the rocky cliffs as you drive down the forested hills. It really is something.

I made a stop at the popular Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach, which isn’t far from Astoria. I arrived during the low tide, which revealed many tide pools with sea creatures. It’s not everyday that most of us get to marvel at starfish and clusters of sea anemones.

Driving down the Coast was an all-day adventure. I made it to the Redwood National and State Parks before it got dark. After setting up camp the first night, I spent two full days there. I camped in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: two nights in Elk Prairie, and the third night was at Gold Bluffs Beach.

Holy Sequoia!

One look at the Redwoods, and you’ll see why a million people flock over here every year. These grand Sequoias are over 3,000 years old and tower around 300 feet. While these are mighty trees, you feel so safe and held inside that luxurious forest. There’s really nothing quite like nestling under the gentle evergreen giants.

Day 1: Redwood National Park

For the first full day after setting up camp, I went on some shorter hikes (3 miles or less) within Redwood National Park, which borders the Prairie Creek Redwoods.

First I went to Redwood Creek Trail. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a trail running along Redwood Creek. There are two creek crossings, and most days out of the year the creek is shallow enough to ford. (It gets too dangerous to cross in the winter, when the rains come.) The first crossing was a mile and a half in, which was a good turn-around point. If you want to go further, the entire trail is 8 miles one way.

Next, I went onto Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, one of the most popular hikes. It’s a short loop around old-growth Redwoods. The smell of the wildfires hit strongly on this path, and the smoke cast an eerie orange glow. It was still very scenic, and I almost wanted to curl up inside a hollowed Sequoia.

Then, I drove over to Trillium Falls Trail, which is a loop featuring a small waterfall. I had the whole trail to myself and did not see a single soul.

Finally, I drove back to the Elk Prairie campsite, which provides access trails. I could squeeze in one more short hike before stoking up the campfire.

Day 2: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Gold Bluffs Beach

In the morning, it was time to pack up and set out for the Gold Bluffs Beach campsite.

For the second full day, I stayed within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. First, I paid Fern Canyon a little visit. Fern Canyon is set in a stony creek and truly lives up to its name: it’s a 50-foot high gorge boasting flourishing verdant ferns and moisture-loving mosses. It’s no wonder why Steven Spielberg picked this spot to film Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.

After the saunter around Fern Canyon, I drove back to the campsite and pulled out the paper map. This day was a good one for a big 12-mile hike among these gentle giant Sequoias.

Starting from the campsite, and across the dirt road by a creek, is the Miner’s Ridge trail entrance. This trail zigzags up a ridge before leading to another trail that ends at the previous Elk Prairie campground.

I could read the map easily, which was always a challenge before. Usually I have a tendency to get lost, but this time there was no fear or anxiety. There was a profound inner peace resting within, as this child-like curiosity returned. I felt so safe and held inside the forest. I could feel the gentle pulse of the grand Redwood forest, so very much alive.

When you’re in such immense surrounds, every worry and fear that you have melts away as you become one with the forest. Everything inside your world seems insignificant, as you’re part of a much larger one around you. Your consciousness expands in wonder with the forest.

Just let me appreciate this for a little while longer.

After reaching the Elk Prairie campground, I turned around and continued the loop onto the James Irvine Trail. I can’t say which one is better; they’re apples and oranges. The James Irvine Trail ends at Fern Canyon, where I visited earlier in the day.

The fog had rolled in as it got darker, with visibility being less than a few hundred feet. While it was only a couple of miles to the campsite from Fern Canyon, the fog was so dense that it was hard to see where I was actually going. I continued walking south until the first tents emerged.

After dropping my backpack off my tired body, I started a campfire and savored some vegetable soup and picked berries after a long all-day hike. Food tastes so much better after exploring a vast lush escape. I slowly ate, exhausted and happy, before getting ready to retire for the night.

The Redwoods beckon again

I’ve been back for a few days, and already the forest is calling me again. This is definitely something I want to explore more of. While I did traverse a good chunk, there’s definitely more to be seen and felt! The Sequoias command respect from anyone who is privileged to be graced with their presence. No wonder the Redwood Forest rests in the spirits of so many people. Once you see what it’s all about, it’s unforgettable.

From Saturday morning to Sunday evening, I took a whirlwind trip to Seattle’s quirky sister city, Portland. There’s a lot you can do in a 40-hour visit. Sometimes you just need to get lost and find your way back.

I came down via the Bolt Bus. I was mostly exploring the city on my own. Since I was without a car, I went around using the Trimet bus system. As of today, for $2.50 you can purchase a bus ticket that’s valid for 2 ½ hours. For $5, a day bus pass has more value; it lasts all day and has unlimited uses.

The Lloyd District/East Portland

Where to stay

If you don’t mind sharing sleeping space, hostels are a great place to stay if you’re on a budget. While I do enjoy staying at AirBnBs, there are a lot of hidden fees in the final price. With hostels, the prices are much more straightforward. Plus, I only use it to sleep, shower, and keep my belongings. This time I stayed at KEX Hotel in the Lloyd District. The location was within walking distance of Downtown, numerous hip bars and clubs, and that one vegan strip mall that I always visit.

The Vegan Strip Mall

I always make a stop at the vegan strip mall in the Lloyd District, which includes Sweetpea Baking Company, Herbivore Clothing Company, Food Fight! Grocery, and Scapegoat Tattoo. Herbivore Clothing is an adorable vegan lifestyle shop. That store has ethically-made clothes, soaps, accessories, books, and shoes. Everything is fair-trade and higher quality, so the prices might be higher to reflect that. I didn’t buy any vegan shoes this time, but I did pick up some soap, a pin, and another patch for my vest.

The Lovecraft Bar

On Saturday night, I made a visit to the Lovecraft Bar, a horror-themed bar that draws an eclectic crowd. I don’t drink alcohol, but at least I can still have fun and dance the night away.

All the vegan food that you can handle

First thing was first–I was starving for brunch on Saturday morning. A friend and I met at Blossoming Lotus in the Lloyd District, where I had the flavorful Breakfast Curry Bowl.

It’s no secret that vegan pastries are my kryptonite. As a marathon runner, I rationalize that I can eat as many donuts as I desire–so as long as I dutifully follow the training schedule. I’ve been wanting to try vegan donuts from Doe Donuts for years, and made it a point to go over there and get some. They have their usual flavors, and then there are the seasonal ones.

On Sunday morning, the other brunch place that I was eager to visit was Off The Griddle, which is an adorable 1950’s-themed vegetarian diner. I had the “Awesome Plate,” which is scrambled tofu, tempeh bacon, and half a pumpkin waffle.

Later in the day, I visited Back to Eden Bakery, which serves vegan and gluten-free desserts and pastries. Some of these cupcakes were so beautiful, I almost didn’t want to eat them.

For my last meal, I made a quick stop to Vtopia, a restaurant that specializes in all-vegan cheese. It’s a compact space that seats maybe up to 15 people. I wasn’t going to have enough time to sit down and eat, so I ordered a mac & cheese sandwich to go. When I have more time, I’d like to come back.

The quirky and evocative art of Portlandia

Portland seems to have more colorful murals and vegan food than Seattle does; it’s a wonder why I haven’t moved here instead. I took many walks and a 14-mile long run in this city, and found these purely by accident.

Places to visit

The Portland Art Museum also has an expansive collection of classic and contemporary art. It was my first time there. Currently, they have exhibitions on Mount St. Helens (before and after the 1980 eruption), and the controversial yet intriguing work of Robert Colescott.

On Hawthorne, I visited Fernie Brae, a cozy fantasy-themed art gallery. It’s such a magical space.

Antler and Talon Galleries, which are connected to each other, offer nature-themed pop surrealist artwork.

Street art throughout Rose City

The murals you’ll find throughout Portland are serendipitous. It’s a surprise on many corners and alleyways. Here are some of my favorites from this weekend. Some of these I’m unsure on who the artist is, so if you know, feel free to leave a comment.

And finally, will you look at this mini art installation! This teeny, tiny diorama was spotted in an alley. It’s the little things like that that give Portland its special charm.

I made a stop in Powell’s Books. One thing that makes me a little sad is that there will never be enough time in this life to read all of the books on the ever-growing reading list. I picked up a book about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which I’m doing a great job recovering from.

Until next time, Portland

I returned to Seattle on Sunday before midnight, a little winded, but very happy.